Observation 15: Crab nebula, M42
19:05 Temp: 47f Sky: Clear. Observations: Jupiter and Saturn are still passing very closely together in their great conjunction. I can still clearly see them both in the same field of view through a 25mm lens. I used my new 12.5 and 6mm Plossl lenses to see the planets in finer detail, but with them being close to the horizon there was a fair amount of distortion. After the planets set, I pointed at Aldebaran and calibrated the scope. Pivoted to the coordinates of the Crab nebula, and I can see a smudge; this is likely the nebula itself, though it could be some sort of artifact or some sort of cognitive distortion caused by my desire to see the nebula. Betelgeuse is next on the list. Bright yellow, she is brilliant this evening. Application of some color filters changes the character of the star - good viewing of this orb tonight. The animals are going insane - rabbits are thumping, the chickens are calling, and the astronomy cat sprinted away. Is there an owl about, o...
