My first observing for a while - depressing

For various reasons I've not been able to do much with the 'scopes for
almost a year now. Last night though I set up my 10" Newt and tried to
get back into the swing of it.

Saturn at 300x was lovely (as always). Observed it for about 20 minutes
and was rewarded with a meteor flashing through the FOV.

The rest of the night was a bit saddening though, as it drove home haw
bad the light pollution has become here in the Stafford suburbs. I tried
to locate the M65/66 pair. Now, I'd previously observed these two years
ago (same 'scope) and while not easy they were clearly there, with the
faintest hint of NGC3628. Last night M65/66 were barely visible. My
night vision wasn't at its best, but even so.

Managed to take one picture, although it's not quite what I'd
intended...

http://www.ursaminorbeta.co.uk/hedgePig.jpg

There were four of them in total (only ever saw three though) and they
make the most adorable purring/chirping noise when you're near them.

Jim
--
Find me at http://www.ursaminorbeta.co.uk
AIM/iChatAV: JCAndrew2
Skype: greyarea