Observing
In the Coffs Harbour area, we are reasonably fortunate in having easy access to fairly dark skies. Except for anyone living within a few kilometres of the city centre, there is minimal interference from bright lights, and many interesting objects can be seen, with the naked eye, with binoculars, or with telescopes. CHAS meetings are held at Boambee Memorial Hall, which provides a site good enough to observe any objects of interest to the amateur astronomer with modest equipment. Such objects include the Moon (of course), the brighter planets, especially Jupiter and Saturn, star clusters, nebulae and possibly even a few galaxies.
In winter, the Milky Way is well placed for observing, and is a rewarding sight with even the simplest optical aid. With the benefit of binoculars or a good telescope, the many fine clusters, nebulae and star fields are seen to best advantage. Currently [October 2010] Jupiter is well-placed in the evening sky, having just passed opposition, and with even a small telescope, its major cloud belts can be seen. Jupiter will be visible until about the end of January 2011, by which time, Saturn will be reappearing in the east. For information about what's visible tonight, Heavens-Above has much useful information and sky charts. There is usually a number of telescopes available on clear meeting nights, from binoculars to medium-sized reflecting telescopes, and members and visitors are always welcome to share a view of any interesting object 'on display.' If you have a telescope that you need advice and help in using properly, then feel free to bring it to the meeting, and there will be someone available to point you in the right direction. Alternatively, if you need advice on the best instrument to buy, then someone can help you with that as well. |
NGC 346 is a star-forming region in the
Small Magellanic Cloud. NASA photo. |