Jupiter

I had plans for epic stargazing.
This was partially scuppered by having a cup of coffee with a large shot of brandy in it. The brandy hit quickly and my ability to align the telescope was hindered somewhat.
I got there eventually.

I thought I would take a quick look at Jupiter. I had a shopping list of objects I wanted to view, but couldn't resist the stripey oblate spheroid. I didn't go to any of the other sites I wanted to look at - I just looked and imaged and looked a bit more.

The red spot would have been visible around 11pm, but I gave up around 10.20 as the temperature plummeted and my fingers appeared to drop off. The photo does not do it justice - through the eyepiece, the moons were so clear and the banding on the planet just amazing to see.

Apparently, the Sky at Night research team rang before I got home this evening. They are going to ring me back apparently - wanting to know if I have been doing the Winter Moore Marathon. I figured I had better get my backside in gear and start ticking some things off the list. I am about 2/3 of the way through the list.

Was good to to get out, but now I need to wrap myself up in the duvet like a giant caterpillar and get some sleep.