Christmas Observing at Jodrell Plank

Canon 600D Widefield Camera 30 second exposure at ISO1600 EOS lens at f=18mm. View roughly North East - 24 Dec 2018 - Credit Kurt Thrust

"All the observatory staff are out tonight studying the Comet 46P Wirtanen as it passes close to the bright star Capella (Alpha Auriga). Whilst the team was beavering away under transparent clear skies I managed to obtain the above unusual image.

It has been a busy week here in Lowestoft and for the last two days you could not walk through the extensive grounds of the  Jodrell Plank Observatory for fear of tripping over Robins. This eve, the Jodrell Plank stargazers were very excited and before commencing the night's observing session, we hung-up our thick wool stockings under the Meade 127mm Apo Refractor. We are all keeping our fingers crossed that we have been assessed as 'nice' rather than 'naughty' astronomers. Mrs Thrust is handing out steaming mugs of mulled wine so there is no knowing what we might discover tonight.

 A very merry Christmas to all stargazers worldwide" - Kurt Thrust acting CEO and current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.