1498n 2012/02/21–22

1498n 2012/02/21–22 21:00–22:30 Australian EDT Warrumbungle 9–3 ne 10x50b 36cmrl 64cmrl

Reacquainting myself with the southern skies at the OzSky Star Party at Warrumbungle NSW Australia. Mostly using 10x50 binoculars and naked eye, locating landmarks like Crux, Centaurus, Carina, the Magellanic Clouds, Canopus, and Achernar. Observed the Coal Sack, Tarantula, Eta Carinae, Jewel Box, Southern Pleiades, 47 Tucanae, Omega Centauri, and Centaurus A in 10x50s. Also observed "eye candy" in 14" and 25" Dobs: Eta Carinae, Orion Nebula, Jupiter, etc.

I'm finding it hard to negotiate the grounds with my poor balance, and hard to hold my eye steady at the eyepiece while standing, so I was happiest while sitting down and using binoculars. The southern Milky Way is absolutely glorious!

Temperature: 18C