Observation Log - 11/08/2004

Subject:	Perseids
Seeing:	Average
Light:	Good
Location:	Jaagpad, Rijswijk

Equipment

Scope:	Celectron C8
Scope:	6" SCT

Comments

First time at this location, and an unforgatable first night observing with members of the local club. Early cloud coverage gave way to a reasonably clear sky, and light polution was a lot less of an issue than on the home balcony!

In total I saw maybe 20 Perseids, varying from faint streeks to very luminous and briefly persistent trails of light. By chance, I had the unofficial first sighting of the night whilst looking towards Ursa Major, not exactly an area in which I was expecting to see anything.

Earlier in the evening, I got to have a quick look through a few members' scopes. I got my first views of M13 and M57 (the Ring Nebula) through a C8. M13 wasn't much more than a fuzzy blob, as it wasn't all that dark as yet. M57 was however quite a distinctive light ring with a centre similar in tone to the surrounding sky. I was unable to sketch what I saw, but I don't think I'll forget it in a hurry.

I also took the opportunity to familiarise myself a little with the various constellations visible at the time. Cygnus was particularly noticable, as was the distinct figure "3" of Cassiopeia.

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