Backyard Sketches

I remember the last time I did manage to get out with my telescope, which was sometime earlier in the year – maybe early spring, I didn’t really see a lot because I had no idea where or at what I was looking. It had been so long since I had been out observing I had forgotten the constellations and even very basic star-hopping.

So at 20:00 after popping outside for a cigarette I looked up and noticed it was reasonably clear and some stars were visible. After a few seconds my brain kicked in and memories came back (when I was observing regularly it was at this time of the year and through winter).

I could see Altair, Deneb and Vega giving me the constellations Aquila, Cygnus and Lyra. It was still a little too light to see anything fainter, but if I had any idea where my binoculars where I think I could have found M29, M39, M56 & M57 without too much bother.

Now just to wait for a clearer night and better weather and I can get the telescope out.