Up, up and away...

This evening I helped ground crew for Sheila's balloon. Photos on the Picasa link here, and Google Earth GPS file here. It was good fun. We started near Petrockstow, and she landed about 4 miles to the south.

Moon Gazing

Last night the sky was incredibly clear, with a bright waxing gibbous moon.

I got out my birding scope to have a clearer look and the sight was incredible. We could clearly see indentations and shadows on the limb of the moon.

There was a planet nearby, which after a little debate, and consultation from my astronomical almanac, we deduced to be Jupiter.

Viewing through the scope revealed two of the four Galilean Moons, whih was certainly a first for me. It was an especial treat.