So last night, or rather early this morning, the Perseids came falling around Earth.  I read that the moon was going to be out and kicking the meteor shower's butt, and by about 2:00 A.M., it did just that.  The last shower I was able to witness...which was YEARS ago, was on an almost moonless night, and boy howdy, was it ever a difference.  I estimate I did get to see about 40 shooting stars, though, but what the fudge!!!  I didn't wish upon any of them, haha.

I took my telescope out last night as well.  I have an Orion StarBlast 6.  Unfortunately, since I've ordered mine in April, the price has gone up $30, but I would say it is still completely worth it.  I can see the moon upclose and personal with it, and if I was so cheap at the time, I would have bought the 2x Barlow.  I just ordered the Orion Deluxe 2x Barlow Lens, and unfortunately, I'm going to miss Jupiter when it is in Opposition with the Sun this year on August 13th with the 2x magnifier.


                             (Jupiter and three of its moons)

No no, I didn't take this photo, but this is about what I was able to see with Jupiter this morning.  Before the wind started blowing hard, I was even able to make out some of the cloud formations on Jupiter!  Boy howdy would I have ever loved to get even closer this morning.  Oh well, I'll have to wait until next time. 

After seeing Jupiter like that, I've learned that these kinds of things only happen so often, and for short amounts of time.  I've done a little star gazing before, but nothing struck me as amazing as this did!