Dillingham, where's that many might ask? For those unfamiliar with the
Hawaii astronomy situation, thats the main dark-sky site for the HAS
(Hawaiian Astronomical Society) on Oahu's north shore. I was back there
for several days and attended the public star party.
The weather had been dismal there this winter, probably related to the
same systems that pummeled the west coast. But it miraculously cleared on
Saturday, with perfect clear blue skies. The NELM was about 6.3 in most
directions, except in the SE towards Honolulu. The skies there are
actually quite dark, even though its only about 25 miles from the major
population centers on the island. And thats about as far as one can drive
away from town!
I only had my binoculars with me, so mainly concentrated on estimating
comet Q2 Machholz, which is still quite well visible in the northern sky,
near the big dipper. I called it m1=7.2 in my 10x50's with an 8' coma
diameter. In some of the larger scopes, like a 15" Dob, the tail could
still be seen, though faintly, I estimated it about 25' in p.a. 230 degs.
The thin crescent moon was sitting right on its back at this latitude, and
made a nice show for the public with a good demonstration of earthshine.
The rest of the time I estimated a few southern variables, like VZ PYX, HL
CMA and V442 CEN, which is in a long outburst. Also enjoyed all the star
clouds and clusters in the Puppis and Vela regions which are quite
difficult up here in CA.
And it was a nice change to be able to observe in 72F conditions at
night!!
Mike Linnolt
Received on Mon Apr 11 10:18:42 2005