On Fri, 30 Oct 2009, Jay Eads wrote:
One last possibility. The western desert according to the Clear Sky Chart is looking ok for tomorrow morning. Here is the one for the Knolls (you can click on map on the right side for location and to get directions). Problem is your facing the light dome to the east where Virgo is rising. Have you thought about waiting until new moon and taking a chance then? What Messier are you trying to finish up?
I'm just finishing up the whole list. No particular program, but I'm writing observing reports. At the same time, I'm seeing how many I can get from home without going someplace dark. Actually, I rechecked my records, and I'm still also missing M83 in Hydra, which I'll have to wait for. I also am 90% sure I've seen M73, but from my back yard I didn't see all four stars, so I need to confirm that elsewhere. I had a good shot at the Virgo/Coma objects at Soldier Creek on Strawberry Reservoir in June, but sent up my tent in such a way that the (lighted) bathroom was between me and Virgo. I got two of the Coma objects, but the light made move to another part of the sky (the Leo trio was difficult, so I forgot about the Virgo stuff). Anyway, about an hour later everything dewed up and I had to quit after 40 objects. It was a good time, though. ---- Rev. Michael A. van Opstall Department of Mathematics, University of Utah Office: JWB 313 opstall@math.utah.edu