Catch-Up

In the grand Pine View tradition, it's time to update my observations...at the last minute...

The first observation of the year I clearly recall was on January 5th, over near Lazin's house at the docks . It was warmer than we expected, but we were out in jackets. I can't quite recall the actual temperature. The light from the sorrounding houses around this small inlet was minimal and the sky was pretty clear. What was different about this particular observation session was the fact that we were cheating. Yes, I openly admit it: we cheated on an observation session. Lazin's dad had this new toy, i think it was called a Star Searcher, that identified constellations, stars, and other celestial object simply by pointing at the heavens. I was skeptical of the device at first, and we started the observations without it. Orion was overhead; Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka clearly visible, as usual. We identified Gemini, Lepus, and Canis Major with relative ease. I spotted the Pleides. We thought we spotted Perseus but, after finally consenting to using the toy, it turned out to be Auriga. From there, we found Perseus and Cassiopeia.

The next one came on the night before senior skip day. Quite a few of our class were gathered at the beach to celebrate (and that's all that will be said of that). Throughout the night, I noticed the sky had moved quite alot. Orion was overhead when I arrived at around eight. Hours later, the constellation had moved significantly closer to the ocean. Orion's belt shone brightly. I saw a meteor shoot through Gemini, right to the south of Castor (?,the left bright star). Lazin pointed out Saturn and Venus. The moon was showing in the North, but i forget what phase it was.

I almost forgot to watch the lunar eclipse last saturday. It was around 6:30, and it was in a full eclipse by the time i saw it.It was pretty impressive, and I was content since I forgot to see the Iridium flare yesterday.

And earlier tonight, I attempted to do the Magnitude estimation worksheet. I'm pretty sure I've butchered the sheet. It was somewhat clear, but the moon is at waning gibbous, and pretty bright. I wasn't able to see the beta eridani.

Well, that concludes my observations. My clcok reads 11:58, so I made it with two minutes to spare! Yes, I'm an idiot :D .