Observing Log for Mike Durkin 5/25/02 8-9 PM Oyster Bay 4.5" Newtonian A fairly clear evening. Saw Venus first, but couldn't make any detail. I couldn't even tell what phase it was in. Then started to look at Jupiter and noticed that the seeing wasn't too good, the image was wavering quite a bit. Despite that, when I did get a moment or 2 of steady air, I probably saw Jupiter the best to date so far. There seemed to be some shape to the 2 equitorial belts, although I couldn't make out any other features. I also noticed that there were 3 moons to the left of Jupiter. Also tried out the green and light blue filter. I didn't like the light blue filter as much because it made the planet seem too bright compared to the black background. The green seemed OK, but I still didn't see any other features. The next time I looks at Jupiter I should try to see if I can catch one of the moons casting a shadow on it. Around 1 AM, I tried to see if I could find the Ring nebula and the Whirlpool Galaxy, but it got too cloudy. 5/24/02 8:30-10:00 Jones Beach 4.5" Newtonian Very clear night, but very windy at Jones Beach. Tried viewing Venus and Jupiter, however no details could be seen because of the wind. Also tried using a green color filter with Jupiter, but still too windy. Also looked at the moon using my new eyepiece (I think it's 30mm). Also tried to find M51, again failed. Also think I saw Lyra and tried to find the Ring Nebula, but no luck. Even tried with the Orion Skyglow filter, but no luck.