At long last.....

Tonight's the night! Dean and I are planning on going observing (I think at Kitt Peak) tonight! This will be the first time out since we've been back - the first time we've gone observing in a very long time! I bought my telescope (my very first one - similar to the one in the picture) a couple of years ago in Cottonwood, Arizona. Since that time I've only gotten to use it a few times. The weather in Illinois isn't always very cooperative, and combine that with my work schedule - maybe I've gotten to use it a half dozen times. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to really get to use it - looking at a winter sky (without freezing to death) - under the best conditions available! There is the vague threat of some clouds tonight, hopefully they will dissipate with the dry air and not be a real threat. Living in Illinois most of my life I've never gotten to see the Orion Nebula through a telescope - as well as many of the other 'usual' winter objects. The hospital gave us a star "named after us" as a going away gift - and we may even be able to find that, as it appears to be of a great enough magnitude to be able to find it! Maybe we'll have some pretty pictures to post tomorrow, from tonight's efforts!