[Friends_of_SSASTROS] Chances of this happening; Slim to None...

[Mike McCabe]

...but I always side with "slim", because I've had so many instances where I've been successful. Clouds, they sometimes part.
What I'm talking about is securing a transient observation when the forecast isn't exactly encouraging, which is the case for Friday evening. But I'll be ready anyway, because you just never know.
The observation I speak of is a potential sighting of a very rare transient lunar phenomena called the Hesiodus Ray. The ray is formed by sunlight peering through a gap in the wall of a neighboring crater, Pitatus. The reason it's rare to see is because even though the phenomena happens every lunar cycle, it usually happens when the Moon is not in a position for us to see. Favorable positioning only occurs about one to two times per year, and if it's not clear on those nights...

Use the ever-popular feature Rupes Recta (lLunar Straight Wall) to orient yourself, then use the handle of the "sword" to find your way to Pitatus. The interior of Hesiodus will be dark, and the ray will splay across the floor as seen in the inset sketch by Alana Peck. Also note that the scale shown is the equivalent of very high power. I suggest a starting point of 150x for a visual observation of this target.
You'll find attached a one-page guide to observing the Hesiodus Ray that can be printed and brought out to the telescope.
Keep Looking Up!
Sincerely,
Mike McCabe

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