2011 October « Observing Reports by Knuck

Okie -Tex 2011

October 14, 2011 at 3:46 am | Posted in Observing Report | Leave a comment

This was my major star party for this year. The weather was not as perfect as it has been in past years. Every night was plagued with bands of clouds that seemed to materialize directly over the observing field and take a good while to dissipate. I’m sure it drove the imaging folks wild. It didn’t have as much of an effect on the visual observers. I was particularly pleased with my sketches of the Great Nebula of Orion and the Veil. I think I’ve made some progress in two years.

Here is the observing report and the sketches.

Okie – Tex 2011

"The Veil"

"The Great Nebula of Orion"

Ed’s Place August 27, 2011

October 14, 2011 at 3:25 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Ed’s Place is the Edmund G. Kline Dark Sky Site belonging to the Denver Astronomical Society. Even though it is plagued by light pollution, the whole Western half of the sky dome is washed out, it is serviceable for observing to the East. And, it is close enough to Denver for a single evening of observing.

Here is the evening’s observing report and a sketch.

Ed’s Place 8/27/11

WUTS (Weekend Under the Stars) 2011

October 8, 2011 at 9:18 pm | Posted in Observing Report | Leave a comment

This remains one of my favorite star parties. I enjoy it mostly because of its laid back attitude. It’s sponsored by the Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming Astronomical Societies. There is no pre-registration. They don’t sell you a T-Shirt, anymore. Though the last couple, a few years back, were collectors items in their eccentric humor. I renew friendships first formed at past WUTS every year. The mood of the event just suits me.

This year the weather, while serviceable for observing, was not as good as in some past years. There have been some nights at past WUTS that were absolutely perfect. The sky can be severe clear here. Often the seeing and transparency are as good as they can get. There is little light pollution.

I would have to say that the highlights of this years event for me was the Supernova in M51 and “The Emerald”. I attempted sketches of both. Anyway, here is the observing report.

WUTS OR

And, here are some sketches made at WUTS 2011