TIANGONG 1
On two different evenings this week Lucy and I have gone out and attempted to view the new earth orbiting satellite (Tiangong 1) which was  launched on Sept. 29 by China (PRC).  According to all reports, Tiangong should be easily observed with the naked eye but we haven't had even as much as a glance of the new satellite. Tiangong is a fairly large unmanned module which is designed to demonstrate both the capability to get such a large object into earth orbit and to demonstrate the capability to dock with 3 other satellites that will be launched soon.  If all goes according to plans, a larger manned modular satellite will be launched sometime during 2020.   This manned module is planned to carry 3 astronauts. 


          THE CENTER OF THE MILKY WAY GALAXY
It is getting to be that time of the year when we will not be able to look toward the very center of our galaxy.  Fall will bring an end to easy access of all those wonderful star clusters and globulars as well as nebula's that are found along the southern part of our Milky Way.  But there are plenty of old friends that will be making the scene and I want to visit every one of them.  In fact, now would be an excellent time to visit some of those old nemesis that we can never find during the Messier Marathon---namely M34, M33, M74, and M77 just for starters  All of these will be coming up in the eastern sky around 10:30PM and will be in a good position for observing.  Locate them and make good notes on how to find them when they are low in the western sky during the marathon.  Orion will be coming up during prime viewing hours very soon.  Every time you think you have explored every small detail in this constellation you will find something that you haven't seen during all the previous looks.  How many of us have actually see the Horsehead nebula in our telescope?  In fact, most of our scopes would be straining a little to make out this fine nebula but it is always worth trying.  Especially if you have a 20" or better DOB at your disposal.  


                      Draconid Meteor Shower
This will not be a big event for us in the southern US but these high level meteor showers are always worth getting up for and watching. The main part of the Draconid shower will occur during daylight hours in our location but if you want to give it a try, the best time is after midnight Saturday  Oct.8.  Look to the north and hope for the best.  Remember, if you don't look you aren't very likely to see.