It had been cloudy all day long, (actually for a few days/nights now), but as it started to get a bit darker after sunset, a few gaps started to appear. I decided to pull out the little 6" newt (my grab & go scope) mainly to let a couple of friends look through a telescope for the first time. Jupiter is IMHO a great showpiece. Only had time to let the scope cool down for about 15 minutes, but I figured I didn't have to go that high in magnification. Grabbed a couple of EP's (Celestron X-Cel LX 12mm and 9mm) and out we went. Got a crisp and clear image with the 12mm EP, the two main equatorial bands were very easy to make out, so did the four galilean moons. Swapped to the 9mm EP but I didn't think it would be that good since the scope hadn't cooled down properly, I was, however, wrong. Really clear and crisp image with that EP as well. What a good feeling to hear and see the reactions of my friends as they looked through the scope, enjoying the view of Jupiter and its moons. It has been far too long since I aimed a telescope at this Jupiter (or any other planet for that matter). Only got a short session this time though, as the clouds closed the show way too fast. But better a short session than no session at all.

Another Messier object that I've never observed before. Surprisingly easy to find with the binos, but I will go back to have a look at it again through a scope.

During a break from meteor spotting, I decided to try to find a couple of DSO's I've never seen before. First off was M3, took a little while to find it. Moved the binos too fast and missed it a few times while star hopping. A few more tries and I nailed it. Will revisit with a telesccope later of course.

Thought I'd have quick look at Mizar (and Alcor). Easy to split the pair with binos, even by naked eye.

Right after I spotted M13, I turned the binos towards M92, easy to find the fuzzy little ball of light.