MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011
planets, moons, asteroids, etc.
An obvious life listing is to record the wandering planets (or dwarf planets!) that
I've seen. I also note asteroids and comets here too. In general, anything within the solar system.
This page has been broken down into separate sections so to create logical groups (day-time sightings, Mercury, Jupiter, and yes, the Moon). Events within each section are arranged in reverse date chronological order.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011
night time objects
Solar system objects viewed under "regular" astronomical conditions, i.e. observed under dark, or relatively dark, skies.
| object |
with
'scope |
|
with
binos |
|
naked
eye |
| Mercury |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Venus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Mars |
|
|
|
|
|
| Phobos |
 |
|
- |
|
- |
| Deimos |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| asteroids |
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) Ceres |
|
|
|
|
? |
| (2) Pallas |
|
|
|
|
|
| (3) Juno |
? |
|
|
|
|
| (4) Vesta |
|
|
|
|
|
| Jupiter |
|
|
|
|
|
| Callisto |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Europa |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Ganymede |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Io |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Amalthea |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Jovian events |
|
|
|
|
|
| Great Red Spot |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Saturn |
|
|
|
|
|
| Titan |
|
|
|
|
- |
| Tethys |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Rhea |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Iapetus |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Dione |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Hyperion |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Enceladus |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Mimas |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Uranus |
|
|
|
|
|
| Titania |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Oberon |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Ariel |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Neptune |
|
|
? |
|
- |
| Triton |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| Pluto |
|
|
- |
|
- |
| comets |
|
|
|
|
|
| Hyakutake |
? |
|
? |
|
|
| Hale-Bopp |
|
|
|
|
|
| Holmes |
|
|
|
|
|
| Lulin |
|
|
|
|
|
| 10P/Tempel 2 |
|
|
? |
|
? |
| 103P/Hartley 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
| C/2009 P1 (Garradd) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Actually, I regularly view Jupiter and Saturn. They are a joy to watch in the
telescope. I'm always chasing Venus and Mercury! My first sighting of Neptune I'm fairly certain of. But I was not able to view in
the nights following to confirm it. First viewed Uranus in late September 2007 from the David Dunlap Observatory,
Ontario, Canada. Viewed in an Astrophysic refractor; later in my telescope.
Noticed Titan through my SCT's finder scope on 23 March 2007 from my backyard,
Toronto.
First viewed Vesta in late June 2007 from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Used 7x50
Bushnell Ensign binoculars, tripod-mounted.
MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011
day time objects
People forget that the stars and planets are still "up there." You just need to know where to look. Actually, the hardest part is learning how to make your eyes focus at infinity.
- two crescents - Toronto - Oct 2010 - 2:37 PM
- From the sidewalk in front of the old place, used binoculars to locate the Moon and then Venus. Once I had the general area, I could spot them naked eye.
- spotted on the beach - Mew Lake - Sep 2010 - 4:30 PM-ish
- While we were all setting up our gear on the beach, someone spotted the thin Moon and then Venus between the dissipating clouds. Later viewed them at sunset. Spotted Mars briefly too.
- quick break to find Venus - Toronto - Sep 2009 - 10:52 AM
- Used binoculars in the back yard to locate the thin Moon. Then looked for Venus. Pow! I was amazed at the brightness but how small it was.
- Saturn crazy - CAO - Jul 2009 - 9:07 PM
- David said I was nuts to try for Saturn in such a bright sky. It was tough, particularly with the rings edge-on. Still, there was an intriguing dark line across the middle of The Ghost of Saturn: the shadow of the rings.
- first time finding Venus - Toronto - Feb 2009 - 4:53 PM
- Tai inspired us to locate Venus by using the Moon. I was surprised at the planet's brightness in the binoculars. Then I put the telescope on it. Fantastic thin and large crescent! Then I was able to see it naked eye.
- Saturn with GOTO - CAO - Aug 2008 - 3:06 PM
- While teaching Randy how to use his GOTO telescope in the day time, we picked off some objects in the bright sky, like the Moon and Saturn. The ringed planet was hard to see.
- Saturn in Tim's orange tube - CAO - Jun 2008 - 3:15 PM
- Tim tagged the pale apparition. When the air was steady, you could easily see the rings.
- tracked Venus into morning - Union - Aug 2006 - 7:57 AM
- With Mom's telescope and its tracking motor, I followed Venus into the bright morning sky.
-
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2011
Mercury sightings
For a long time I wanted to see the most inner planet of our solar system. I remember, in the late 80s and early 90s, initially, not thinking it possible. But I gradually learned one should be able to visually see and telescopically observe the elusive tantalising world. So I kept trying. I keep trying.
-
- Mercury and Jupiter - Toronto - Mar 2011
- One day before the Messenger probe was to orbit the planet, I spotted Mercury. Used binos. Then could see naked eye. Enjoyed from indoors, from the new west-facing office windows.
- 9 degrees - Toronto - Jan 2011
- Could see Venus on my way to work but not Mercury. it was only 9° above the horizon so blocked by Bloor West Village shops and buildings.
- faint in the 14" - Blue Mountains - Aug 2010
- Could see in the eyepiece but not naked eye. No imagery with the MallinCam.
- distant cloud - Blue Mountains - Aug 2010
- Saw Venus and knew Mercury should be nearby but clouds on the distant horizon blocked low objects. The night before was better but I forgot to look.
- photographed conjunction - Blue Mountains - Oct 2009
- Watched and photographed Saturn and Mercury rising. Phil joined me.
- crescent in C14 - Blue Mountains - Jul 2009
- It's easy with a Paramount... We could see the first quarter phase at the CAO.
- nothing on this all-nighter - Blue Mountains - Jun 2009
- Pulled a late-night/early-morning session at the CAO. Looked for Mercury again before crashing. Nope.
- near Pleiades - Blue Mountains - Apr 2009
- Tom spotted the planet near M45. We didn't believe him at first! Very pretty view from the CAO.
- from the school yard - Toronto - Jan 2009
- Enjoyed a good sight line overlooking the Western Tech soccer pitch. Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury all put on a good show. Used binoculars (on a tripod) and Mark I eyeball.
- only one conjunction - Toronto - Dec 2008
- Double conjunction or rather two conjunctions tonight: Mercury and Jupiter; the Moon and Venus. The first pair were too low to spot from my home.
- interesting clouds - Mississauga - Oct 2008
- Up early but a strange cloud deck blocked the eastern horizon.
- from Humber Bay West - Etobicoke - Sep 2008
- During the RASC City Observing session at the lakeshore, we enjoyed Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter.
- too late - Toronto - May 2008
- Despite an early start for the back yard observation session, I did not see Mercury. Enjoyed Saturn though.
- need to see - Toronto - May 2008
- With the help of my homemade astrolabe and compass, I found Mercury.
- too cloudy - Blue Mountains - May 2008
- Someone reminded us that the inner planet was at greatest elongation but clouds thwarted viewing.
- nice alignment but - Toronto - Jun 2007
- While closing the garage, noted the Moon, two planets, and some stars in a nice line. Mercury should be there too but learned it was too low now.
- probably not - Union - Jun 2007
- Mom and I set the 'scope up in the front yeard, for a change. Tried to spot Mercury across the way but I wasn't convinced, later, that we tagged it.
- got it - Toronto - May 2007
- Used binos first and then, as the sky darkened, could see it naked eye. Did not get the 'scope out; had to work.
- still too low - Toronto - May 2007
- Venus caught my eye but I could not see Mercury from the back yard.
- no Mercury from Mississauga - May 2007
- Viewed Venus and Saturn but could not find Mercury. Probably blocked by the neighbours houses.
- a day late - Toronto - May 2007
- The Moon was to be near Mercury. But I got my dates messed up.
- Mercury before movie - Etobicoke - Feb 2007
- Before heading into the cinema, from the parking lot, I sighted the tiny planet. About 10° from Venus. Once you know how to do this...
- third viewing! - Toronto - Feb 2007
- Spotted from back yard! Boom boom. About 9° from Venus.
- second career viewing - Toronto - Feb 2007
- From the lakeshore, despite the bitter cold, I viewed Mercury and Venus. Initially spotted it naked eye below Venus! Could see, at 111x, through poor seeing, the gibbous shape. Over 10 years since my first telescopic viewing!
- ahead of Venus - Union - Aug 2006
- As I prepared to track Venus into the daylight, I tried to spot Mercury. No luck in the brightening sky.
- switched to Jupiter - Bowmanville - Jun 2006
- The raging horde near the 'scope at Mosport was restless so I abandoned my search for Mercury and targetted Jupiter.
- no Mercury at Mom's - Union - Nov 2005
- It was really a poor opportunity. The planetarium software said the planet was 4° above the horizon (never good) and I did not have a clear view in that direction.
- miss at Mosport - Bowmanville - Jun 2005
- Tried to spot from the middle of the paddock. No joy. Despite beinging at a good elongation. Did see Venus though.
- first photo - Toronto - May 2002
- It was the Big Conjunction! So I shot some photos. But the cheapo digital camera did not do well. And, once again, I did not make detailed notes.
- attempt - Awenda - Aug 2000
- Got up early and headed to Kettle's Lake. Viewed Saturn and Jupiter but no Mercury (or Mars).
- first sighting with Alan - Toronto - circa 1995
- Alan and I met up and looked for a spot near my home with a good sight line. We set up my 8" SCT telescope in a parking lot north of Lamport stadium. And with some effort, we found it! Did not keep good (or any) notes so this is all a little foggy...
It's only after
constructing a summary like this that it becomes clear just how addictive it is trying to see the tiny planet closest to the Sun. But, at the same time, that it's been worth it. I've seen the planet 10 times naked eye (usually assisted by software and binoculars). Photographed it a couple of times. Ah, but 31 attempts!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012
Jupiter events
I regularly view Jupiter. Every chance I get. It is a joy to watch in the
telescope. And never stops delighting.
-
- Europa's shadow with GRS - Richmond Hill - Jan 2012
- In Katrina's 10" Dob at the DDO. Marginal seeing. Fun though!
- Io shadow atop GRS - Toronto - Oct 2011
- Wow. Saw Io's shadow directly within the Great Red Spot.
- Io emerging - CAO - Jul 2011
- Observed Io appearing from behind the planet. Always enjoyable. But distracted by noctilucent clouds!
- NEB disappearing act - summer/fall 2010
- Observed the fading and disappearance of the North Equatorial Belt.
- Rajesh's first shadow - DDO - Sep 2010
- At the first session of the First Light, we got a little observing in. I was intrigued to learn that Rajesh had never seen a shadow on Jupiter. We enjoyed little black dot left by Europa.
- planned shadow transit - CAO - Aug 2010
- At this point I had seen shadows on Jupiter. But I had never specifically planned for one. I watched Europa first cast its shadow on the disk then, itself, merge.
- a little bite - CAO - Jul 2010
- Steve first noticed something odd with the gas giant in his 'scope on the Observing Pad. He rushed into the GBO and we put The Big Gun on it. Callisto's shadow was just exiting the disc of the planet leaving a little bite mark.
- first GRS sighting - Toronto - Jul 2008
- From the sidewalk in front of my home, I viewed Jupiter. Showed neighbours and people walking by. Watch GRS appear and cross meridian. Views improved dramatically through session. Detail in cloud bands, festoons, light and dark regions. Stunning views.
- Ganymede emerging - Union - Aug 2006
- With Mom and some of the extended family, we watched Ganymede appear from in front of Jupiter. A first for me. It was an eye-opener as to the speed of these events.
-
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2011
the Moon
You'll notice I've not included our satellite, Luna. I've never been terribly
interested in her. More correctly, I've never really been interested in observing
lunar features. But I do enjoy chasing after a very young moon. Or watching occultations
and grazes...
Eclipses, solar and lunar, are noted on a different page.
-
- ISS-Moon crossing - Toronto - Dec 2011
- Video recorded the International Space Station crossing in front of the Moon. Joined by other diehard RASC TC members. Fun event!
-
- oldest Moon - CAO - Jul 2010
- Forced everyone to stay up late and watch the 28.1 day old Moon rise over the Blue Mountains. Photographed it.
- saw The Railroad - Toronto - Jul 2010
- Viewed the 100 kilometre long Lunar Straight Wall with a Questar 3½" 'scope from the back yard.
-
- youngest Moon - Toronto - Mar 2010
- Couldn't see it from the back yard; had to cross the street. First sighted it with binoculars. Then I could pick it out naked eye. 27 hours!
-
- afocal shots - Toronto - Feb 2010
- Bolted the point-and-shoot to the C8 in the back yard and got some cool closeup photos.
-
- a dark shape - DDO - Oct 2009
- Tried to identify a dark shape. Another collision site. Stunning, colourful views in the 74" at 300 power.
-
- studied the Moon - Toronto - Aug 2009
- There were not a lot of people for the High Park observing session so I tried to learn about lunar features using the RASC Observer's Handbook. IDed Mare Crisium, craters Picard, Atlas, Hercules, Langrenus, and Macrobius.
-
- IDed a crater - CAO - Jul 2009
- While enjoying good views in Phil's Obsession I identified Copernicus. Don't let that get around, eh?
-
- 3D Moon - Toronto - Mar 2007
- Anthony's refractor made the Moon look like I had never seen it before: like a three-dimensional orb floating in space. My first RASC Toronto Centre City Observing Session. Wow.
-
- race to see the Moon - Bon Echo - Aug 2005
- While camping, the boys spotted the thin crescent Moon setting. They saw it before me. It was about 2 days old. Venus and Jupiter were nearby making a lovely view.
- first Moon shots - Muskokas - Aug 1991
- First ones not through glass. With new T-adapter, I bolted the Pentax to the telescope and shot prime focus images of the Moon.
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