Re: Observing tonight?

[Jeff Newland]

Since there wasn't any outreach on Friday, Dave and I decided to try out Keller.  We both went out during the day to check it out and see what it looks like.  Keller still hasn't been plowed.  Quite a few tracks there though.  I did drive in and was able to get out with no problem.  The north end seems to have less snow and packed down more.  If you stay on the north end, should be OK.  Just take it slow and easy and have a shovel handy.  😀 
Anyway, we got out there a little before 8:00.  The moon was quite bright.  It wasn't too hard to find Comet Wirtanen.  It is quite large, but with the moon, wasn't really as easy to see as I thought it would be.  Dave and I both wondered how anyone could see that naked eye, but I guess if you were out in the country and before the moon started messing with things, it would be brighter.  Not sure how well it will be for the next few nights as the moon gets closer and goes by it.
I also tried to find Comet Swift-Gehrels, but no luck.  That one is up by Triangulum if anyone wants to look for that.  Also struck out in looking for Uranus.  Tried to find it from memory, but turned out was looking in the wrong spot..  next time.  🙂
Good luck to anyone else looking for comets.  Oh..  I guess each of us saw one  Geminid…  bright, but scarce. 
Jeff