At the very end of August, early Sunday morning for the nth time I
had the Peak to myself. Was standing on the road in front of Coulter
marvelling at the stars coming up in the South, watching Cetus all
big and up already. I asked myself what the bright star was over the
horizon south and west of Diphda, beta Cet. Checked two charts and
sure enough it's the alpha star in Phoenix, Ankaa.
Now for the even more grizzled TACos, like da Weasel, I know this is
obvious, but I hadn't known we could see down into Phoenix from here.
Very exotic, even if it's only at 42 south.
This past Saturday night I had fun showing off Ankaa to Czerwinski
and Everitt and Tips. Turley had the best response, "Naa, you're full
of it, not from here." The least gratifying response was from Joe Bob
hissef, who immediately said, "Oh yeah, it's the best jumping off
star for ngc 55." The guy is getting way too good. Next star I gotta
make out, to Jardine's lead, is Acamar, bright star in Eridanus, just
below 40 south. Yes I know I've seen it without identifying it. Just
gotta get busy.
Good weekend, y'all, bright Moon, drizzly skies and all. My
Hallowe'en costume today went over big at work. Swami X. Swami, the
eminent false guru.
Hugs to all the spooks and goblins.
DDK
-- Jamie Dillon <*> <mavericks@No-Spam> http://www.winepress.com/jd1.htm "Prunejuice! A warrior's drink!" Worf son of Mog