Hi all,

Saw the shuttle following the ISS tonight at 6:18pm - really pretty. Just
happened to check Heavens-above.com about 5 minutes before it happened. If it's
clear tomorrow night, the ISS will have a great pass.

If anyone wants a great deal on some Meade Plossels, Astronomics has some for
$15 each this weekend.
http://www.astronomics.com/main/category.asp/catalog_name/Astronomics/category_n\
ame/D7LDE177TBT19MGXKK7A1HM683/Page/1

Jim




________________________________



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have a Canon 10D digital slr body only that I used for prime focus for sale.
It comes with 3 good batterys, charger, remote, and card reader. Im asking $150.
Joel 828-768-1306

The sky clock promised too much to pass off, so Joplin and I journeyed to Bobby
Brown State Park.  Got there just after sunset and during setup noticed that we
were already dewing up.  Thank heaven for dew heaters.  Mine were internal
secondary, horseshoe Telrad, and strap for finder scope.  Plus we had to keep
the covers on our EPs whenever not in use.  Will remember to take a few towels
from now on.  We were treated to some early good seeing and spent the early
hours before total darkness checking out the old standbys such as M1, 13, 15,
27, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 47.  Its amazing how easily M57 is seen even
in twilight.  I like planetaries, so we ventured to observe NGCs 246, 1535,
2022, 6543, 6842, 6886, 6905, and 7662.  Several fovorite edge-on galaxies were
checked such as 253, 891, and 7640 which provided a scale of reduced magnitude. 
The Veil and Cresent Nebula provided nice views.  Then a few other galaxies NGCs
670, 672, and 6946, followed by star clusters NGC 457 and 6939.

As Orion drifted upwards I tried the trapezium.  Even though it was low, the E
and F stars were quite easily discerned, but no G star.  The best view of the
Orion Nebula was in Joplins 17.5" dob with his 28 UWAN. The Flame nebula was
faint without any filter, the horsehead was not.  Around 11:30 we noticed that
transparency was rapidly diminishing caused by incoming fog.  That was our clue
to pack up causing us to wish we had a squeegee.  Water was running off my
scope.  Fortunately I had placed  my table, cases and books under the tailgate
and covered that with a tarp.  An excellent night, but still not that nirvana
that was hoped for.

For further information on future outings check Upstate_Astronomers Yahoo Group.
Two good weekends are coming up in December; the 11-13 and 18-20.  We will
venture out both weather permitting.

Jud

Info on clinic at Compleat Naturalist:



FREE Clinic: How to Choose a Telescope
Sunday, November 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

How powerful is this telescope?  How far can I see?  How can I take pictures
through my telescope?  What telescope should I get for my grandchild?  Backyard
astronomy can be a great hobby, at any age.

If you have questions about telescopes, drop in anytime between 2:00 and 4:00
p.m. for our free Telescope Clinic.  Astronomy expert Chuck Pisa from Meade
Instruments will be here to answer all of your questions.

Free program; no registration required.  We look forward to seeing you!

The Compleat Naturalist, Ltd.
              Historic Biltmore Village, Asheville NC
   Visit us at www.compleatnaturalist.com
Questions?  Call 828-274-5430 or 800-678-5430.


Nancy

Thanks, Tim.
I'll be there around 6:15 or so. I think sunset is about 5:30. If any of the new
folks want to come, they are welcome to look thru my scope.

Jim




________________________________
From: Tim <barnwelltim@...>
To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 13, 2009 2:17:44 PM
Subject: [AstroAsheville] Stargaze Fri the 13th at Mount Pisgah

 
I find conflicting closure information on Stoney Bald overlook (our secondary
meeting place as discussed at club meeting last Thursday), and as Pisgah is
still open, we'll have our viewing there tonight as usual. From Brevard go up
Hwy 276, turn north on parkway past Pisgah Inn to our spot at trailhead to
Pisgah Tower. From Asheville folks will need to go to Candler and take Hwy 151
to parkway, turn right (south) and go on to Pisgah. The parkway is closed lower
down so you cannot access Pisgah from Breavard Rd. now, must detour. Dress very
warm as it will be in the 30's there tonight. New folks check website for map
and milepost details at astroasheville. org
Everyone post if you are planning to go. Thanks!
Tim Barnwell




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I find conflicting closure information on Stoney Bald overlook (our secondary
meeting place as discussed at club meeting last Thursday), and as Pisgah is
still open, we'll have our viewing there tonight as usual. From Brevard go up
Hwy 276, turn north on parkway past Pisgah Inn to our spot at trailhead to
Pisgah Tower. From Asheville folks will need to go to Candler and take Hwy 151
to parkway, turn right (south) and go on to Pisgah. The parkway is closed lower
down so you cannot access Pisgah from Breavard Rd. now, must detour. Dress very
warm as it will be in the 30's there tonight. New folks check website for map
and milepost details at astroasheville.org
Everyone post if you are planning to go. Thanks!
Tim Barnwell

I've come to the same conclusion that Stoney Knob overlook is at milepost 402.6
and within the closed area.  So perhaps folks should meet at the normal site in
the Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot.  Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway would be
via Hwy 151 or 276.

Bernie


   ----- Original Message -----
   From: George
   To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 9:12 AM
   Subject: [AstroAsheville] Re: Observing site Friday night



   Looks like Stoney Bald overlook is at mile post 402. The parkway is closed
between 393.6 and 405.5.

   --- In AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com, "Bernard Arghiere" <barghiere@...>
wrote:
   >
   > Nancy and others,
   >
   > I hadn't heard that before your email. Where is Stoney Bald? What mile
marker?
   >
   > Bernie
   >
   >
   > ----- Original Message -----
   > From: nancyb28803
   > To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
   > Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:32 AM
   > Subject: [AstroAsheville] Observing site Friday night
   >
   >
   >
   > Hi,
   >
   > I thought that the site the club was meeting for tonight's observing was BRP
@ Stoney Bald overlook site and not Mt. Pisgah. This could be incorrect but let
me know which site people are going to. I will probably come to Stoney Bald but
not sure of Mt. Pisgah at this time.
   >
   > Nancy
   >
   >
   >
   >
   >
   > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
   >





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Since I haven't observed with you guys on the parkway before, I'll just wait to
hear what's decided about a site for tonight. I'm interested for tonight, but
will not be able to Sat. night.
Jim



________________________________
From: George <blueridge.cajun@...>
To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 13, 2009 9:12:19 AM
Subject: [AstroAsheville] Re: Observing site Friday night

 
Looks like Stoney Bald overlook is at mile post 402. The parkway is closed
between 393.6 and 405.5.

--- In AstroAsheville@ yahoogroups. com, "Bernard Arghiere" <barghiere@. ..>
wrote:
>
> Nancy and others,
>
> I hadn't heard that before your email. Where is Stoney Bald? What mile marker?
>
> Bernie
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: nancyb28803
> To: AstroAsheville@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:32 AM
> Subject: [AstroAsheville] Observing site Friday night
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I thought that the site the club was meeting for tonight's observing was BRP @
Stoney Bald overlook site and not Mt. Pisgah. This could be incorrect but let me
know which site people are going to. I will probably come to Stoney Bald but not
sure of Mt. Pisgah at this time.
>
> Nancy
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Is anyone considering going out Saturday?  Bridge on Friday night this weekend. 
Also, am I to understand that access to Pisgah is via 151?

Jud

Looks like Stoney Bald overlook is at mile post 402.  The parkway is closed
between 393.6 and 405.5.


--- In AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com, "Bernard Arghiere" <barghiere@...> wrote:
>
> Nancy and others,
>
> I hadn't heard that before your email.  Where is Stoney Bald? What mile
marker?
>
> Bernie
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: nancyb28803
>   To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:32 AM
>   Subject: [AstroAsheville] Observing site Friday night
>
>
>
>   Hi,
>
>   I thought that the site the club was meeting for tonight's observing was BRP
@ Stoney Bald overlook site and not Mt. Pisgah. This could be incorrect but let
me know which site people are going to. I will probably come to Stoney Bald but
not sure of Mt. Pisgah at this time.
>
>   Nancy
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I looked up the BRP road conditions & closings online and as of this morning the
road is closed from MP 393.6 to MP 405.5. Stoney Bald overlook would have to be
accessed from Hwy. 151 Candler.

Stoney Bald overlook is in the area of BRP MP 405-406. As you are driving south
(when the road is open) the overlook will be on the left side.

This may not be a possibility for us.

Nancy

Nancy and others,

I hadn't heard that before your email.  Where is Stoney Bald? What mile marker?

Bernie


   ----- Original Message -----
   From: nancyb28803
   To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 8:32 AM
   Subject: [AstroAsheville] Observing site Friday night



   Hi,

   I thought that the site the club was meeting for tonight's observing was BRP @
Stoney Bald overlook site and not Mt. Pisgah. This could be incorrect but let me
know which site people are going to. I will probably come to Stoney Bald but not
sure of Mt. Pisgah at this time.

   Nancy





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

I thought that the site the club was meeting for tonight's observing was BRP @
Stoney Bald overlook site and not Mt. Pisgah.  This could be incorrect but let
me know which site people are going to.  I will probably come to Stoney Bald but
not sure of Mt. Pisgah at this time.

Nancy

The forecast is still pretty good for tonight.  The Mount Pisgah trailhead
parking lot via the Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed from Hwys. 151 or 276. 
Remember that the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed south of Hwy. 151 (heading toward
the French Broad River).

Unfortunately because of a class commitment, I will not be able to attend
tonight.  But I hope a bunch of you take advantage of this nicer weather up at
Pisgah.  BTW, after 7 p.m. tonight, Jupiter's Great (not so red) Spot and
Ganymede's shadow transit will be facing your way.

Enjoy,
Bernie


   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Jim Brown
   To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 1:55 PM
   Subject: Re: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe



   Hi Bernie,
   I may join you. Long range forecast looks like it may be OK.
   Jim

   ________________________________
   From: Bernard Arghiere <barghiere@...>
   To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wed, November 11, 2009 6:20:36 AM
   Subject: Re: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe


   I've heard that the parkway can be accessed from Hwy 151 through Candler and
then up to our observing site at the Mt. Pisgah parking lot. All we need to do
is hope for some clear skies this weekend.

   Bernie

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Bernard Arghiere
   To: Astronomy Club Asheville
   Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 9:21 AM
   Subject: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe

   I know that the parkway is closed south of Brevard Road (Hwy. 191). So what's
the best way to get to our observing site for this Friday? Does anyone know? Is
the Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot accessible by taking Hwy. 151 out of
Candler? Or is Hwy. 151 in the closure area? The other option may be Hwy. 276
through Pisgah Forest or the Waynesville area. Or should we meet somewhere else
this Friday?

   Clear skies,
   Bernie

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Bernie,
I may join you. Long range forecast looks like it may be OK.
Jim




________________________________
From: Bernard Arghiere <barghiere@...>
To: AstroAsheville@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, November 11, 2009 6:20:36 AM
Subject: Re: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe

 
I've heard that the parkway can be accessed from Hwy 151 through Candler and
then up to our observing site at the Mt. Pisgah parking lot. All we need to do
is hope for some clear skies this weekend.

Bernie

----- Original Message -----
From: Bernard Arghiere
To: Astronomy Club Asheville
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 9:21 AM
Subject: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe

I know that the parkway is closed south of Brevard Road (Hwy. 191). So what's
the best way to get to our observing site for this Friday? Does anyone know? Is
the Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot accessible by taking Hwy. 151 out of
Candler? Or is Hwy. 151 in the closure area? The other option may be Hwy. 276
through Pisgah Forest or the Waynesville area. Or should we meet somewhere else
this Friday?

Clear skies,
Bernie

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've heard that the parkway can be accessed from Hwy 151 through Candler and
then up to our observing site at the Mt. Pisgah parking lot.  All we need to do
is hope for some clear skies this weekend.

Bernie

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Bernard Arghiere
   To: Astronomy Club Asheville
   Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 9:21 AM
   Subject: [AstroAsheville] Nov. 13th observe



   I know that the parkway is closed south of Brevard Road (Hwy. 191). So what's
the best way to get to our observing site for this Friday? Does anyone know? Is
the Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot accessible by taking Hwy. 151 out of
Candler? Or is Hwy. 151 in the closure area? The other option may be Hwy. 276
through Pisgah Forest or the Waynesville area. Or should we meet somewhere else
this Friday?

   Clear skies,
   Bernie

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ultimately three of us (The Three Jamigos; Jim, Joplin, and Jud) descended on
the flying field near Dacusville.  My proposed obserivng list was agressive, but
skies did not quite cooperate for some of the more difficult objects.  Started
out with NGC 6633, an open cluster in Ophiuchus from the Herschel 400 not
previously observed.  Of cousse a little time was spent on Jupiter early when it
was a little more presentable, before seeing deteriorated. Then it was on to
some of the more showy objects as the skies darkened, such as the Ring, M13,
M15, M22, M11, M17, M27, M31, M32, M33, M36, M37, M38, M110.  Skies ultimately
darkened to about mag 5 or so and the Milky Way was reasonable.  A little wind
pestered us from time to time, but not offensively.

Other favorites visited was the NA Nebula, Veil, NGC 1501 (Pn) and 1502 (SC in
Kembles Cascade).  Can't pass up the ET cluster (NGC 457).  Then the more
challenging such as NGC 891, 7640, 7606; all edge-on galaxies.  Numerous other
planetaries were visited such as das blinking nebula, NGC 6826, NGC 40, 6751,
and 7009 (Saturn Nebula).  Then back to Cepheus for the faint, face-on galaxie
NGC 6946, always challenging and its companion star cluster NGC 6939.

My surprise of the night was being able to discern two dust lanes in M31;
something I have never done locally.  Tis an example of learning how to observe.

Jud