The Ringed Planet

I did another star gazing marathon early this morning after midnight!

I already had plans to scour the skies for Andromeda Galaxy and a few Messier items discernible around the Orion constellation looking east. But due to the light pollution and the buildings that were around, Andromeda couldn't be properly sighted. :-P

It was disappointing also with other Messier objects which I was looking out for. Using the Starshoot didn't make matters any better as the focusing that went in to get any picture out were all rather off. So, I spend most of the time scanning other constellations around, e.g. Gemini and Auriga and their corresponding stars. At around 3+ am I then realised that Saturn was already making its appearance through the trees, opposite my observing site, that was in the vicinity.

That was when I decided to hunt it down and get a good look at it. I got first sight of it through the 20mm Plossl eyepiece and saw its distinctive shape but it was rather tiny. Then I used the Barlow 3x and was blown away by what I saw! The distinctive shape of the planet with its ring round it was just too awesome to take it all in sitting down! ;-) Problem was I couldn't get the Starshoot to focus properly to get a good picture... :-P *bummer* So you will just have to take my word for it. :-)

The night and into the wee morning was worth the wait and effort.. :-)