We managed to see Neptune Uranus and the Orion Nebula through The Big Telescope on Saturday night. Unfortunately the 4 planets meant to be visible in alignment on the western horizon proved invisible behind the only cloud – a low band.
Today we had to take Mr BW’s Broom (one year and one day old) for its first service. “Do you like it?” asked the service desk woman. “No, I hate it, it’s too bossy in its on-screen messaging, you can’t turn the so-called lane assist off permanently, and if you play with the radio’s tuning from the passenger seat it tells you to keep your eyes on the road and locks the radio until you stop, turn off the engine, get out, lock it, wait 5 minutes, then get back in again.”
I suspect that all modern cars are as bad though. Thank goodness for the simpler cars of yesteryear. Mi1dred is 93 in a few months’ time. We’ve just bought her 5 new tyres as the ones she has on are about 40 years old. Fitting those will keep Mr BW occupied for a few days. Given that he has 10 tonnes of 20mm gravel (or ‘stone’ as they call it in these parts) delivered last week, to move, by the wheelbarrow, round to behind the Big Greenhouse (to tidy that area up), he probably isn’t short of things to do.
We went to a couple of seasides on our way to the service garage. We are slowly discovering all the lovely small beaches that most people never find. Luckily we didn’t take Shep (as he was feeling quite fragile) as we might have felt the need to put him in the new doggy launderette. Do watch the short video in that link. It is hilarious – and probably not for the intended reasons.
Nine quid for a 10 minute DIY dog hosedown on the seafront. Sheesh. Mind you, I can see stag parties finding this a fun thing to do.
Gordon
We are considering a telescope here. The small boy is starting to be excited by the moon and the stars, and it would scratch an itch I’ve had for several years now. Plus, holidaying in the motorhome means we are now more often away from city light pollution!
Andrew
I think you might have seen Uranus, which is currently fairly high, not Neptune, which is low on the western horizon near Saturn.
The recent parade of six planets was much less visible for me than the parade of seven just a year ago.
February 2025: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yd4z15r54o
February 2026: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g3l0yzyxdo
My western horizon is a little cluttered so Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Neptune were just not possible this weekend. Jupiter is high and bright and spectacular as always. Uranus needs a sensible telescope. And Mars is too close to the sun.
But the near full moon is spectacular tonight. And there is a total lunar eclipse in about 12 hours, on the other side of the world.
Debster
Glad the telescope is working out fine. Looking forward to pictures of Shep!
Blue Witch
Andrew – ah yes, you’re correct, thanks.
Joho
I heard “Take your dog for a walk at any dog wash”.
That is, when I could make out anything over the BACKGROUND MUSIC…
Blue Witch
Joho – I watched it with the sound off – as I do with almost everything – as I too cannot bear background muzak. It is interesting to see which venues they have chosen for their dogwash machines – let’s just say, I doubt any of the would be the coastal areas flying flags.
Z
I plug my phone in to the car, so that I can listen to radio programmes I’ve downloaded on Sounds and also so that I can use the phone’s satnav, which I prefer to the car one. Then I can use voice instructions too, if I need to, rather than touch phone or screen. It isn’t a new car, but it should work.
delcatto
Ah, modern cars and technology. My son’s car has some of this but he deliberately chose an older modern car to avoid most of it. He likes my eighteen year old car because it has none of this and is simpler to maintain.