M94/M95

Hi all
The clear skies got me out with my 120mm f/5 refractor with no plan in mind, just meandering about the place.
I decided to go for the Leo pair M95 and M96.  Using Uranometria to star hop my way to the pair, I found that I could not locate them.  I must have spent close to an hour and they just didn't appear.  I had already observed the Leo Triplet, M51, NGC 5194, M81 & M82 with no problems.  No matter how many times I retraced my steps, they just wouldn't appear. 
I have had nights like this before, where an object just refuses to show itself and put it down to experience.
Venus and the moon were stunning early in the evening.  The action is really taking place with Venus, for months it showed the same gibbous face, but now that we are rushing towards the crescent phase I wonder if anyone will be able to spy the crescent with the naked eye.
Paul

Hi Paul.

I have only observed M65, M66 and NGC 3628 from dark skies in Wicklow.

Each was impossible to observe from my back garden with my usual refractor.

You're right! Venus is gloriously brilliant at the moment.

How desperate we are to see it mingle with the Pleiades on Friday.

Happy days,

Aubrey.

Hi Paul,

It is comforting to know that it is not only beginners who struggle to locate objects in the sky, but something tells me it was the condition of the night sky, rather than your skill that prevented you from observing those objects. 

And yes, Venus does like magnificent at the moment...long may it last.

Clear skies,

Darren.