Re: Observing Report Monday, February 10
Good point Roy. Not only does the eye perceive color (when it can) in a highly individualistic way, add in the physical variation in many cooler variable stars. Then mix in different glass characteristics and designs and you get almost infinite stellar possibilities, except maybe green which is impossible no matter what Kent sees in planetary nebula  .
Having done a bit of public astronomy at the late planetarium, one thing I have noted is how well children, untrained and refreshingly free of indoctrination, nail colors with no prompting effortlessly. Adults a lot less so. Many have to be prompted to see it. The tick of defocussing the star image can help sometimes. Like all tricks results may vary by user.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 12:03:25 PM EST, Roy Diffrient <mail@...> wrote:
Very nice list, Kent ¨C thanks. ?I¡¯d just like to add that the wonderful colors seen visually in double stars can vary with conditions and the observer¡¯s eye, at least. ?The variation adds to the attraction ¨C what colors will you see? ?For example, the last time I was out I also observed Iota Cancri, also with a 5¡± refractor. ?For me that night, the primary star was yellowish and the secondary a beautiful deep blue, rather than your observed deep gold and powder blue. ?Either way a marvelously colored double. ?I look forward to seeing it again.
On 02/11/2025 9:12 AM EST Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
?
?
Clouds prevailed all day Monday but by nightfall the skies cleared. I haven't used my 5" refractor in a while, so I thought I'd chase down some double stars. Without a doubt the most challenging was Sirius. The only way I could see the companion was using my occulting bar-modified Edmund RKE 12.5mm and a Tele Vue 5X Barlow lens.?
?
List: 25/02/10 Takahashi TSA-120?
Venus
(Planet in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:34:11?PM
Comment: Now at 30% illuminated, Venus exhibited quite a bit thinner crescent than a week ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 9
Transparency: 9
?
35 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:38:09?PM
Comment: Struve 12
11.5"?
Pretty pair of stars. The primary is blue-white, and the secondary is deep blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
34 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:39:27?PM
Comment: Struve 5
7"?
Close pair with magnitude contrast. The primary is 5.4 magnitude and the secondary 9.5.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 79%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
42 Piscium
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:40:42?PM
Comment: Struve 27
30"
Although widely separated I was not able to see the 11.5 magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 2714
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:43:22?PM
Comment: Struve 32
29"
Although a wide pair, the primary is 6.8 magnitude, and the secondary is a faint 10.6 magnitude.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Iota Cancri
(Variable Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:56:14?PM
Comment: Struve 1268
30"
An absolutely gorgeous pair of stars, with colors much like Alberiro in the summer sky. The magnitude 4th primary is deep gold, and the 6th magnitude secondary is powder blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 74348
(Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:59:16?PM
Comment: Struve 1166
23"
A 9th magnitude primary and an even fainter 10th magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
NGC 2301
(Open Cluster in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:07:02?PM
Comment: Wonderfully rich, 6th magnitude open cluster of about 30 stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
SAO 114308
(Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:09:45?PM
Comment: Nice triple star, but the third component is challenging at 11.5 magnitude especially on a nearly full moon night?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Trapezium - Theta1 Ori
(Variable Double Star in Orion)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:12:07?PM
Comment: I was able to see the fifth Trapezium easily. The sixth was more challenging, but I was able to see it.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Sirius - Alpha CMa
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:23:44?PM
Comment: After multiple tries, I finally saw The Pup. The only way I was able to see it was using the 12.5mm Edmund RKE occulting bar eyepiece and a Tele Vue 5x Powermate Barlow at 350x. Since I don¡¯t have a motor drive, I let Sirius drift towards the coating bar. When I failed to see it, I¡¯d let it drift again, and then again, and then again. Finally I split it. The pair have been closing for the past few years, so it¡¯s even more difficult now than just a few years ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Phact - Alpha Col
(Variable Double Star in Columba)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:31:44?PM
Comment: There is nothing special about this star, except it might be one of the furthest south I¡¯ve seen from my backyard.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 40864
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:33:38?PM
Comment: Struve 832
23"
An easy pair to split but the secondary is faint at magnitude 10.6
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 41532
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:36:07?PM
Comment: Struve 843
23"
Easy pair to split but the primary is 8.3 magnitude and the secondary is 11.2. I was able to see the secondary with averted vision?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 49546
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:38:29?PM
Comment: Nice pair of equally bright blue stars. The primary has another 1.2" component which I was able to see. Fortunately, they were equal in brightness as well?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 47
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:47:53?PM
Comment: M 47 never fails to impress, especially in a refractor with sharp, crisp star images?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
2 Puppis
(Double Star in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:50:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1138
16.7"
Blue-white primary and a pale blue secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 46
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:51:40?PM
Comment: It's amazing how faint M 46 looks in a 5" refractor compared to the 25". I could barely see the open cluster, much less the embedded planetary nebula. Of course, on this night the moon was nearly full.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HR 2883
(Variable Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:55:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1112
24"
An easily split pair but the secondary is 9.5 magnitude, so a bit challenging on a full moon night. SkySafari shows the secondary as 8.7 magnitude, but it looks more like 10.5 to me.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8Transparency: 9
?
HR 2859
(Variable Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:00:29?PM
Comment: A pretty gold star with a blue secondary. The primary has a 0.7" companion, but I could not see it. The pair lies next to the open cluster NGC 2396.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 61275
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:13:55?PM
Comment: Otto Struve 176
1.6"
This is one of Agnes Clarke's picks. It's hardly a show object but I was able to split the pair?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 59538
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:16:04?PM
Comment: Struve 1103
3.9"
A pretty pair of close stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
|
Re: Observing Report Monday, February 10
Very nice list, Kent ¨C thanks. ?I¡¯d just like to add that the wonderful colors seen visually in double stars can vary with conditions and the observer¡¯s eye, at least. ?The variation adds to the attraction ¨C what colors will you see? ?For example, the last time I was out I also observed Iota Cancri, also with a 5¡± refractor. ?For me that night, the primary star was yellowish and the secondary a beautiful deep blue, rather than your observed deep gold and powder blue. ?Either way a marvelously colored double. ?I look forward to seeing it again.
On 02/11/2025 9:12 AM EST Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
?
?
Clouds prevailed all day Monday but by nightfall the skies cleared. I haven't used my 5" refractor in a while, so I thought I'd chase down some double stars. Without a doubt the most challenging was Sirius. The only way I could see the companion was using my occulting bar-modified Edmund RKE 12.5mm and a Tele Vue 5X Barlow lens.?
?
List: 25/02/10 Takahashi TSA-120?
Venus
(Planet in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:34:11?PM
Comment: Now at 30% illuminated, Venus exhibited quite a bit thinner crescent than a week ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 9
Transparency: 9
?
35 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:38:09?PM
Comment: Struve 12
11.5"?
Pretty pair of stars. The primary is blue-white, and the secondary is deep blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
34 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:39:27?PM
Comment: Struve 5
7"?
Close pair with magnitude contrast. The primary is 5.4 magnitude and the secondary 9.5.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 79%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
42 Piscium
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:40:42?PM
Comment: Struve 27
30"
Although widely separated I was not able to see the 11.5 magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 2714
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:43:22?PM
Comment: Struve 32
29"
Although a wide pair, the primary is 6.8 magnitude, and the secondary is a faint 10.6 magnitude.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Iota Cancri
(Variable Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:56:14?PM
Comment: Struve 1268
30"
An absolutely gorgeous pair of stars, with colors much like Alberiro in the summer sky. The magnitude 4th primary is deep gold, and the 6th magnitude secondary is powder blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 74348
(Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:59:16?PM
Comment: Struve 1166
23"
A 9th magnitude primary and an even fainter 10th magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
NGC 2301
(Open Cluster in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:07:02?PM
Comment: Wonderfully rich, 6th magnitude open cluster of about 30 stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
SAO 114308
(Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:09:45?PM
Comment: Nice triple star, but the third component is challenging at 11.5 magnitude especially on a nearly full moon night?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Trapezium - Theta1 Ori
(Variable Double Star in Orion)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:12:07?PM
Comment: I was able to see the fifth Trapezium easily. The sixth was more challenging, but I was able to see it.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Sirius - Alpha CMa
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:23:44?PM
Comment: After multiple tries, I finally saw The Pup. The only way I was able to see it was using the 12.5mm Edmund RKE occulting bar eyepiece and a Tele Vue 5x Powermate Barlow at 350x. Since I don¡¯t have a motor drive, I let Sirius drift towards the coating bar. When I failed to see it, I¡¯d let it drift again, and then again, and then again. Finally I split it. The pair have been closing for the past few years, so it¡¯s even more difficult now than just a few years ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Phact - Alpha Col
(Variable Double Star in Columba)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:31:44?PM
Comment: There is nothing special about this star, except it might be one of the furthest south I¡¯ve seen from my backyard.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 40864
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:33:38?PM
Comment: Struve 832
23"
An easy pair to split but the secondary is faint at magnitude 10.6
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 41532
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:36:07?PM
Comment: Struve 843
23"
Easy pair to split but the primary is 8.3 magnitude and the secondary is 11.2. I was able to see the secondary with averted vision?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 49546
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:38:29?PM
Comment: Nice pair of equally bright blue stars. The primary has another 1.2" component which I was able to see. Fortunately, they were equal in brightness as well?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 47
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:47:53?PM
Comment: M 47 never fails to impress, especially in a refractor with sharp, crisp star images?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
2 Puppis
(Double Star in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:50:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1138
16.7"
Blue-white primary and a pale blue secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 46
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:51:40?PM
Comment: It's amazing how faint M 46 looks in a 5" refractor compared to the 25". I could barely see the open cluster, much less the embedded planetary nebula. Of course, on this night the moon was nearly full.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HR 2883
(Variable Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:55:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1112
24"
An easily split pair but the secondary is 9.5 magnitude, so a bit challenging on a full moon night. SkySafari shows the secondary as 8.7 magnitude, but it looks more like 10.5 to me.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8Transparency: 9
?
HR 2859
(Variable Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:00:29?PM
Comment: A pretty gold star with a blue secondary. The primary has a 0.7" companion, but I could not see it. The pair lies next to the open cluster NGC 2396.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 61275
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:13:55?PM
Comment: Otto Struve 176
1.6"
This is one of Agnes Clarke's picks. It's hardly a show object but I was able to split the pair?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 59538
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:16:04?PM
Comment: Struve 1103
3.9"
A pretty pair of close stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
|
Re: Observing Report Monday, February 10
Sirius has gotten much harder this year than the past two years. I looked it up on Sky Tools but can't tell how accurate they are as it varied only 0.01 arc seconds. Impossible to notice that visually. If you believe AI it takes 50 years to complete an orbit that varies from 3 to 11 arc seconds. All I know is that it seems harder this go around.
I hate the weather predictions. Kent and I had agreed to observe together pending decent weather. The forecasts were absolutely no help, all over the place. At 6:30 it looked bad but by 7 or 7:30 it was actually pretty good. Too late to travel and set up. When this happens I set up on the balcony withe the three inch SV. It is an easy set up and an easy take down if it goes to pot.
I did see Mars and it was fairly good but getting smaller now. This year will not be one for the books. Did do some doubles that were fun.
57 Cancri, STF 1291, close and even. 6th magnitude for both at 1.5 arc seconds. That is pretty good for a 3 inch.
Iota UMa another tough surprise. 3.13/ 9.2 ? 2.3 arc seconds. That surprised me. I thought it might be beyond the range of the 3 inch but I did do it using a 3.3TOE in good seeing.
66 CNC. I had written that off the last time I looked but last night I did split it. 5.95/8.56? 4.4 arc seconds.
38 Lynx 3.92/6.09? 2.6 arc seconds. The fourth surprise.
I did several more wide doubles for fun. It sure was cold last night. I got fed up around 9:45 and packed up. The sky here is much worse than Kent's place. Too many of the ubiquitous strip malls Virginia Beach is rightly famous for between us.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 09:12:09 AM EST, Kent Blackwell via groups.io <kent@...> wrote:
Clouds prevailed all day Monday but by nightfall the skies cleared. I haven't used my 5" refractor in a while, so I thought I'd chase down some double stars. Without a doubt the most challenging was Sirius. The only way I could see the companion was using my occulting bar-modified Edmund RKE 12.5mm and a Tele Vue 5X Barlow lens.?
?
List: 25/02/10 Takahashi TSA-120?
Venus
(Planet in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:34:11?PM
Comment: Now at 30% illuminated, Venus exhibited quite a bit thinner crescent than a week ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 9
Transparency: 9
?
35 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:38:09?PM
Comment: Struve 12
11.5"?
Pretty pair of stars. The primary is blue-white, and the secondary is deep blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
34 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:39:27?PM
Comment: Struve 5
7"?
Close pair with magnitude contrast. The primary is 5.4 magnitude and the secondary 9.5.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 79%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
42 Piscium
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:40:42?PM
Comment: Struve 27
30"
Although widely separated I was not able to see the 11.5 magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 2714
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:43:22?PM
Comment: Struve 32
29"
Although a wide pair, the primary is 6.8 magnitude, and the secondary is a faint 10.6 magnitude.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Iota Cancri
(Variable Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:56:14?PM
Comment: Struve 1268
30"
An absolutely gorgeous pair of stars, with colors much like Alberiro in the summer sky. The magnitude 4th primary is deep gold, and the 6th magnitude secondary is powder blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 74348
(Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:59:16?PM
Comment: Struve 1166
23"
A 9th magnitude primary and an even fainter 10th magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
NGC 2301
(Open Cluster in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:07:02?PM
Comment: Wonderfully rich, 6th magnitude open cluster of about 30 stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
SAO 114308
(Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:09:45?PM
Comment: Nice triple star, but the third component is challenging at 11.5 magnitude especially on a nearly full moon night?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Trapezium - Theta1 Ori
(Variable Double Star in Orion)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:12:07?PM
Comment: I was able to see the fifth Trapezium easily. The sixth was more challenging, but I was able to see it.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Sirius - Alpha CMa
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:23:44?PM
Comment: After multiple tries, I finally saw The Pup. The only way I was able to see it was using the 12.5mm Edmund RKE occulting bar eyepiece and a Tele Vue 5x Powermate Barlow at 350x. Since I don¡¯t have a motor drive, I let Sirius drift towards the coating bar. When I failed to see it, I¡¯d let it drift again, and then again, and then again. Finally I split it. The pair have been closing for the past few years, so it¡¯s even more difficult now than just a few years ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Phact - Alpha Col
(Variable Double Star in Columba)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:31:44?PM
Comment: There is nothing special about this star, except it might be one of the furthest south I¡¯ve seen from my backyard.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 40864
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:33:38?PM
Comment: Struve 832
23"
An easy pair to split but the secondary is faint at magnitude 10.6
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 41532
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:36:07?PM
Comment: Struve 843
23"
Easy pair to split but the primary is 8.3 magnitude and the secondary is 11.2. I was able to see the secondary with averted vision?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 49546
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:38:29?PM
Comment: Nice pair of equally bright blue stars. The primary has another 1.2" component which I was able to see. Fortunately, they were equal in brightness as well?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 47
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:47:53?PM
Comment: M 47 never fails to impress, especially in a refractor with sharp, crisp star images?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
2 Puppis
(Double Star in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:50:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1138
16.7"
Blue-white primary and a pale blue secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 46
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:51:40?PM
Comment: It's amazing how faint M 46 looks in a 5" refractor compared to the 25". I could barely see the open cluster, much less the embedded planetary nebula. Of course, on this night the moon was nearly full.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HR 2883
(Variable Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:55:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1112
24"
An easily split pair but the secondary is 9.5 magnitude, so a bit challenging on a full moon night. SkySafari shows the secondary as 8.7 magnitude, but it looks more like 10.5 to me.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8Transparency: 9
?
HR 2859
(Variable Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:00:29?PM
Comment: A pretty gold star with a blue secondary. The primary has a 0.7" companion, but I could not see it. The pair lies next to the open cluster NGC 2396.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 61275
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:13:55?PM
Comment: Otto Struve 176
1.6"
This is one of Agnes Clarke's picks. It's hardly a show object but I was able to split the pair?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 59538
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:16:04?PM
Comment: Struve 1103
3.9"
A pretty pair of close stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
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Observing Report Monday, February 10
Clouds prevailed all day Monday but by nightfall the skies cleared. I haven't used my 5" refractor in a while, so I thought I'd chase down some double stars. Without a doubt the most challenging was Sirius. The only way I could see the companion was using my occulting bar-modified Edmund RKE 12.5mm and a Tele Vue 5X Barlow lens.?
?
List: 25/02/10 Takahashi TSA-120?
Venus
(Planet in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:34:11?PM
Comment: Now at 30% illuminated, Venus exhibited quite a bit thinner crescent than a week ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 9
Transparency: 9
?
35 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:38:09?PM
Comment: Struve 12
11.5"?
Pretty pair of stars. The primary is blue-white, and the secondary is deep blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
34 Piscium
(Variable Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:39:27?PM
Comment: Struve 5
7"?
Close pair with magnitude contrast. The primary is 5.4 magnitude and the secondary 9.5.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 79%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
42 Piscium
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:40:42?PM
Comment: Struve 27
30"
Although widely separated I was not able to see the 11.5 magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 2714
(Double Star in Pisces)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:43:22?PM
Comment: Struve 32
29"
Although a wide pair, the primary is 6.8 magnitude, and the secondary is a faint 10.6 magnitude.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Iota Cancri
(Variable Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:56:14?PM
Comment: Struve 1268
30"
An absolutely gorgeous pair of stars, with colors much like Alberiro in the summer sky. The magnitude 4th primary is deep gold, and the 6th magnitude secondary is powder blue?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 74348
(Double Star in Cancer)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 7:59:16?PM
Comment: Struve 1166
23"
A 9th magnitude primary and an even fainter 10th magnitude secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
NGC 2301
(Open Cluster in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:07:02?PM
Comment: Wonderfully rich, 6th magnitude open cluster of about 30 stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
SAO 114308
(Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:09:45?PM
Comment: Nice triple star, but the third component is challenging at 11.5 magnitude especially on a nearly full moon night?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
Trapezium - Theta1 Ori
(Variable Double Star in Orion)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:12:07?PM
Comment: I was able to see the fifth Trapezium easily. The sixth was more challenging, but I was able to see it.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Sirius - Alpha CMa
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:23:44?PM
Comment: After multiple tries, I finally saw The Pup. The only way I was able to see it was using the 12.5mm Edmund RKE occulting bar eyepiece and a Tele Vue 5x Powermate Barlow at 350x. Since I don¡¯t have a motor drive, I let Sirius drift towards the coating bar. When I failed to see it, I¡¯d let it drift again, and then again, and then again. Finally I split it. The pair have been closing for the past few years, so it¡¯s even more difficult now than just a few years ago.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Phact - Alpha Col
(Variable Double Star in Columba)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:31:44?PM
Comment: There is nothing special about this star, except it might be one of the furthest south I¡¯ve seen from my backyard.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 40864
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:33:38?PM
Comment: Struve 832
23"
An easy pair to split but the secondary is faint at magnitude 10.6
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 41532
(Double Star in Lepus)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:36:07?PM
Comment: Struve 843
23"
Easy pair to split but the primary is 8.3 magnitude and the secondary is 11.2. I was able to see the secondary with averted vision?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 49546
(Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:38:29?PM
Comment: Nice pair of equally bright blue stars. The primary has another 1.2" component which I was able to see. Fortunately, they were equal in brightness as well?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 47
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:47:53?PM
Comment: M 47 never fails to impress, especially in a refractor with sharp, crisp star images?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
2 Puppis
(Double Star in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:50:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1138
16.7"
Blue-white primary and a pale blue secondary?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
Messier 46
(Open Cluster in Puppis)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:51:40?PM
Comment: It's amazing how faint M 46 looks in a 5" refractor compared to the 25". I could barely see the open cluster, much less the embedded planetary nebula. Of course, on this night the moon was nearly full.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HR 2883
(Variable Double Star in Monoceros)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 8:55:07?PM
Comment: Struve 1112
24"
An easily split pair but the secondary is 9.5 magnitude, so a bit challenging on a full moon night. SkySafari shows the secondary as 8.7 magnitude, but it looks more like 10.5 to me.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 53¡ã H 54%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8Transparency: 9
?
HR 2859
(Variable Double Star in Canis Major)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:00:29?PM
Comment: A pretty gold star with a blue secondary. The primary has a 0.7" companion, but I could not see it. The pair lies next to the open cluster NGC 2396.
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 8
Transparency: 9
?
HD 61275
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:13:55?PM
Comment: Otto Struve 176
1.6"
This is one of Agnes Clarke's picks. It's hardly a show object but I was able to split the pair?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
HD 59538
(Double Star in Canis Minor)
Observed: Feb 10, 2025 at 9:16:04?PM
Comment: Struve 1103
3.9"
A pretty pair of close stars?
Location: Virginia Beach Moon 97% SQML 17.6 35¡ã H 70%
Equipment: 120mm F/7.5 Takahashi, 5mm Pentax
Seeing: 7
Transparency: 9
?
|
BBAA's East Coast Star Party - Spring 2025
As spring approaches many local amateur astronomers get excited because that means that it is almost time again for the BBAA's very own spring East Coast Star Party (ECSP) Thursday, March 27 - Sunday, March 30, 2025! This is a reminder message about completing your registration so we can gather up the necessary supplies needed for this bi-annual event. You can register for it on our website: and find out many more details there. We have some new things planned for this time and we hope to see you there.
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Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
Usually access or opportunity comes with personal contacts as one grows in the hobby. So few places allow access after dark due to liability or concerns for, at the least, bad behavior, and at the worst something else. A long time ago some of our younger observers might push the limits of property rights which is a bad image for astronomers in general. Urbanization has exacerbated access and made dark skies difficult unless you own rural land. Parks and such are wary of activity after sunset as a general rule. I once had property south of Pungo and offered viewing opportunities in a safe location. Surprisingly few took up the offer though some did. Remote locations after dark can carry a fair amount of risk. As one friend who was a retired police officer said "after dark it is a different world out there".?
We do have a twice a year star party at Chippokes State Park for three nights twice a year.
The good news is planets, moon, and double/multiple stars don't much care about light pollution so there is always something to look at even in the most urban areas.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 04:09:12 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
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Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
We don't as of now, but that's a worthy project to see if we can work out!
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
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Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the confusion. I was looking for locations that we have access to outside of BBAA events. I was not sure if we had an agreement with Northwest River Park (or any place) to use their location for viewing.?
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Re: Local Dark Sky Locations
No we usually stay until 11(2300) at night. We have arrangements for the equestrian area so the 9 closing does not apply to the monthly skywatch.
As to other spots you almost have to own land or have an arrangement with a private land owner. There is a Cornland event that perhaps someone familiar with it can address.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 12:57:59 PM EST, Aaron via groups.io <aaron.cominio@...> wrote:
Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
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Are there any local places (Chesapeake, VA) that allow us to set up a telescope? I noticed we hold events at Northwest River Park, but they close at 9 pm.
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Fw: Announcement! TSP 2025 Attendee Registration and Venue Lodging Booking is Open!
I would love to attend the Texas Star Party, but??I can't?this year.? However, if anyone out there can, here is a lot of good information about it.
George
George Reynolds
"Solar System Ambassador" for South Hampton Roads, Virginia
Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA)?
?
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: TEXAS STAR PARTY, INC. <tsp@...> To: "pathfinder027@..." <pathfinder027@...> Sent: Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 05:30:14 AM EST Subject: Announcement! TSP 2025 Attendee Registration and Venue Lodging Booking is Open!
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?Have you seen the stars tonight??
Texas Star Party, Inc. invites you, your family, friends,
astronomy clubs, and anyone curious about the wonders of our universe to join
us for the 45th Annual Texas Star Party. Come experience the breathtaking
Bortle 2 skies of the West Texas Big Bend Region. As the premier event for
amateur astronomy enthusiasts, we offer the unique advantage of onsite
accommodations to fit any budget. Whether you prefer hillside cabins, RV sites,
or camping, TSP 2025 has the perfect setup for your astronomy getaway. With
excellent amenities, services, educational programs, and activities, this will
be an unforgettable experience.?
Read on for more details!?
We apologize to those of you who are receiving this email and have already registered and booked either onsite or offsite lodging for TSP 2025. This message is being sent to all primary TSP attendee account email addresses, as well as the email list generously provided by the Astronomical League. A special thanks to the staff of the Astronomical League for their help and support.
This email contains updated information about TSP 2025 Week activities, evening speakers, and more. Please take a moment to read through and discover all the exciting plans our TSP staff is working on to ensure your TSP 2025 astronomy vacation is an enjoyable and memorable experience.?
TEXAS STAR PARTY
2025: The Premier Amateur Astronomy Event!?
? Mark Your Calendars for TSP 2025!?
Dates: April 20th ¨C 27th, 2025
Location: Prude Guest Ranch, Near McDonald Observatory, Big Bend Region?
Get ready for an unforgettable experience under the stars at
TEXAS STAR PARTY 2025! This 7-night event promises a stellar time
for amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, and astronomy enthusiasts of all
levels and ages.?
If you have not already "Booked" you attendance and onsite lodging for TSP 2025. please Book Now!?
Onsite venue accommodations at Prude Guest Ranch are going fast.??
New starting with TSP 2025, TSP has implemented a new Booking System for ?you to register and to also choose your onsite (Prude Guest Ranch) lodgings.?
To make your purchase for your attendance to TSP 2025 and to select your Prude Guest Ranch lodging on TSP¡¯s new Booking System by clicking on this link. BOOK NOW! FOR TSP 2025 Star Party Event by clicking on this link.?
Please note that all offsite lodgings selections are not included in the TSP 2025 Booking System. You must choose your own offiste lodgings.
Why Attend TSP 2025? ?
- This is Texas Star Party, Inc's 45th Texas Star Party
- Come and join us on Opening Sunday for lunch.
- We are serving hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and a beverage
- Come and celebrate with all of us!
- Special 45th star party prize maybe prizes :) and you won't know if you don't attend. (I do mean "Special"!)
- And you must be present to win!
- TSP staff deploys an electrical power grid on all 3 observing fields.
- ?TSP Onsite Security
- TSP Communications Center
- TSP staff carry communication equipment to assist you when needed
- Free TSP 2025 Star Party Tee-Shirt
- Cash Prizes for competitations
- TSP Darks Out all Venue Infrastructure
- TSP Radio for ?you listening enjoyement
- Featured Evening Guest Speakers: Larry Mitchell, David Levy, Stephanie Miliam, and Stephen J. O'Meara.
- Bortle 2 night skies
- Venue is a mile high in elevation
- Free Technical Seminars in the afternoon during TSP 2025 Week
- TSP Staff are planning all of the activities
- More activities are being researched
- Movies will be shown in the meeting hall when no presentations are being made. (Times to be determined.)
- Saturday Night Ice Cream Social after dinner (April 27, 2015)
- All you have to do is attend TSP 2025
- Accommodation for Everyone:
????You can choose the comfort of Onsite Lodging or the flexibility of Offsite Lodging?
- Over 550 attendees can join us, with: ?
- 350+ Onsite Lodging options: 41 cabins, 17 bunkhouses (over 100+ lower bunk beds), 50 RV sites, and space for 90+ individuals camping out in tents or dry camping. ?
- 200+ Offsite Lodging options in nearby Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa and the surrounding area ?
For?lodging opportunities near to our Prude Guest Ranch Venue please see the recommendations listed below.?
??
- Prude?Guest Ranch Onsite Amenities: ?
- Restaurant-grade kitchen & dining hall (seating 150+ at the same time)?
- Meeting hall for up to 300 attendees?
- Tennis?court, swimming pool, walking trails, and horseback riding.?
- All-night snack bar (open until 4:00 AM)?
- Vendor/Sponser Hall (The Lodge Building
- Horse Rides
- Hiking trails
- Highspeed Internet (Fiber Optics)
- WiFi access points covering all structures and observing fields
- Offsite Lodging Opportunities near TSP 2025 for those of you who choose to stay offsite. ?
- 200+?Offsite Lodging options in nearby Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa and the surrounding area?
- Some of our TSP star party event attendees choose to obtain their lodging accommodation at these recommended establishments. ?
- ?
- ?
- (15 Rooms)?
- ?
- ?
- ?
- The caf¨¦ is open Wednesdays through Fridays Breakfast (8 to 11 am) and Lunch (11 to 2pm)?
- Saturdays?and Sundays (8am to 8pm to include dinners) ??
- ?
- ?Located in the Davis Mountain State Park, The Indian Lodge is anticipated to reopen in late February or?March 2025 time frame. Call to Confirm ?
- ?
- ?
- A new property located 5 miles south of Fort Davis, High Frontier, is a beautiful wedding, conference and guest center situated on 70+ acres sitting on a high mesa overlooking Musquiz Canyon.?
- This?property has been beautifully restored and renovated to accommodate?large groups. ???
- ?You will have to make your own lodging reservations for all offsite lodging establishments.
????
What¡¯s Waiting for You at TSP 2025? ?
- 7 Nights of Visual Observing & Astro-Imaging:
- Under some of the darkest skies in the world rated Bortle 2! ?
- 3 expansive observing fields with electrical power grids to power your?telescope(s) and astro-imaging equipment.?
- Special Observing Challenges (Advanced, General, Novice, Binocular and Beginner levels) with Challenge Pins awards upon completion! ??
- Opening Sunday Welcoming and 45th TSP Star Party Celebration Lunch
- Inspiring Speakers & Seminars: ?
- Evening Guest Speakers
- 4 Featured Guest Speakers (Monday ¨C Thursday evenings) ?
- Larry Mitchell, David Levy, PhD., Stefanie Milam, PhD., and Stephen J. O¡¯Meara ?
- Friday?evening Fireside Chat: Q&A with all 4 speakers!?
- Afternoon Presentations & Free Technical Seminars?
- Competitions: Art, ATM (Amateur Telescope Making), Technical Poster, and Astro-Imaging ?
- TSP Movies of the Week
- Saturday NIght Ice Cream Social after the dinner meal
- Networking, Learning & Fun: ?
- ?Friday morning Swap Meet: Trade, sell, and buy astronomy gear ??
- Sponsor and Vendor Product Demonstrations and Afternoon Presentations?
- The Great TSP 2025 Give Away! ?
- Donated products provided by vendors and sponsoring companies?
- Visit our Sponsor/Vendor Webpage to see the list of companies that have donated products for TSP 2025 and previous years. ?
- Thank?you, Vendors and Sponsors, for supporting Texas Star Party. ??
- Special Attractions Nearby: ?
- Only 20 minutes to McDonald Observatory?
- Explore the Big Bend region, with stunning natural landscapes. ?
Bonus Features: ?
- Free TSP 2025 T-shirt for all attendees!?
- ??Lodging Options to fit any budget. ?
- Cash Awards?for Afternoon Speakers and Competitions
- McDonald Observatory facility - Special TSP 2025 Star Party attendee tours ?
- This is not the standard tour that McDonald Observatory staff hosts for the public.
- ours include Visiting the dome floor of the 107-inch telescope and the dome floor of the HET telescope.?
- The cost is $27.50 / person per tour
- Price includes the cost of the tour and?transportation from Prude ranch, all of the visited McDonald Observatory's facilities, Visitors Center and back to Prude ranch.
- Tour dates and times (Does not include going to the Visitors Center)
- Tuesday
??????April 22, 2025 (1:00PM to ?3:00PM approximately) ?
- Wednesday
??????April 23, 2025 (1:00PM to 3:00PM approximately)?
- ALL Tour participants must meet outside of Prude front office by 12:15pm to check in and to load onto the bus.?
- Prude?Guest Ranch Bus will depart at 12:25PM Approximately ?
?
- The Great Texas Giveaway (Lots of great products are donated by companies)?
- Event-filled days and unforgettable nights of stargazing.?
- Donate to Texas Star Party different programs (Visit TSP WooCommerce Page)
- Friends of TSP
- John Wagoner Award
- Youth Outreach
- TSP Event Operations
- HAM Shack Fire - Cover the cost to replace supplies and equipment lost in the grass fire that destroyed the HAM Shack. ?
- McDonald Observatory¡¯s ¡°Dark Sky Event¡¯ ??
- This?event is hosted by the observatory staff on Mt. Locke during TSP 2025 week with many activities during the day and at night, April 2025. ?
- This event is not associated with TSP 2025 but is being hosted by McDonald and University of Texas staff during TSP 2025 Week. ?
- Please visit the McDonald Observatory website for more information, dates and times. ?
Join Us for the Ultimate Premier Astronomy Event of 2025!?
Don¡¯t miss out on the TEXAS STAR PARTY, Inc.¡¯s 45th Star Party, TSP ?2025. Book your attendance today and join fellow enthusiasts for a week of fun, learning, and stargazing!?
? For more information
visit:
?Contact us: tsp@...?
TSP 2025 Event Contact ?Phone Number 979-313-2730
To Book your attendance for TSP 2025 for onsite lodging at
our venue, Prude Guest Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas.? Or to book your attendance if you are an
offsite lodging attendee for TSP 2025, please click on this link ?
TSP 2025: Where Stars, Nebulae, Galaxies are bright,
Planets Align & Memories are Made! ?? |
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TEXAS STAR PARTY, INC. 2512 Avenue I, Bay City, TX 77414 |
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Thanks Jeremy. Pretty late hours for Parks and Rec.
On Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:18:55 AM EST, Jeremy via groups.io <jsaria@...> wrote:
We are reaching out to confirm, but that was scheduled after the closure (and temporary reopening).
On Sat, Feb 8, 2025, 9:39 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote: I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
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We are reaching out to confirm, but that was scheduled after the closure (and temporary reopening).
On Sat, Feb 8, 2025, 9:39 AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote: I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
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I noticed on the schedule that on March 13th there was an event at the Chesapeake planetarium. Is that still on or did the closure of the planetarium negate the event? I didn't know if this had been scheduled prior to the closing.
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BBAA Meeting Zoom Link 2-6-25
Here is the zoom link for those who wish to attend tonight's meeting remotely.?
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Richard Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BBAA Meeting
Time: Feb 6, 2025 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
? ? ? ? Every month on the First Thu, until Apr 2, 2026, 15 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYrcuCsrzIqGtbq0KWBV25JEbU6csIcs3G6/ics?icsToken=DMrWOXYKC9y1uuxT4gAALAAAAM08TW22WmgLEuAgHklWCnL0SgUqfuteBVKQ8pn-LJ2knKgsD5uTBodCwymNZOV98PTKGgwqEcvvqd3l6DAwMDAwMQ
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82659419002?pwd=TJ96jGZPb3q2rk4rBhncVaCeAam0g5.1
Meeting ID: 826 5941 9002
Passcode: 471443
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February Meeting (Feb 6, 2025 @ 7:30pm)
Good evening!
I hope to see many tomorrow evening at our monthly meeting at TCC Virginia Beach, where our very own Rich Roberts will share his findings on the star V725 SGR, a semi-periodic variable star he has been following for four years.? With a promise to take us from the ground level to the stars (heh), I hope you join me in lending him your attention (and cheering him on to publish his findings!).
There have been a lot of great events, despite the clouds.? We'll be pressed for time in the business meeting section to ensure we have time for our presenter, but there will be time to go over the most recent successful Outreach events (including tonight's 'Harry Potter and the Stars' by the inimitable George Reynolds) and a discussion of upcoming events.
Please reach out if you have something you want added to the agenda for tomorrow.? Otherwise, we'll see you there!
Clear skies,
Jeremy Mitchell President, Back Bay Amateur Astronomers
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Re: A different way to look at the stars
Best book I've read on this is by Steve Thomas', "The Last Navigator". It's more of a sailing book but he talks a lot about one of the last surviving navigators in Micronesia sailing canoes across thousands of miles by stars, waves and birds.?
Tom
On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 10:56?AM jimcoble2000 via <jimcoble2000= [email protected]> wrote:
Speaking of migration waves in the Pacific and similarities.
The Pleiades in different Pacific languages:
Hawaiian; Makali'i Samoan: Li'i Tongan: Mataliki Tahitian: Matari'i Maoris of New Zealand: Matariki Melanesian (Vanuatu): Mataliki Pohnpei (Micronesia): Makeriker
On Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 09:52:33 AM EST, kiowa706 via <kiowa706= [email protected]> wrote:
Thanks for the info.? It's always enjoyable to dive into something and next thing you onow you're 10 websites away.
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The astro-archeaology story, it wouldn't be the one regarding why we call it the Seven Sisters and it's relation Orion the Hunter would it?
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Michael,
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Here is a comparison ... same object, same exposure time but not the same time/same night. You'll notice the FOV difference. And at the same exposure time, I think the S30 excels ... but if I wanted to go double that with the S50, I'm sure you'd see the advantage of the S50's increased aperture.
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Again, these are raw, unprocessed stacks though I may used the AI Denoise on the S30(?).
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Thanks, those photos are very helpful in showing the size difference. So an S30 will be mine soon. I wonder how it would be photographing the Northern Lights, which I have a good chance of seeing from the 50-passenger ship I'll be on in Alaska? On Sun, Feb 2, 2025 at 9:12?PM Troy Riedel via <troy.riedel= [email protected]> wrote: Michael,
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BTW - that's the raw stacked image off the S30 ... no post-processing, I didn't even run the AI Denoise.
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Michael,
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BTW - that's the raw stacked image off the S30 ... no post-processing, I didn't even run the AI Denoise.
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Kent Blackwell
Shawn Loescher
