Just checking in.

Hi @Former-Member

Thanks for posting all of that - it must have taken quite a bit of time

The most interesting and easily observable item is the eastern elongation of Venus which I have been watching for some time - it is setting very late - later than usual - and to find it we have to look to it in the Western Sky. I love that planet - because I live in a built up area there are times when the planet doesn't appear for a while - but then - once I know where it is I go out and see it every night or morning as the case may be

Of the Meteor Showers the Leonids are the brightest and easiest to see - but it is necessary to have a clear sky for several nights and last year this was something we didn't have

It's a pity about the weather - during the time I have been interested in watching the planets we had the 13 year drought so the skies were clear most nights

But now - as well as Venus being very bright Jupiter is also - that rises very early in the morning now

Tonight Venus and the Crescent Moon are close together - tomorrow the moon is near Mars - let's hope we have some clear weather - on the 8th Mercury, Saturn and Antares are in a line before dawn - again we need clear weather - so seeing as it is summer - let's home we have clear skies

Dec

Hi @Decadian

My pleasure. Yes light pollution can be a problem - when we were living in the country this was never a problem, the skies were so clear, it was marvellous for searching. Where I am now mostly I cannot see very much at all. I was thinking of setting up a computerised astronomical telescope, put in the settings and get a better view that way. Have you ever consideredd that? But yes, it could be a very costly venture (haven't priced one for many years but may research it), and still light pollution remains an obstacle, so it may not be worth it - something I will look into. Hope you get some clear nights to view these events. Happy star gazing 😊

Not just light pollution but smog @Former-Member

I have noticed that on most nights there are stars that I know are there but cannot see because of the city (Melbourne) and when we have had some really cold windy weather - rain or even snow bearing clouds - the sky can be much clearer and it makes a difference

I am thinking about buying a better - more powerful - pair of binoculars - they have a better field of vision than a telescope and you don't have to find a place to mount it - other wise - we can watch somethings on the internet but I don't usually bother -

When I started this - back in 1994 I think - the skies were much clearer - and I lived upstair so I could see to the west from my bedroom window and to the north from my kitchen and out on the balcony I could see to the east - and one morning I was lucky - just befor sunrise - with my binoculars - I saw Uranus rise just before the sun - full view with the rings clearly visible all around it. I could hardly believe what I was seeing - I still can hardly believe that - it was on the other side of the solar system - and things look bigger on the horizon - and the sun had yet to rise - that has to be such a brilliant moment to remember

But we have too much light in the sky and when I travel I go to small cities to have the advantage of clear skies and less light pollution - I don't feel it's necessary to light up our cities that much when we are using so much green house gas - I have flown back from Tasmania at night and seen how far out across Bass Strait you can see the lights from Melbourne and feel that is unnecessary

Whoops - I am on my high horse - time to get down and think about something else

Thanks - Dec

Hello @Daisy_princess, @candy1234, @sza, @Makeitstop

how are you today xx

it is a very warm day here today

Come and say hello to some friends @TAB, @Former-Member, @Decadian, @Former-Member, @Former-Member, @Former-Member xx

Hi @Shaz51

Good to hear from you. We have had a bit of a cool change where I live coming off the coast but it is still very humid. The cool breeze is a nice relief though. Hope all is good your end. 💕Xx

@Decadian - that was quite amazing how you saw such a clear view of Uranus through binoculars, the rings only being discovered in 1977 - a very special moment indeed. I have not heard of this before - not that way. You were very lucky indeed (would have loved to of experienced this also). Amateur astronomers make many discoveries through such passion - an Aussie discovered "scarring" on Jupiter reporting it to NASA not that long ago (the date evades memory). Specialised computerised telescopes can have a wider view but come at an astronomical price but still have to have the right conditions for greatest success - but a lot individuals much prefer binoculars, more fun than the technical stuff. It's someone like you with that passion that could make such discoveries. You have rekindled my interest - thank you. With all the stress of the last so many years I had let so any of my activities go.

You are not on your high horse at all. Carbon dioxide emissions will have devastating consequences worldwide in the future; being a scientific consensus that manmade climate change is real and accelerating at a dangerous rate. So I am with you on that one

On a happier note, let me know if you see anything unusual with your star gazing pursuits. Very interesting. I just don't have that clear a view where I am. xx

Hello @Former-Member xx

been very hot here today , we thought we might get a storm when i heard the thunder but that was it , no rain

yes I agree that the climate has changed

Thank you Shaz51 for keeping in touch - much appreciated. May this new year be a good one for you and yours and thank you also for giving so much of yourself to others on this forum. You are one wise and kind lady. May you be blessed. With very best wishes from Bimby2.