Listening to the Voices in My Head

I knew when the transit was supposed to occur, so I was set up and ready to go. There was about a 15 second break/thinness in the clouds, and I took 6 photos.

I really didn't think I had gotten anything.

Oh me of little faith.




This is cropped down and the itty bitty dot that is Venus is a bit difficult to discern, but it's on the bottom left curve of the sun.

Also, the reason the photo is bluish in color, is stack of filters to prevent my retina from being burned out. That's why I thought I hadn't gotten anything, the images on the screen looked like a bright spot on a dark background, with no details. Should have known to check on the big screens first.

AFter I got it acclimated, I noticed clouds rolling in again, so no pictures, just some careful observations.

Venus is in half phase now,but I am not going to chance a sudden rainshower on my DSI or laptop to get some pictures, as it will be in phase for a while. I am sure that sooner or later, both the weather and my schedule will dovetail, and I will have my photographs of Venus phases.

On a different aside, friggin' mosquitos tried to make a MEAL outta me!

Managed to get the telescope out just at twilight, so it could acclimate. Did some concentrated viewing of Venus, using various filters. Also practicing with the 9mm Plossl and the 3x Barlow.  Man, am I getting better at nailing it with the finderscope and focusing. Was looking at some star clusters when the clouds started rolling in. Would have like a bit more time, but hey, any I get out there is good. But it is funny that the only clearsky nights I have are ones I have previous commitments. Such is life.

I was taking some vid of Venus tonight, through a violet filter, lowered the exposure etc etc and I still get a slight 'starburst' of light around it.

( Venus through violet filter )

Got some great vid of Jupiter, through blue filter. Stacked image came out nicely. I think I will keep practicing with the converted webcam for some time yet.

( Jupiter through Blue Filter )

Asked for some advice from the astronomy groups on getting rid of the starburst around Venus.