Just reporting back to say that last night we had a most wonderful viewing evening. Despite the strong wind the sky was exceptionally clear and very suitable for viewing.

Not only did the 23 people who came along to Marist Brothers get to see the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station fly over Durban, but we also saw Mars, Jupiter and Saturn through the telescopes.

Additionally we looked at a star called Alberio, which to the naked eye is a faint insignificant looking star, yet through the telescope one sees two beautiful bright stars - one a bright blue and the other a golden yellow.

I left the viewing early and attended a gathering hosted by one of our Museum volunteers, where I set up the telescope once again. By about 11PM last night the wind had died down and the sky became truly magnificent.

I have never seen Jupiter or Saturn so clearly before! Saturn, although always breathtaking with its beautiful rings, tends to appear colourless and washed out. Yet last night its brownish colour was evident and even a thin band of cloud on its surface!

Attached is a Hubble image of Saturn to give you an idea of what I mean :-)

Regards

Mario Di Maggio
Astronomy Interest Group