That's a good report, Mat. Don't be so hopeful about doing more at retirement, though. If you're like me even one night in the field can be miserable. ------------------------------ On Mon, Oct 7, 2013 5:03 PM MDT Hutchings, Mat wrote:

The first annual Utah Star Party is in the history books, and I for one, had a great time.

Thursday was a dreary, overcast, cool day and the evening stayed that way. Jay did get his 4" refractor out and we hit a couple of objects through sucker holes. We all called it an early night and got some sleep.

Friday was also an overcast, cool and windy day. During the day all of the attendees descended upon the Silver Sage gas station/restaurant/general store, and had lunch. Recommend that you try their burgers.

As Friday turned toward evening, the sky started darkening, and it also started clearing up. It was quite cold that night, but I was prepared for it and started banging away on my hit list. As it turned out, I was able to finish up all the remaining objects on the H400 list; and I was happy about that. Also out under the stars for a good part of the night was George who was imaging.

The next day, was clear and nicely warmer. I actually got a bit of a sunburn, which was a novelty after how cool it was the day before. The Shelton's (Mark and Sally) treated us all to burgers and George added hot dogs to the menu; it was a fun lunch! After that, Sally treated us to views of the sun with her Coronado solar scope fitted with a double stack filter. I had a great time with that set up and I am glad she shared the views!

Jay did a sketching 101 seminar and all the attendees (me), enjoyed it!

That night was also clear, but I was a little tired and having just finished the H400's I was not as motivated as usual, so I took it easy and hit some galaxies here and there. I really enjoyed the view of NGC7771/7769 and Daniel pointed out that there was a third, smaller galaxy right next to NGC7769. I will have to come back to those and sketch them with my just learned sketching techniques.

Glad that the U.S.P. happened and I am looking forward to it again next year, but am glad that it will be in a year, if you get my meaning. I could not handle that much observing very often, well maybe when I am retired, but that is in the future a bit.

A slightly sleep deprived,

Mat

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