Bed of nails and nightmares

It was a clear night again last night, so I thought I would continue with my poorly executed night sky searching. I made it thru Capella, Castor, Pollux, the Pleides ( always a favorite), the Hyades, Aldebaran, Polaris (just for giggles) Cassiopeia, Delta Cephei, Mu Cephei, M38, M36, M37, M42 (again) and was going for M44 but the clouds started coming in making it difficult. I ended up getting frustrated and went in... but in all a nice night none the less.

Don't this way

Last night was a beautiful cold clear night. The moon was full, so I decided to go out and do a little moon gazing. So, I busted out the binoculars and went outside to see the moon. The view thru my binoculars was amazing even if a little bright. I spent some time looking at the Lunar Mare and ray systems of various craters (not just Tycho). Eventualy I decided I would bust out the Telescope and do a little stargazing even with the light pollution of the city and the full moon. Being very new to this I just did simple things starting with Orion I looked at Betelgeuse then on to Canis major and Sirius before deciding to go for M42. I was actually a little suprised at how easy it was to see the Orion Nebula even with the full moon. I guess I will have to try again on a clear moonless night. It should be even more amazing.

New Ink?

basic plan early version 3

Mini Max

So for Christmas Chris gave me this model rocket... It comes with a story. When I was young, I was the proud owner of the original Der Red Max rocket. Sadly, at least to the young me, my father would not allow me to put the decals on because they glorify death or some such thing. All I know is the young me thought they were incredibly cool and I was irreversably damaged because I was told the things I wanted were wicked and evil. Or something like that... Anyway, so Chris gave me this rocket. It is the mini version of the vintage reissue. Apparently this rocket is very popular.

Engine assembly

Fins

Engine in

Ready for primer, sanding and paint. It is too cold out to paint right now. I will update in the spring when I do paint (I am gonna put the decals on) and launch this thing.

I also plan on buying another Der Red Max.