I never intended taking this image. After modifying my mount to a Rohan belt drive it needed polar aligning, I’ve been relying on PHD but boy has it had it’s work cut out. So I spent the evening getting the alignment right and couldn’t help testing it on M42, it is such a beautiful object how could I pass up the opportunity, I’m embarrassed to say no calibration frames were used due to the impromptu nature of the opportunity…

Recently my observatory has been warmer than usual and because it is well documented that if a room is cold then it is likely to be possessed by demons it seems the only rational reason for this change in temperature is that the creatures of the night are aware I’m prepared for them and are keeping away.

The record breaking day time temperatures this month have allowed me to get out and erect an oak picket fence made from stakes, which I’ve been regularly applying consecrated water, but being of rational thought, I’ve consecrated my water by reading passages from Patrick Moores ‘Atlas of the Universe’, and to be doubly sure I chant the Forward from my old Norton’s Atlas when applying the water.   

However, ever cautious, I haven’t ruled out that the record-breaking day time temperatures this February has pushed all the beasts of the night north to colder climes, and my efforts to thwart them are folly, anyway, whatever the reason for their departure, I’m enjoying a warmer Observatory as a result.