Caribbean skies

I'm back after three weeks on Curacao. Transparency is usually bad there, but I had a couple of relatively good nights. I had my 10x50 binocular (mounted) to plug some holes in its Messier survey. I have observed some 20 Messiers. The most striking were M8/M20/M21 in the same field of view, and M24 which is perfectly framed in a 5 degrees FOV, with some streaks of dark nebulosity. Omega Centauri looked very large and grainy in the binocular, and was easy to spot naked eye (while relaxing on a beach chair after a barbecue on the sand). Crux was at the meridian right after the sunset. Both Jewel Box and Northern Jewel Box also looked very nice! I saw four planets every evening without optical aid.

I also did a lot of snorkeling and diving, and also some work - for a change.

Dmitri

WONDERFUL!
I'm really glad that you are able to enjoy these beautiful places... 8)


Clear skies!

Dmitri,
A 10x50 is really a lot of fun. This time of year, I guess any night sky observing at all is a treat for you Nordics. How can you possibly work in a place like Curacao?

My first view of Omega Centauri, barely, was through the thick, moist air on the beach in Florida. I remember thinking if it was visible at all through that murk, it must really be something.
Ron