hosahalli

This is one of the 2 mock-up sessions for the MM-2009 that BAS is conducting (see the Calendar section). We have prepared an order of Messier objects to be hunted right from dusk to dawn. Techniques on finding Messiers will be taught with a 8" telescope and 10x50 binoculars.

There are 26 open clusters, objects which can be easily mastered, even through a pair of binoculars. Many of the 29 globular clusters can also be seen with binoculars. Nearly all of the 40 galaxies will require a telescope. The remaining 15 objects are assorted, requiring telescopes, binoculars or even naked-eyes. We plan to cover as many objects as possible.

Those participating in the MM-2009 on 28th March, are requested to join in for this practice session on 28th February, and another one on 21st March. You are most welcome to help us and yourself, by getting your own equipments.

Location : Hosahalli, 70 km North of Bangalore
Equipments : Govt School's 8" f/8 reflector, and binoculars possessed by members.

Contact -
Amar A. Sharma
BAS Observing Cordinator
amar_universe@yahoo.com
080-26584097 (preferably 9-11 pm daily)

Here are some comet observations and attempts I made on 21st's observing session, with Shashank and Sriram. I could see 3 comets out of 6, one new.

Skies - good with some uniform background light illumination.
Naked Eye Limiting Magnitude - mag 6.45 (?) with averted vision
Star used - HR 3878 (HD 84567) in Antlia
Telescope - 8" f/8.
Eyepiece - 32 mm plossl (mag 50x)
Location - Hosahalli, 70 km North of B'lore.

1) In the evening, we started with a brand new 67P/Churyumov- Gerasimenko (on Pisces-Aquarius border) which I came to know is 11th mag, above Venus. We got a chance to first observe Uranus which is less than 2 degrees from Venus! There was interference of lights in the West, credit to Zodiacal light, illumination from Venus and misc lights. After finding 20 Psc and 24 Psc stars, I star hopped from the location. The finder chart was not detailed, but we spent some time looking at the redissh region, however unsuccessfully.

2) Next was 144/P Kushida in Taurus which was barely discernable with a 10x50 binocs. I aimed my 20x80 Celestron on tripod at the region, and it was distinctly there as a faint circular fuzz ball. (It resembled Owl Nebula which we saw much later with same equip). The 8" f/8 scope showed an ~6-8 arcminute fuzz between a triangle of stars.

Currently the skies in B'lore city, are spotless and peaking at a deep blue wavelength! This is the cream period for sky observations, not to be missed out.

Some BAS members are going for an observing session on 21st January, Wednesday to our regular observing site Hosahalli. Please visit "Our Venues" section for this location.

Anyone is invited to join, well and good if you have your own vehicle. Neetesh, Sriram, Amar and probably Shashank is the list as of now. The agenda would be to observe the distant deep sky fuzzies like galaxies in the midnight sky (Leo, Ursa Major, Virgo, Eridanus). We will be treated with the beautiful sights in the Milky-Way skies (Canis Major, Orion, and other Southern constellations).

We could also get to see Uranus which is very close to the resplendent Venus in the evening sky. We get to use the Govt. school's good 8" f/8 equatorial telescope. A crescent Moon rises as late as 3:30 am. We will carry our own star charts, eyepieces and binoculars.

Hunting down many faint comets, and couple bright ones are on agenda. This should be a challenge for both novice and experienced observers. I have made finder charts for the following 7 comets for one night!!

C/2007 N3 (Lulin) - bright
144P/Kushida - bright