The Liverpool Astronomical Society

BAH HUMBUG......and it clouded over so that I didn't even see the ISS.

I will check the details nearer to the 'new' launch date and see if it coincides with a favourable time here in Liverpool.

The International Space Station rises, shortly after, following a similar path.

Rises above horizon    21:29:24    0°    277° (W )

Maximum altitude            21:34:13    36°    199° (SSW)

Enters shadow            21:36:35    12°    133° (SE )

Predictions for Liverpool can be found at:
http://www.heavens-above.com/?lat=53.4167&lng=-2.8666&alt=0&loc=Liverpool&TZ=GMT

Tomorrow evening at 20:48 BST, given good weather in Florida, sees the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour. If, by luck, the skies are clear in Liverpool we may be lucky to see the shuttle come up over the western horizon some 20 minutes later. In the past we have observed launches live on the internet then popped outside and actually observed the bright white shuttle rise higher into the sky followed by the separated orangey red fuel tank. A sight not to be forgotten.
So I urge you to get out tomorrow and look to the western horizon, it should be visible as it climbs through the belt of Orion, then passes under Procyon in Canis Minor, through Hydra, under Leo and Saturn before disappearing through Virgo towards the east. Compare with star chart:
http://www.liverpoolas.org/content/category/11/29/66/

Times are all in British Summer Time (clock time )
Appears      21h05m09s   3.8mag  az:270.5° W    horizon

Culmination  21h08m16s  -1.6mag  az:192.8° SSW  Alt: 27.0°
 
Disappears   21h10m09s   0.1mag  az:124.5° SE   Alt: 7.3°

The launch is, usually, broadcast live on NASA tv:    http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Let us know if you see anything :-)
Good luck and clear skies.

Congratulations to you both for making the solo trip and for bagging Saturn through the telescope. You can't beat finding an object, such as this, and I hope that you will always remember the moment.

Welcome Mark, glad that you are enjoying the clear skies and the group. Never hesitate to ask for information and we will do our best to help.
Regards from Dave.

Paul you will recognise us as the group of people who look like muppets staring hopelessly at the clouds.

You can't miss it Ray, entrance directly opposite the 6th form college, straight up the hill to the top. You will see the building/dome on the left.
Hopefully you will bring some clear sky with you .
 

Thanks for the update Brian, I will make a point of 'tuning in'.
Let's hope it does not get cancelled.

Hi John I can strongly recommend Baader solar film. It gives excellent resolution and good contrast. I have used it over the years and found it very pleasing when used visually or when imaging. The secret is to keep the film loose when you fix it into its  diy 'holder' and not taught as this will distort the image.
I should point out that you need to make sure that the filter holder is a firm fit on the scope and cannot fall or blow off in a wind.
http://www.baader-planetarium.com/sofifolie/bauanleitung_e.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiDheBRZrg0

Perhaps Brendan may know if somebody has one for sale.

Hi Les, I believe this is one of Brendan's favourites.
It is better known as NGC 457 and can be found in Cassiopeia.
http://manalokos.com/astro/main.php?g2_itemId=206
http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/observers/n457.html
http://www.backyard-astro.com/deepsky/top100/14.html

edit
Brendan beat me to it. :-)

I cant see the top of the image but it looks like there are 3 adjustment points (120 degs apart) that may allow collimation of one of the dots. Bring it along on Wednesday if you can. Perhaps we can suss it out.

Does the RDF have a brightness control? Usually they click on and then, as you turn the knob/switch, get brighter.

Mark, that does make sense and the science works.
P.S I am just listening to load of Bowie on YouTube 

It was a good night Jamie, really enjoyed the chat. I managed to get the observatory telescope running again but need to do a couple more test on it. Bring along clear skies and more questions.
cheers.