Last night I had the pleasure to go with my class and experienced a wonderful night (and morning) underneath true dark skies with nice equipment. We brought along the college's LX-200 GPS and older C-8. While the LX expereinced technical difficulties, (mainly the focuser failing to do...well anything, and batteries failing) the trusty old C-8 was wonderful to view through as always while the LX was packed way early. Before retiring for the night, however, the LX was able to provide great views of several galazies, namely the Whirlpool, and Sombrero. This was the best view I have ever seen of these 2 guys. Me being one of 3 'experienced' observer's there, it was a wonderful treat to show people all the jewels that the night had to provide, including Jupiter, Saturn, the crescent moon, the Herculese globular cluster, other various nebulae, and of course, the Milky Way. I never get over the "ooh"s and "ah"s when people view these things for the first time. Looking at dim galaxies was almost humorous while the experienced people were really thrilled, the most common reaction by the rest of the group was something to the effect of "you mean its the fuzzy thing to the left?". Being a real nut, and staying up with a few people, we cooked some 2 am burgers. Most everyone went to bed at that point, but I so rarely get a chance under a true dark sky, I wasn't turning in without getting everything I could get. After scanning the Milky Way around Scorpio and finding some nebula, and many clusters and finding several 'faint fuzzies' throughout the sky, it was time for the night (morning) to come to an end - and what better way than the Andromeda Galaxy rising to the East. Always a thrill, I pleasured myself with that view until I noticed the East starting to lighten up. That was my sign to turn in finally. From about 9pm until 4:30 am, it was truly a great night to be viewing. Thanks for letting me share my expereince with you.
Evan
Evan
