-
July 23, '08: Jupiter, From Home:
- Occasionally I shall post an observation here if I see something particularly interesting (to me!) or unusual. On the night of Wednesday 23 July I believe that I perceived the remnants of the 'second little red spot' on Jupiter, which had recently been disrupted by its close encounter with the GRS.
- I came up the very next night, with the C-11, to confirm Minkowski 1-67/Sharpless 2-80, the object that Sue French had worked on so diligently. My second drawing satisfies me that it was not a fluke and was really and truly observed on both occasions. Also seen were the open clusters IC 4756, NGC 6709, and 6738; the galaxy UGC-11093; and the planetary nebulae Minkowski 1-65, NGC 6572, Abell 53, Abell 62, and Abell 64. That rounds out an entire year of observing, covered item-by-item in this blog. Now, I shall retire to some occasional "Faint Fuzzies" articles about specific objects. Good hunting!
- It was time to bring out "the big iron" in order to get Minkowski 1-67 and Sharpless 2-91, two objects I'd been working on over the past 60 days or so. Braving the hazy smoke from the forest fires burning down at Big Sur, I drove to the top of the Santa Cruz mountains and found that I was above most of the air pollution: so my session with the NexStar GOTO 11 telescope was very gratifying, yielding convincing drawings of both objects just mentioned, plus some other interesting deep-sky tidbits: planetary nebulae NGC-6891 and 6905; galaxies NGC 6927, 6928, and 6930, plus NGC-6917; and finally I managed at the end of a long night to discern the central star in planetary M57, which hadn't yet been achieved unmistakably with my 11 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain.
- ...in regard to certain telescopic apertures and deep-sky observations. On this occasion I left my small scopes at home and brought the 10 inch aperture Dobsonian, for a long night of marvels: open clusters NGC-6178, 6322, 6250, and Haffner 16; globular clusters NGC-6388 and 6541; planetary nebula IC-4699; and bright nebulae of both emission and reflection types (plus supernova remnants) including NGC-6357, 6334, IC-4954, 4955, 1470; and a last lingering glance at Sharpless 2-101.
- Small-scope challenges here! Once again I used an instrument in the "under 5 inch" category, this time my Orion f/5 achromat with 120 mm (4.7 inch) aperture, and tried the same objects as the previous session: Minkowski's Butterfly nebula, and the faint field stars around Messier 57. In both instances I got much better results than with my 4.5 inch Newtonian. And my "observation of the year" was a staggering view of the "Triple Cave" nebula: the dark clouds Barnard 142 and 143.
- I made a number of important improvements and modifications to Regina's little 4.5" aperture StarBlast scope, and wanted to devote an entire mountain observing session to its use. It passed with flying colors, as I looked at the globular cluster NGC 6144; the nebulae IC 4592 and 4601; the protoplanetary nebula Minkowski 2-9 (perhaps!); and finally a test of the faint field stars near M-57. You might be interested to know 'how deep I could go' with this instrument.
- Naturally, since I had looked at the Draco Dwarf and the large outer halo of the Cat's Eye nebula with my 3.1 and 10" instruments, I had to find out if I could do it with my 4.7 inch refractor. Yes: I managed, despite the almost unbearable winds; I even did my best to sketch one, if not the other, object. But, sadly, I failed yet again on Sharpless 2-91. The gale at the top of the mountain nearly blew off what remains of my thinning hair, but I managed to keep going until twilight.
- The forest fires in the verdant hills north of Santa Cruz were down to embers, and I was able once more to use my high-altitude site. I took my Orion SkyQuest 10" Dobsonian, and confirmed some details in the large outer halo and inner shells of the "Cat's Eye" nebula (NGC-6543), showing that earlier observations were'nt flukes, and could be repeated. I got a better and much more certain view of Sharpless 2-88, which wasn't done successfully in the 80 mm refractor earlier; in addition, I obtained a very distinct view of the 'small' diffuse nebula NGC-6813 (but I missed perceiving Sh 2-91.) The Draco Dwarf galaxy was drawn (convincingly, I think) and my pictures suggest that I also saw some of it earlier with the 80 mm scope.
- With very little rest, I rushed back to the Coyote Lake observing site to continue my attempts to confirm the large, vague, faint outer halo of NGC-6543, the "Cat's Eye" nebula, which I had spotted the previous day with the little Orion ST80 scope, newly modified and laser-aligned. As luck would have it, a local bay area amateur was setting up and testing, for the first time, an expensive new 18" aperture scope: and we both confirmed the faint halo of the planetary nebula with it. In addition, I finished my analysis of all four nebular filters on the diffuse nebula NGC-281; observed the "Box Nebula" (NGC-6309), and made a partially successful stab at seeing nebulosity in the region of Sharpless 2-88. But, I failed to be able to discern nebula NGC-6813: win some, lose some...
- I returned to the safe site Coyote Lake as the fires still raged in the mountains, and took my newly refurbished and modified ST80 telescope, to enjoy more tests of all my nebular filters on the diffuse nebula NGC-281; did a preliminary study and drawing of the Draco Dwarf galaxy; viewed the much brighter galaxy NGC-6503; and had a tremendous surprise: perception of the large 6 arcminute faint outer halo around the "Cat's Eye" nebula (NGC-6543), which I sketched and have confirmed later with three other telescopes at two sites. Finally just as dawn approached, I drew Jupiter and the Galilean moons, to compare with a sketch made 3 mornings earlier with this same little telescope.
- Here is the report of the first of three sessions held at Coyote Lake near Gilroy, California, testing my improved & modified Orion ST80 with 2" focuser. I observed a number of galaxies, including bright Messier 102 (or NGC-5822); fainter NGC-5907 and NGC-5676; as well as the first of several filter tests on diffuse nebula NGC-281. I also made some comparisons with my wife's 4.5" StarBlast telescope: I think you might be surprised at the stellar limiting magnitude value I determined in a careful test of that instrument's performance.
- Here are some risky changes that I made to my Orion 80 mm f/5 (ST80 model) short-focus refractor, to allow me to use my 2" wide field eyepieces; and the changes that I made to an unsatisfactory alt-az mount, improving its stability and allowing it to point at the zenith.
- Win some, lose some. I seem to have definitely spotted and sketched the faint planetary nebula Abell 38. It wasn't hard at all to appreciate the bright and conspicuous globular cluster NGC-5897, and I very probably got a faint glimpse at difficult Terzan 3; but I seriously doubt that my perception of planetary nebula Abell 67 is valid. That ended a long night with my 10" telescope, and provides me with a challenge that I may try again.
- More observations with the 10 inch "cheap" Dobsonian at my mountaintop site, showing that even an inexpensive instrument can yield what might have been called (in the bygone days of cigarette commercials) "real viewing satisfaction" (imagine that being intoned richly by George Fenniman.) I worked hard, and was able to see and draw a good confirming view of Palomar 3 globular cluster; I also viewed gc's NGC-5634 and 5694. In addition, I had fun with an asterism called "Canali's Cluster" or "The Stargate".
- Using an excellent chart prepared by Sue French, the "Deep Sky Wonders" columnist of Sky & Telescope (which is provided in two different sizes for my readers' use), I was able to identify and view the conspicuous H-II regions of galaxy M-101 that were given NGC designations, using my 10" scope; I also tried to detect an object that Sue French has sought for some years -- Sharpless 2-80 -- but did not get even as good a hint of it myself as she's been able to obtain (but it's early in the season for that object, and I won't give up!)
- A long seven hour observing session with my 10-inch Orion Dobsonian telescope yielded some very satisfying deep-sky experiences. The first of two parts describes, with eyepiece sketches, my observations of faint planetary nebula Abell 31 (confirming an earlier view) and the obscure 'tiny' planetary IRAS 09371+1212, best known as "Frosty Leo" (which not many amateurs have sought with a smallish telescope.) Finally, I record my impressions of NGC-5474, and interesting spiral galaxy in Ursa Major, near M-101.
- Wind, wind, wind! But I carried on, for nearly four hours, struggling to use my charts and even to keep my 10-inch aperture Dobsonian pointed at the correct spot. The items that I viewed and sketched include the faint planetary nebula Abell 33, the elusive globular cluster Palomar 3, and the Sextans B dwarf galaxy. My sketches suggest that I got them, but -- boy! -- what a struggle.
- Cloudy skies cut short my session but in three hours' observing I got a lot accomplished, creating a convincing drawing of planetary nebula Abell 33, and observing galaxies NGC 5474, NGC 2974, and M-101. In addition I observed some interesting asterisms: Ferrero 6 and Picot 1. Sue French's tour of the region of the handle of the Big Dipper was the inspiration for some of these studies with my 10-inch aperture Dobsonian.
- Using my 10-inch aperture scope, I made a confirming observation and drawing of the very challenging and faint globular cluster Palomar 4, and also observed a number of interesting galaxies, some showing a considerable amount of detail: NGC 2841, 3687, 3697, 3755, 3813, and UGC 6639: a session that ran from 1 to 4 am during the dark hours after the quarter-Moon had set.
- I used Sue French's April 2008 "Deep Sky Wonders" column in Sky & Telescope for the objects viewed on this occasion, including galaxies NGC-3184, 3198, 2841, and 3687; and globular cluster Palomar 4, plus a few double stars. The globular might not have been drawn correctly on this occasion, but I made a very good and convincing drawing of it on the following session, confirming that I could find it and perceive it with my 10-inch aperture scope.
- To confirm something that Jaakko Saloranta and I had discussed by email earlier about the open cluster M-67, I began my 6-hour seesion with that glorious object of the constellation Cancer, using my 10" reflector, and then moved in the immediate environs to study galaxies NGC-2661, IC-523, and UGC-4550, and the wonderful (though dim and vague) planetary nebula Abell 31. I was lucky to be able to see that, as some time later the sky got streaky clouds and the seeing deteriorated badly.
- I have moved the discussion of my observation of nebula IC-466 into this present blog entry, as it is now nearing the length of one of my full-fledged "Faint Fuzzies" articles. I seem to have perceived a much larger diameter of the nebula than is given in catalogues dating as far back as its original photographic measurement by Dr. Beverly Lynds. You may find some thought-provoking corroborative evidence of this, including the apparently concurring opinion of Sue French, who has done her own independent measurement of the DSS photograph.
- The third installment of a very long night -- more than seven intense hours -- of observing, with my 4.7 inch aperture f/5 refractor: here are reports of objects in Monoceros (planetary nebula NGC-2346; diffuse nebula IC-466; open clusters NGC-2286, Dolidze 25, Collinder 110; diffuse nebula Sharpless 2-282), in Leo (NGC 3226,7 galaxy pair, otherwise known as Arp 94); and a casual sketch of Saturn.
- This long and satisfying session with my Orion 120 mm refractor, in beautifully clear weather, yielded so many objects that I've split up the report into three sections. In Part 2, I discuss the Gum nebulae nos. 12 (including the Vela Supernova Remnant) and nos. 15 and 17; cluster Trumpler 10/Collinder 203, and testing a high-magnification split of Rigel, with my scope stopped down to merely 50 mm of aperture.
- This February leap-year observing day was a fabulous experience at my mountaintop site, with great seeing and a dark sky. In this first of two detailed reports, I chronicle some of the open clusters I viewed, including NGC 2451, NGC 2477, and Collinder 132, 135, and 140, and globular cluster NGC 2298: southern sky objects in the constellations Puppis and Canis Major, scrutinized with my Orion 120 mm refractor.
- Before the sky went completely to pieces, with clouds and bad seeing, I was able to use my 10" Dobsonian scope to confirm my earlier sighting of NGC 2357, a very challenging, small diameter, faint galaxy; and to observe NGC 2392 (the Eskimo nebula) and unusual irregular galaxy NGC 2366.
- The rest of the objects viewed on this date, with my 4.7 inch refractor: "Lower's Nebula" (Sharpless 2-261: a real challenge object!); planetary nebulae Abell 21 (the "Medusa"); NGC 2371-2; NGC 2392 (the "Clown" or "Eskimo"); and faint galaxy NGC 2357, most of these objects being in the constellation Gemini (with the exception of Lower's, in Orion.)
- At last, a long, fruitful winter session! I worked for nearly 7 hours on numerous objects, with my 4.7 inch f/5 refractor: so many that I couldn't fit them all into one blog entry. So, here are the open clusters I observed: NGC 2169, 2194, and the obscure Skiff J0614.8+1252 in Orion; NGC 2224, 2395, 2240, and 2355 in Gemini.
- Sue French's article on objects in Canis Major (February 2008 Sky & Telescope) inspired this session, using my 4.7 inch aperture f/5 refractor. I think it's possible that I did split Sirius (discussed in the blog entry immediately below this one); and I definitely had enjoyable views of galaxy NGC 2283, open clusters M-41 (which seems to have some central 'glow'), Tombaugh 1 & 2, and asterism Nagler 1. Galaxy NGC 2217 took a lot of work, as I struggled to keep it centered in nearly gale-force winds.
- On attempting to split Sirius, with my 120 mm f/5 refractor: did I succeed?
- Images of Mars, taken with my C-11 telescope at home from my driveway, using a cheap modified Logitech webcam.
- A bad night in partly cloudy skies, with heavy moisture, did yield a few useful observations using my 120 mm f/5 refractor (the Rosette Nebula, a trace of the Horsehead, the supernova remnant IC-443) but the real surprise was a nice detection of detail in the nebula IC-448, confirming my earlier observation with my 10" Dobsonian.
- The other objects studied on 2007/08's New Years night and following morning: using my modest little 4.7 inch Orion refractor, I looked at globular cluster M-79; nearby galaxy NGC-1964; the nebula IC-2118 ("Witch's Head"); planetary nebula Abell 12; diffuse nebulae IC-423, IC-426, and IC-432 -- all in the constellation of Orion -- and tested my star diagonals with a dim vision of the Horsehead nebula; confirmed my previous view of nebula NGC-2149; and finally studied Hubble's Variable Nebula (NGC-2261) in Monoceros: a great night by the end, though it started off unfavorably.
- A night that started out with clouds and interruptions from a broken-down vehicle, which kept me from seeing Comet Tuttle, ended up as a good solid four hours of observing, surprising me with the task of tracking down the reality of a "nonexistent" object: open cluster NGC 2306; the other objects seen will be discussed in Part 2.
- I braved the Furies, and looked at Abell 12; had a repeat viewing of NGC 2506 (the 'glowing' open cluster) and galaxy NGC 2525; and polished off (at last!) the reflection nebula NGC 2149, which had eluded me on several previous occasions.
- The second part of two, reporting a marathon viewing session in the dead of winter, during ferocious winds. Here are my observations of the galaxies NGC 2613 and NGC 2525, planetary nebula NGC 2610, and a number of open clusters, including the "glowing" one NGC 2506.
- The first part of two, reporting a marathon viewing session in the dead of winter, during ferocious winds. The goal was to observe some objects for Jaakko Saloranta's column, but until they rose, I scrutinized open clusters: NGC 1342, 1502, 1528, 1647, 1664, and 1746. Along the way I made an original unbiased observation of a faint detail seen in NGC 1342: read about my detective work to confirm it.
- The air was crystal-clear when I began at 6pm, using my C-11, but by 10 o'clock I was completely clouded out. Nevertheless I was able to enjoy some faint challenges, such as galaxy IC-342 and planetary nebula IC-289, as well as merely the slightest suspected trace of the obscure PN known as Weinberg 2-5. The bright, sparkling open clusters NGC-1027 and NGC-663 were a treat to the eye, while the dim Czernik 13 was at least an interesting hazy glimpse. Then, an intruder's bright white flashlight brought me crashing down to earth!
- My successful views of faint Abell planetary nebulae (nos. 4, 10, and 13) were obtained in an all-night session that lasted until dawn, and after working on the dim and challenging stuff, I enjoyed myself with the so-called "hand mirror" cluster (NGC-2509), and a nice sighting of Mars.
- Faint, faint fuzzies, requiring excellent deep, detailed charts and lots of patience: using my 10" scope, I tried hard and could detect the planetary nebulae Abell 2 and 79; the faint galaxy IC-239; viewed the somewhat easier gaseous cloud Sharpless 2-132; and simply gave up at NGC-1275 and did not bother to try to knock off other members of the galaxy cluster Abell 426.
- A marathon seven-hour session, cut short by some high clouds, yielding many open clusters (NGC 128, 136, 225, 381; Czernik 3; Stock 24; asterism NGC 358); galaxies NGC-278, 3172 (at last!); and some planetary nebulae discussed in the post of 11/12/07, below. In addition, I made an attempt -- futile, I admit -- of trying to see some faint trace of the gaseous "tail" of the variable star Mira.
- Five very difficult and faint planetary nebulae are discussed in this compilation of logbook entries from late October and early November, 2007: Jones 1 (in Pegasus) and Abell 81 and Abell 86 (Cepheus), plus Abell 82 and 84 (Cassiopeia.) In most cases, I have very good confidence in the success of the observations.
- Here's my report, and drawings, of Comet Holmes, observed a few days after its amazing outburst and brightening: seen from my home near downtown San Jose, California in my wife's little "StarBlast" 4 inch reflector scope.
- During a pair of observing sessions in the midst of generally disappointing and unstable weather, I managed to have some surprisingly good views, and even secured a pretty convincing sighting of faint planetary nebula Abell 19, which only users of large aperture scopes have reported seeing visually. Many other objects are discussed, including faint galaxies (NGC NGC 7443, 7444, 7450 and MCG 2-58-12), plus globular cluster NGC 7492 (represented by drawings made with my 4.7 and 10 inch aperture scopes.) But, I'm sorry that I just could NOT definitely see planetary nebula Abell 9, even after struggling for two hours.
- My amazement at another observer's rendering of the deep, vivid blue color he perceived in the Saturn nebula, NGC-7009, led me to investigate it once again, and to draw my best recollection of the detail, hue and intensity experienced. Other observers, however, often seem to detect more of the blue than I am capable of: how about you?
- A report of two observing sessions in early October 2007 of my attempt to discern the very faint, difficult "Hind's Variable Nebula" (NGC-1555) using my 4.7" and 10" telescopes in the mountains north of Santa Cruz (I was successful with the larger instrument: a drawing is included as my proof.)
- More in-depth tests: observing sessions with the f/5 refractor trying extremely close double stars at the Dawes limit of the aperture; very faint gaseous nebulae (Sharpless, Van den Bergh, and IC objects); dark nebulae (Barnard catalogue items including the Horsehead); and the faintest visible galaxies. The final two tests featured the incredibly faint local group galaxy IC-1613, and the challenging nebula Simeis 147: all detected to at least some extent in this very fine 4.7 inch telescope.
- The first of two test observing sessions with the new scope, viewing all the objects in Sue French's tour of part of Cygnus in the Oct. 2007 issue of Sky & Telescope, including a number of faint diffuse and planetary nebulae, multiple stars, and an interesting asterism.
- Here is a report on my newest telescope, a decent quality achromat refractor of 4.7" aperture, just added to the menagie. Part 1 is about the instrument, optical quality, and mount.
- Not quite a formal review, this is a series of casual remarks, impressions, and observations about the good and bad things of my various Orion, Knight-Owl, and Celestron eyepieces, and accessories (including finderscopes, illuminated sights, filters, my preferred atlases and software, and even observing chairs.)
- Lots of information about the Orion ST80 ShortTube 80 mm f/5 refractor, which I use on my C-11; and about Regina's 4.5" Orion StarBlast table top richest-field scope, including some digital images taken with both instruments.
- My extensive report on the performance of the Orion 10-inch aperture "SkyQuest" f/4.7 Dobsonian Scope viewing numerous difficult and subtle deep sky objects (including the Horsehead nebula); and the modifications that I've made to improve it.
- Here are some general, and a few very specific, criticisms of my astronomical equipment, along with an appreciative accounting of good points, starting first with my Celestron C-11 and Orion 120 mm refractor.
- Many object were viewed during late night and early morning session, including two comets; the galaxies NGC 7068 and faint 2ZW 141; planetary nebulae NGC 6905 ('the Blue Flash'), NGC 6886, NGC 7094, Henize 1-3 and 1-5, and Weinberger 1-8; and two familiar Messier globulars. I include some drawings, various images, and even some doubt as to one or two of the items' perceptions, and perplexing discrepancies shown by my star chart software.
- Most people can just skip this self-expression essay of mine, unless -- of course -- you happen to like classical music (stranger things have occurred.)
- On an awesomely dark night with superb seeing, I was able to test some far-out assertions of what might be visible in a 2" finderscope objective: the objects were compared with views in 3" and 4" telescopes. I looked at and report about nebulae NGC-7000 ("North American"), NGC-6888 ("The Crescent"), IC-1396, IC-353, NGC-1499 ("California"), and B33 ("Horsehead").
- I was able to see a supernova, which has occurred in the galaxy NGC 1058 in the constellation of Perseus, and made a drawing at 3:45 am on Aug. 19, 2007, using my C-11 telescope. Links are given for pertinent information and other images.
- A large number of things seen by means of both my C-11 telescope, and an 80 mm f/5 refractor piggybacked on top: including an accurate position and drawing of Palomar 15 globular cluster; open clusters Cr 469 and NGC 6603 in Sagittarius, asterism "Dolphin's Diamonds" in Delphinus; numerous faint PGC galaxies, and larger gx's NGC 7068 and 7025; and planetary nebulae NGC 7094 and 6567. Finally, I describe one of my difficult sightings of the "Merope nebula" in the Pleiades.
- How I observed, and then the next day confirmed, a faint, tiny planetary nebula in the vivid globular cluster M-15 in Pegasus
- Sagittarius's great globular cluster M-22 has a planetary nebula: a great observing challenge.
- Many objects observed: globular NGC-6380, confirming my earlier attempt; the "Bug" Nebula (NGC-6302) with a drawing; a number of open clusters and planetaries; my first try to get GJJC1, the planetary nebula in M-22; some faint PGC galaxies; and finally nabbing the difficult nebula IC-349, near Merope (in the Pleiades.)
- Some old friends, and some men and women whose work I admire: how these amateur astronomers helped me learn.
- NGC 7354 (PK107+2.1) in Cepheus; "Egg" Nebula (PK 80-6.1); and NGC 6781 (PK 041-02.1) in Aquila: viewed and sketched.
- Globular Cluster Palomar 1 in Cepheus; faint, tenuous, low- surface- brightness galaxy NGC 4236 in Draco; NGC 6380 globular cluster in Scorpius: viewed and sketched, and observed despite disappointing sky conditions.
- My first observation of an Abell galaxy cluster: A2199 in Hercules, comprising NGC-6166 and many smaller, fainter companion galaxies.
- A very faint, "tiny" nebula, energized by the radiation of the T Tauri star PV Cephei, is considered a very difficult observing challenge. Large telescope owners have seen it in dark skies. I saw it -- with a later confirming view -- near San Jose, in a much smaller telescope than used by the majority of previous observers.
- Many objects were viewed, and some sketched, during excellent nights in July, including Pnebs Abell 62/PK 47-41, NGC 6781, Merrill 1-2, Henize 1-36; a trace of the faint, diffuse local group galaxy Maffei 1; a nebulous looking cluster, NGC 6791; and galaxies NGC 4236 and PGC 39369. I also investigate possible evidence of a faint reflection glow around the star 4 Cygni and give the pro-con arguments about it.
- I almost gave up, but forced myself to endure poor conditions and wind; and what do you know? I had a GREAT night, seeing PN's NGC 6369 and IC 4593/PK 25+40.1; galaxies NGC 6186, NGC 6168, and NGC 6181; planetary Henize 2-437/PK 61+03.1; but I failed to make much sense of nebula NGC 6813 in a busy star-field in Cygnus.
- Amongst the most difficult of our galactic globular clusters, these "Palomar" clusters were so faint that nobody had seen them prior to their discovery on Palomar survey plates. They all may be seen visually, by careful, dedicated, sensitive observers (as well as your humble 'never-say-die' fanatic!), employing either precise charts or photo prints for matching the fields. On this occasion, I viewed Palomar 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15.
Why This Blog? - 7/25/07
The original contents of this website are Copyright © 2007-8 Stephen R. Waldee - All Rights Reserved. All trademarks or copyrights are properties of the original copyright holders.
The author Waldee requests that you do not copy these articles elsewhere, particularly into lists, blogs, web pages, databases, or astronomy compilations in any form. The primary reason is that these articles are essentially raw data from our observing logbook, consisting of reports and sketches that have not yet been thoroughly fact-checked, intended as preliminary drafts for future "Faint Fuzzies" articles that will benefit from extensive corrective research.
