OR: Two nights (Nov. 20/21) on the Lowrey 48" - Howard's observing notes

[Howard Banich]

We've already enjoyed Akarsh and Steve's notes from our trip to observe with Jimi Lowrey and his marvelous 48-inch f/4 telescope, and below are my observing notes, which are meant to compliment their OR's.

But first - why is this guy from Oregon on the TAC list? The short answer is that the OR's are fabulous, but more than that, I'm a native of Sunnyvale. I had my first exposure to astronomy from my dad, a meteorologist, in our Sunnyvale backyard when I was three. Even though my family moved away when I was four, I was old enough to remember all the orange and fig orchards from the late 50's, and have always considered Sunnyvale my first home. 

Ok, that said, here's my OR:

First night:

I've scanned my observing notes and sketches to illustrate what I saw, but that means you'll have to read my observing handwriting, which when observing on the 48-inch is often rather hurried. The sketches have been lightly cleaned up - the stars are more round, nebulous areas have been smoothed a little, and the stray pencil marks erased. Here we go...

Below, on the right side in the middle, you'll see a sketch without a designation or notes - I somehow missed adding that important information - perhaps I was too excited by the next object! Steve and Akarsh, does this object ring a bell?

End of night one, beginning of night two:

Comet 3I Atlas

If you've made it this far, you'll note that there's a mystery about what we saw regarding Comet 3I's tail. Essentially, the tail we saw in the eyepiece was pointing in the same direction as it was in the sky - that is, the tail as shown in my sketch was pointing the same direction it was pointing away from the sun. That can't be right, so what did we see? I'm still scratching my head...

[Richard Navarrete]

Howard,

We’re, of course, glad to have you participating on the list! I think I’ve observed through your scope at least once at GSSP, so we’re like family now. 

Your sketches are marvelous, and make a wonderful complement to your observation notes. What a treat to see all that detail, and also color! Thanks so much for sharing.

Richard

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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[Akarsh Simha]

Howard your missing object is NGC 1427A in the Fornax cluster, at least from my memory. Steve can corroborate.

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[Mark Wagner]

Howard,

Aside from your great observing history, anyone that's a regular at GSSP is effectively a TACo.  You're more like a TACo grande.

[Howard Banich]

Thanks Akarsh!

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[Howard Banich]

Thanks Mark and Richard - I appreciate your endorsements!

Howard

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[Jamie Dillon, DDK]

Howard asked an incendiary question - "But first - why is this guy from Oregon on the TAC list?'" You may ask.

I was on the watch when you asked for a subscription. Akarsh had stuck up for you, and I knew you'd been to GSSP more than once. And naturally I'd heard your name, Howard. So I hit the approve button and braced myself. Nobody groused when your posts showed up.

So you're golden, Banich! Hope to meet you in person sometime.

[Richard Navarrete]

I’d love to open membership to outside our area if they posted OR’s like Howard!

Richard

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

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