It's Wednesday afternoon, and time to start planning for observing on the 2nd weekend of the September dark window. For the last few days the forecasts have been in agreement on this weekends weather: Mostly Clear Friday night regionally, and cloudy (even rainy) Saturday and Sunday nights. So, at this point it seems that Friday night is our most likely observing opportunity. It's still a bit early to say where the best observing conditions will be. Those attending the BFSP should have one good night. My plan is to observe more locally - hopefully SGL-251 or DS-X.

Hi Everyone,

I gathered about 11 hours of data over three nights and here is the result

http://www.star-watcher.org/IC5146.html

The cool thing is that I was out on the astro field for two of those nights while the equipment ran on its own. Automated (and remote) imaging is amazing.

Frank Colosimo

http://www.star-watcher.org/Observatory.html

Due to substantial cloud cover forecasts for Cherry Springs this week, Bill and I have decided to stay local. However, we're thinking about a run up to Frank's BMV or more likely to Coyle Field for Wednesday night. Current forecasts look quite favorable with clear skies, cool temps, low wind with increasing humidity. Maybe a 7:30PM arrival.
Please post if any interest.

Fred

What a night on Sunday evening into Monday morning at DS-4. It was without a doubt one of the best observing nights I’ve ever experienced: excellent transparency and excellent seeing, (I think that was the steadiest sky I've observed under in a long time) no humidity, and no wind. Once the scope was collimated and finder centered, it was nonstop all evening with no scope problems. The evening did end with a BANG! – but more on that later.