I was just wondering if anyone was planning to observe Uranus during this apparition? Some observations suggest that there might be some subtle banding has appeared on the planet. I think it would be worthwhile to get some good coverage of the planet over the course of an apparition. If anyone does make some observations (you'll need an 8" 'scope or larger) please send them into Mike and myself at the Saturn Section!

Many thanks!!
-Paul.

Dear Paul,

Now Uranus is out of the murk, I'm seriously tempted to have ago. At observing this under observed planet.

I have a modest 250mm 1200fl F4.8 Newtonian, with some good quality Vixen LV's and a x2 Barlow. The highest practical power with this equipment, when the seeing allows. Could be x400 and on rare occasions x600.

So I should see the planet as a tiny disk. Whether I can resolve any cloud belts is another matter. However I will let you have any observation's and drawings if you wish.

Hi Paul (A),

I have been copied on a number of Uranus (and Neptune) images taken by Marc Delcroix et. al. at Pic du Midi using the 1m scope.

If you have not seen any of these, i can probably forward them on.

Or i think you can find them at:

www.astrosurf.com/delcroix/index_en.htm

go to Planetary Images, then Galerie d'Images, then scroll down.

Callum

Lovely Uranus images at 685nm. Certainly highlighted the differences between different nights...

Excellent, I'm glad a few more people are interested. I have used my 203mm Newtonian in good conditions, at at x350-x400 faint banding is sometimes apparent. I also use the University of Leicester's 20" Planewave DK. That certainly has a lot of light grasp. I think a long period of coverage (i.e. the way we cover the main planets) would be more helpful that just a couple of pictures around opposition.

Best wishes,
-Paul.