New Dark Site - 29 MAR 08

Today I reconnoitered a new dark site near Schafhausen and headed out there this evening. It was pretty clear all day, but a light haze moved in as it got dark. Temperature was about 40F. I got out to the site about 19:00 (7pm) while it was still light. I sighted the scope on Mars, as it turned out, it was the first bright object to appear. Mars is headed away from us now and it was kind of small, a little bigger than a BB in the 5.2mm ED. I tried the red filter on it and it gave me a bit more definition occasionally. "Seeing" (the condition of the atmosphere) was fair to poor and inconsistent in different directions. Working the focuser and sticking with it, I was able to make out the dark spot on Mars, as my eyes got adjusted. It was fun and interesting as I nudged the scope and worked at bringing resolution to her. The Barlow did not help with the 5.2mm EP at all. Since it was still a bit hazy, I found Saturn. I was able to see one moon, Titan, and when I put on the red filter, I couldn't see the moon at all. However the filter did allow me to see some striation in the surface of the planet and the rings were very, very clear. I could see the Cassini division quite clearly in the rings. Interesting that the seeing in this part of the sky was clearer than with Mars. As it had gotten darker, I tried to look at the Orion nebula. It was very dim, with the Trapezium fading in and out and then it all faded as the haze completely obscured the view. By this time, there was only a small hole of clear seeing almost directly overhead, so I decided to call it quits. Time was about 2035(8:35pm). I may try tomorrow morning to see Jupiter or Venus, if I can get up early enough. Even in spite of the dodgy seeing, I really enjoyed the opportunity to get out. I've only had four nights this month where I could even see the stars.