high altitude airplane observeing

One of the first things I observed using my home made Dob was a satellite passing my fov at dusk and I managed then to track it for maybe 2 good seconds, centered perfectly in my eyepiece.

I have now began coming home from a long days work, setting up my scope and looking for contrails. When I see one I locate it, follow it to the jet and BAM! My 2 inch eyepieces' fov can get simply an amazing image.

My dob is on the heavy side, about 50 pounds, and it seems real solid while tracking manually.

Does anyone else enjoy this type thing or am I just strange? lol

Leslie

I get almost the same effect by living right near an airport. Better sound, though, and I don't even need a scope.

Steve

I guess I am just strange?

OH well, I can live with that, it is nothing I did not already strongly suspect anyway....

leslie

Leslie,
Depending on where you view from and if you look long enough you will occasionally see some aircraft that you WON’T see at the local air port or any where else: At least not legally. I am not talking about alien spacecraft either. They are made right here in the good ole USA.
Bob

The other evening I followed an old 727 with a white bunny logo on the tail. I could see through one of the windows in back a couple initiating themselves into the mile high club...:-)