From: Collin Smith [mailto:CollinofAlabama@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, February 18, 2005 4:02 PM
Subject: Sunday & Sunday
Folks,
Last Sunday night was probably the best Winter night for viewing I've ever observed under. The moon was a bit bright and was still many degrees off the western horizon when we left at about 10:15 PM. Still, there was NO wind, and I was able to get by with my wool sweater only - didn't even need my coat. Surprisingly, only Don, first-timer Michelle, and your humble narrator showed up. But it was a GREAT night.
We started off with the Double Cluster and Comet Machholz. Caught a satellite going through the Double Cluster - quite cool. The moon beckoned us, so Don put the high power to it and me the low for some nice views. Then it was off to Saturn. Excellent views of the Crepe Ring, Cassini quite evident, a bit of banding in the outer ring (eeking out the Enke Division?), banding on the globe (John Phillip Souza would have been proud!), and some polar darkening, to say nothing of Titan and at least three additional moons (one further in from Titan - same side, and one above and below the planet relative to the rings).
Then we were over to M81/M82/NGC2976, we then moved on to M35/NGC2158, M37, M36, M38/NGC1907 - the Gemini-Auriga cluster chain! Back to Gemini for the Eskimo, NGC 2392. Of course, I found the open cluster NGC 2420 looking for it. We ended the night with a quick look at Leo's M95/96/105 galaxies and it was time to head home.
CDS

-----Original Message-----
From: Collin Smith [mailto:CollinofAlabama@cox.net]
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 6:42 PM
Subject: The SkyView's the limit!
Folks,
I am planning to be at SkyView for an appointment with the heavens at 8 PM.
The moon won't set tonight till 10:40 PM, so it will be pretty bright, but the eastern skies should be good and we can enjoy Luna's large crescent in the west. Good thing she's not in Virginia - she'd could get a ticket for showing that much crescent!
Come on out and take a look. Remember to dress for the COLD. I know it was nice and warm today, but trust me, it'll feel like Antarctica there. You can always shed layers, but once you're there, and you don't have any more clothes to add, you chillin' baby! Call me f you need any information.
Ciao amigos,
CDS

-----Original Message-----
From: Collin Smith [mailto:CollinofAlabama@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 10, 2005 5:14 PM
Subject: Sunday gamble
Folks,
According to our friends at Weather.com and NOAA, we may be blessed with a parting of the heavens this Sunday night, February 13th. Now I know what you're thinking, "Sunday the 13th!" But just because it's on an 'unlucky' day number doesn't mean you're any more likely to be hit by a meteor than any other particular night. So don't worry; take a chance; and come on out. Might get lucky with a heavenly body!
We're heading up to Skyview. Mind the mud and cold, but don't fear the meteors.
See you Sunday,
CDS