Friday 7 November 2014

#61 Sagitta: Deep Sky Objects Report

     To get a quick look at what Sagitta has to offer, see my blog entry for July 27th, 2014.  All objects listed there are covered here in detail, except for double stars.  I covered about half of the objects on the night of September 22nd.  The constellation highlight is M 71, a globular cluster that resolves well in a 12" mirror.  However, there are a few minor gems, too.

pn 6886 (10"; V. 11.4 mag.; Cent. * 18 mag.) was identified at 120x with a Skyglow filter.  200x and 250x show it as bluish in color, and bright, with a very small circular disc.  It is accompanied by two bright stars, each one a double with a faint companion in opposing position angles.

http://www.ngcicproject.org
 
pn I. 4997 (13"; V. 10.5 mag.; Cent. * 14.4 mag.) was also identified at 120x with the filter.  It was the northernmost of two bright stars.  It was slightly bluish.  It was very bright at 250x. The central star could not be seen clearly due to the brightness of the nebula, which is slightly larger than stellar.
pn 6879 (9"; V. 12.5; Cent. * 14.8) was identified at 120x using the Skyglow filter.  At 200x and 250x it shows a tiny, fairly bright disc.  The central star is seen steadily at 250x without difficulty.
http://www.ngcicproject.org
oc 6839 (4'; 12 *s) was new for me.  It is listed as an asterism (a chance lining up of stars).  Even so, I saw 15 stars at 100x, preceding a lovely bright star chain.  The brightest four members resemble an asterism, but some are double.  Adding on a faint group in the south end adds up to an open cluster in my estimation, though a minor one. 


http://www.ngcicproject.org
 
oc Harvard 20 (8'; V. 7.7; Br. * 8.9 mag.; 28 *s) is mostly resolved at 60x.  It was quite lovely at 100x, with two bright stars involved.  At 125x 35 stars were counted, several very faint. Members are fairly scattered.  It appears in a low power field with M 71.
gc 6838--Messier 71 (7'.2; V. 8.4; Br. * 12.1) already is resolving well at 43x.  Oc Harvard 20 is in the same field, south.  At 60x the globular cluster's center seems offset, south preceding. 100x shows resolution all across the object, plus some core detail.  At 125x the south preceding side is brighter, with the north following side darker (though still busy with stars).  187x shows dozens of stars, along with plenty of core detail.  The cluster now appears elongated.  I went as high as 375x, almost resolving the entire cluster!  Only a tiny bit of core haze remains!  This is a great object in a 12" mirror, and it appeared outstanding at all magnification ranges.
http://www.ngcicproject.org

     I completed work in Sagitta on September 24th.  I was unable to locate gc Pal 10.  Four small clusters finished up my work here.

oc Ro 1 (3'; 15*s) was located at 60x.  100x shows three bright stars leading into a hazy center. At 150x the 3-star chain expands to 6, several of them double.  187x shows 15 stars in a very tight group.

oc Ro 3 (5'; 20*s) was a circlet of 9 stars at first, including four in a tight knot.  Only two stars could be seen in the dark center.  187x shows about 25 stars, including faint companions to a few of the brighter members.  The north one is multiple.

oc Be 44 (2'; Br. * 16 mag.; 30*s) was located at 125x.  It was a small, faint hazy patch preceding two very faint stars.  There is not much to see here in a 12" mirror.

oc Be 47 (3'; Br. * 16 mag.; 20*s) was observed at 200x as a tiny, faint haze near a triangle of faint stars, all preceding a bright star (mag. 9.5).

     These six recent blog entries describe my major summer work in Aquila, Delphinus and Sagitta.  Last year I completed work in Lyra and Cygnus.  Work in Sagittarius has begun, but may take all of next summer to complete.  I am also working in Pegasus, Perseus, Cetus, Cepheus, Lepus, Monoceros, Leo and Bootes.  When each is completed, I shall report my findings here. Cassiopeia was recently concluded, and will likely form the next major segment of the blog. Cepheus is nearly done; two good nights in November should see me complete studies there.
Mapman Mike

#60 Delphinus Deep Sky Adventures, Part 2 (Conclusion)

     Welcome to the exciting conclusion to the deep sky objects of Delphinus, as seen through the eyepiece of a 12" reflector.  Well, maybe not exactly exciting.  Delphinus does not have a big showpiece object, but there are a few minor treasures.  Here is one of them...

gc 6934 (7'.1; V. mag. 8.9; Br. * 13.8) was located at 60x, in a line of four bright stars.  The first night I observed this object, it was just getting quite damp.  100x resolved a very few stars, and the globular cluster was very granular.  187x began to give fair resolution of the outer haze. The now stellar core is very bright, with a massive amount of less bright haze surrounding it. Lastly, a large area of even fainter haze surrounded all.  Having said that, the cluster is compact and tight, not easily giving up its stars.  More resolution comes at 200x, and the core still blazes with brightness.  I observed it again the following night, which was much drier.  It was now quite magnificent!  Stars resolved to the core, and up to 250x was used to very good effect, showing many more stars than last night.  A decent object in a 12" mirror.
eg 6944 (1'.5 x 0'.6:  V. 13.8; SB 13.4) was an easy object to view at 125x, even though it lies close to a bright star.  It is pretty large, elongated strongly NE to SW, and 187x shows a bright, stellar core.  More difficult is its nearby partner, eg 6944A (0'.9 x 0'.7:  V. 14.1; SB 13.5).  It was very elusive, even on a fine night.  Like its parent, it lies close to a bright star (even closer, in fact).  Only the core area is glimpsed with averted vision at 187x, so look for something much smaller than its stated dimensions.
eg 6988 (0'.5 x 0'.5:  V. 14.6; SB 13) is very faint, small and round.  This elusive object was seen with averted vision at 200x.  I also used a pinpoint hand-drawn chart to locate it (see my recent entry on using strategy to find faint galaxies).

pn 6891 (21"; V. mag. 10.5; Cent. * 12.4 mag.) is small, but easily located at 60x.  It was then confirmed at 120x with a Skyglow filter.  At 250x the object is very bright and bold, the central star being surrounded by a bluish-grey haze.  Two faint stars precede it, and another follows.
pn 6905 (72"; V. 11.1; Cent. * 15.7 (?)) was located at 60x, nestled in a loose, bright field of stars.  At 187x the central star appeared.  There is wispy detail in the nebula, too.  It was seen best with no filter.  Up to 375x was used tonight with success.  This is an unusual and recommended object, due to its large size and apparent brightness.  I question the given central star mag., as it was even seen back in the day with my Edmund 8".  Perhaps mag 13.7??
oc 6950 (14'; 60 *s) was swept up at 60x, being a large, loose group.  However, it does have a somewhat dense center.  Fully resolved at 100x, it is a bright and cheerful-looking group of stars.  There is superb sweeping in the immediate area. It is easy to hop to Alpha from here, and the rest of the dolphin shape.  At 43x (2" eyepiece) it is a noteworthy cluster, recommended for 8" or higher.  It is the only NGC open cluster in Delphinus.
eg 7003 (1'.1 x 0'.8:  V. 13; SB 12.7) was located at 60x, at the south preceding end of a string of four bright stars.  Confirmed at 100x, using up to 200x shows a large, oval patch of faint haze. A faint star is following the object; another one is south.  This is one of the less dim galaxies of Delphinus.  A good 8" scope should find it.
gc 7006 (3'.6; V. 10.6; B * 15.6 mag.) was located at 60x.  It was pretty large, round and ghostly, reminding me of a giant planetary nebula.  Up to 250x was applied, but no stars resolved.  It was still pretty bright, though.  Two very faint stars are south.
oc French 1  (13'; Br * 8.8 mag.) provides a nice little surprise, being a bright, large cluster observed at 60x and 100x.  There are about 25 stars, half of which are very bright and white. Four stars are plotted within its boundary on Uranometria Chart 83.  This is a pleasant stop, and it was also observed successfully in the 6" reflector.  It is easy to find with a push-to computer, as it is adjacent to eg 7025 (see below).
eg 7025 (1'.9 x 1'.3:  V. 12.8; SB 13.6) is not difficult to find.  A mag. 9.7 star is on the west edge of the galaxy, within oc French 1 (see above).  Spotted easily at 100x, it also looked fine with the aperture stopped down to 8".  In fact, we managed to glimpse it in Deb's 6" scope at 125x, once we knew where to look!  It was an exceptionally fine night.  The galaxy was oval and pretty bright, and had a bright center.  Despite the attached bright star, it is an easy object.
eg I. 1359 (1'.2 x 0'.4:  V. 13.9; SB 12.9) was located at 100x and confirmed at 125x.  It was a long, thin slash following two faint stars.  The view improves at 150x and 187x, but the oject is very faint at 200x.

     Last, and certainly least, I returned to the area of eg 6927 to hunt down its tiny, very faint companion eg 6927A (0'.4 x 0'.2:  V. 15.5; SB 11.8).  This one is tricky, and for experienced observers only!  Using a hand-drawn pinpoint map to help me identify it, this tiny, faint object was seen with averted vision at 200x, just south of 6927 (see previous blog entry).  While here I also reviewed 6927 (not that difficult tonight), 6928 and 6930 (always difficult).  All four galaxies were seen at 200x.

This concludes deep sky studies of Delphinus with my Orion 12" Dob.  Next up is a brief look at Sagitta.
Mapman Mike


Thursday 6 November 2014

#59 Delphinus Deep Sky Adventures, Part 1

     To get an overview of what there is to see in Delphinus, see the blog entry for July 27th, 2014.  Outside of numerous faint galaxies, there is not a whole lot to see.  Delphinus lacks a major deep sky object.  At least it is well placed in the sky for northern viewers.  I spent parts of six observing nights in the constellation, spending a lot of time hunting down some very faint galaxies.  With perseverance and good maps, I managed a 100% score with NGC objects.

eg 6954 (1' x 0'.6:  V. 13.2; SB 12.5) was spotted at 125x, being small, faint and oval.  The view was much better at 150x and 187x.  200x shows a 14.5 mag. star closely preceding, though the galaxy itself fades in this range.
eg 6955 (1'.4 x 1'.3:  V.13.6; SB 14.1) is one of the most difficult galaxies I have ever seen.  It should not have been, with a combined mag. of 13.85 and a standard shape that is usually easiest to see.  However, a photo of the object shows that only a tiny, bright portion of the object will be seen in backyard scopes, so the size given is greatly overstated.  I had been looking for a much larger object.  It was finally spotted at 200x, being very faint and round.
eg 6957  (0'.5 x 0'.4:  V. 14.4; SB 12.5), on the other hand, was difficult but not impossible.  It was ghostly and dim, seen only at 200x with averted vision.  My final object in this first session was I. 1320 (1' x 0'.6:  V. 13.6; SB 12.9).  A mag. 6.6 star is 4' NW, so I expected a very difficult task.  It wasn't!  At 200x it is small, but the star can be kept out of the field.  The galaxy was distinctly oval.
     
     Five new galaxies awaited me on the night of September 16th, though I began by reconfirming sightings of last night's faint ones.  Tonight's galaxies were much easier to locate and observe, with one exception.  I failed to locate eg 6988, setting it aside for further research and another time.
eg 6971 (1'.1 x 0'.9:  V.  13.7; SB 13.5) was spotted at 100x and confirmed at 125x.  At 150x it was very faint and slightly oval.  It was also seen at 187x, but became poor at 200x.
eg 6969 (1'.1 x 0'.3:  V. 14; SB 12.6) was glimpsed at 100x and confirmed at 125x.  At 187x a nice slash was seen with averted vision, with a wider center.  At 200x it was becoming very faint, but the full size can be glimpsed on occasion.
eg 6972 (1'.2 x 0'.6:  V. 13.3; SB 12.7) was located at 100x.  It was pretty bright at 125x, and had a stellar center.  It remained bright even at 250x, where the elongation was noteworthy.  It is not as elongated as 6969, though it is much brighter.
eg 6956 (1'.9 x 1'.9:  V.  12.3; SB 13.6) was spotted at 60x and confirmed at 100x.  At 150x two stars are noted.  At 187x there are three stars in the field.  Its appearance resembled a planetary nebula.  It was viewed up to 250x, where it became faint.  More of the galaxy might precede one of the stars, which is involved with it.
eg 6928 (2' x 0'.6:  V. 12.2; SB 12.3) was the best of them all tonight, an easy galaxy to locate and showing well at 125x.  More oval than long and thin, it still was pretty large.  eg 6930 is nearby, but not seen tonight.  I had a possible sighting of eg 6927, but I waited to try again to confirm the sighting on a different night.

     I was back in Delphinus on September 17th.  I returned to the area of eg 6928 for another search for three other nearby galaxies.  I found two of them!
eg 6930 (1'.3 x 0'.5:  V. 13; SB 12.3):  Much, much fainter than one would think from the statistics, this galaxy is tricky to view, and best glimpsed with averted vision.  At 187x and 200x it is a very faint slash, being very elusive.  It lies just south of 6928, and quite separate from it.
eg 6927 (0'.5 x 0'.2:  V. 14.8; SB 12.2) was glimpsed with averted vision at 187x and 200x, south preceding 6928.  It appeared ghostly, occasionally flaring into view.  There was no sign of even fainter eg 6927A, which will be attempted again.
eg 6917: (1'.4 x 1':  V. 13.9; SB 14.2) was very elusive and ghostly, but finally spotted at 187x.  It was also glimpsed at 200x, being oval and very faint.  Delphinus has far too many very faint NGC galaxies...

     Part 2 (conclusion) of Delphinus deep sky objects should be posted in a day or two.
Mapman Mike

Wednesday 5 November 2014

#58 Finding Faint Galaxies: Using Strategy

     Readers of this blog will soon notice how many faint and very faint galaxies must be sought out, if all of the NGC objects are to be observed.  While it is theoretically possible to observe the entire list (at least the northern latitude ones, which were all discovered visually) with a 12" scope in good skies, it is not a task for the meek and mild observer.  William Herschel discovered most of them with his massive 18" reflector.  However, the coating on his mirror was not nearly as reflective as today's instruments.  One wonders how delighted he would have been with a light weight, modern 12" scope instead!

     The first step in locating faint galaxies is to try this limiting magnitude test.  It only takes a few seconds.  At 200x using a 12" mirror in normal condition, my limiting magnitude is 16.1. Finding faint galaxies is quite different from seeing faint stars, but this will give you some idea of your observing limits.

     The second step is to have a very good star atlas.  Never mind using your "go-to" or "push-to" technology.  That works for getting you to the general area, but it will not show you a small, very faint object.  It does help if a brighter object is close by, but the only certain way to find some of the faintest objects in the NGC list is to star hop.  I am going to use five galaxies in Pegasus as my examples, and detail how they were located.

     The five galaxies are 7146, 7147, 7148, 7149, and 7156.  All are located on Chart 103 in the All-Sky Edition of Uranometria 2000, just north of the border with Aquarius.  The first thing to do is to get familiar with the chart, as well as the specifics of each galaxy.  If you are star hopping, the nearest bright star is Alpha Aquari (not shown on map detail).  The brightest star on my map detail below is 11 Pegasus.  All five galaxies fit within a one degree field, but don't expect to see them at low power.
Uranometria 2000, Chart 103, detail

     Notice how few bright stars are near the galaxies.  All are in the 8.5 mag. to 9.5 mag. range. A small pattern of four stars south and following 7156 can be noted, and if this tiny pattern can be located, then the game is on.  Of course in a 12" scope at low power (60x), those stars look pretty bright.  In addition, an entire array of fainter ones are visible, too.  To confirm your location as the correct one, try hopping to star 11 from here and back (my push to computer put me right in the field, but I still wished to confirm it).  If you have already come from star 11, then you can skip this next step.

     There are a few ways to get to star 11.  I hopped south to the 7 mag. star on the border with Aquarius.  Moving west (right on the map) a faint triangle of stars is reached about halfway to 11, with two stars in Pegasus and one in Aquarius.  The two stars forming the short base of the triangle point to a faint star just north following star 11.  To confirm you are at star 11, go a bit further west and look for the pattern of stars just west again.  Voila!

     Now, return to the area of 7156.  It is time to find our first galaxy.  eg 7156 ( 1'.6 x 1'.4: V. 12.5; SB 13.2) is the brightest and the largest of the bunch, and easily located at 100x.  If you can't find this one, you will not likely find the others.  To see galaxies well the sky must be transparent, meaning little humidity is in the air.  Good seeing also helps, but is not as critical as transparency.  Good seeing is often at hand when wind is light or non-existent.  With a combined mag. of 12.85, a good 8" scope will show this one with a bit of work.  In the 12" it is a nice galaxy, large but not very bright at 100x.  150x shows it much clearer, with perhaps a bit of ovalness to the shape.  Even better views were had at 187x and 200x, where a large, brighter middle was noted surrounded by an area of fainter haze, unequally bright.  It is not a showpiece in a 12" scope, but it is the best of the bunch.

     If you are ready to continue, we'll move to a fainter galaxy.  If not, keep trying for the first one, making certain of your position.  eg 7149 (1'.3 x 0'.9: V. 13.2; SB 13.3) is a bit tricky to find at first.  However, once located its nearby star field is a giveaway as to its location.  With a combined magnitude of 13.25, this is still well within range of a good 12" with an experienced observer behind it.  The galaxy lies midway between two brighter stars shown on the map, and one of them is a distinctive double.  Just north of the numbers "46" in 7146 on the map is STF 2830: mag. 8.9 and 11.9 at 27".  Try returning to star 11 and reaching it from there.  Once this star is located, it is the key to finding the four remaining galaxies.  Move north following between it and the brighter star north following 7148.  I do this kind of work at 60x, then when I know I am in the area, I go up to 100x.  If I don't find anything there, then I go up to 125x. This is where I finally spotted 7149.  It wasn't easy at first.  It is in a curving line with a faint double star, being third in the procession.  It was glimpsed as an oval patch at 150x, 187x, and 200x.  Most importantly, a tiny group of four or 5 faint stars lay not far away, south following. They make identifying the galaxy on future visits much easier.

     We will leave 7148, companion to 7149, for later.  It poses a whole new series of problems that must be dealt with.  Instead, return to STF 2830.  To locate eg 7147 (1'.1 x 0'.9: V. 13.5; SB 13.3) move slightly following the double star, and look just a few seconds south.  I noticed a "V" shaped group of six stars pointing south, three on each side with the south end narrower.  7147 lies near the center of this configuration.  It took me a long time to finally notice it, though once found it becomes obvious (of course!).  It was observed at 150x, 187x, 200x and 250x, though it became very faint at the latter.  With an average mag. of 13.4, this one is very similar to 7149, but perhaps a bit more faded.
A crude but fairly accurate sketch of eg 7146 (left) and 7147 (right).  North is at the top.  Note the arrowhead star pattern, which is just south following STF 2830.

     7147 is paired with eg 7146 (0'.9 x 0'.6: V. 14.3; SB 13.4), being notably fainter and smaller.  As a result, the search for it took some time as well.  It takes patience and perseverance to find some of these faint galaxies, but once found they are more easily seen.  If you can see 7147 at 150x, then you are probably looking at 7146!  Note that arrowhead of stars, and find the row that is preceding the others (watch and see which stars go out of the field first--those are the ones you want).  Center them in your field, and look between and following the middle two stars. It is noticeably elongated, but very illusive and ghostly.  I saw it best with averted vision at 150x, 187x and 200x.  With a combined mag. of only 13.85, it is (on paper) the faintest of them all.  It's larger size makes it easier to find than upcoming 7148, but not by much.  If you can glimpse 7146, you are doing really well!

     If you have been fortunate in your hunt, then be prepared for the final and bigger challenge. If you have not found these first four galaxies yet, then keep trying off and on when conditions allow.  eg 7148 (0'.5 x 0'.4: V. 14.8; SB 12.4) is a beast!  Don't be fooled by that surface brightness figure!  With a combined mag. of 13.6, it is the 2nd faintest and by far the smallest of the group.  It is so small that nothing short of a pinpoint location chart will help to find it. Don't rely on luck; it doesn't work well with these smaller galaxies.  I tried for awhile the first night and gave up.  Here is what I do when that happens.

     I use this website to help me pinpoint faint galaxies and planetary nebulae.  Where it says "Go To Object" at the top, type in 7149 (they do not list 7148!).  A teeny weeny galaxy will pop up amidst a terrifying star field.  You should have already seen this galaxy.  Try and find that distinct little star pattern just following it (left side).  Now drag the map south from 7149 and you will soon come across 7146 and 47, old friends by now.  Now drag the map north from 7148 and you will see a very small, yellowish galaxy, with some elongation.  It is attached to a very faint star (or likely it is another galaxy). That is eg 7148.   Now back out one click, and you will see the target galaxy in relation to 7149, and a bright star north following (shown on Uranometria).  Sketch those three objects in rough (the bright star and the two galaxies, one of which is your target), then proceed to add two more stars to your sketch.  Note that the target galaxy makes a rough triangle with a blue star preceding it and an orange one north following.  With these five objects sketched in, you are ready to find and conquer the fifth and final galaxy in our first challenge round!  Those final two stars you sketched in are about mag. 13.5 to 14.5.

     On the next perfect night, return to 7149 (I went back and found them all again--for several nights afterward I could picture all five galaxies perfectly in my head before falling asleep, along with the helpful stars!).  Using your location sketch in the field, (and Uranometria) locate the bright star, then the two faint stars.  You are now ready to add some power and use averted vision.  Good luck!  I saw it at 187x with averted vision.  It was tiny and round, and of course faint.  The star attached to it was too faint for me to see, but the galaxy will pop out at you from time to time, looking like a tiny, very faint planetary nebula.  Be patient! While there isn't much to see with these smaller, dim galaxies, training your eye to see them is an important step to finding all of the NGC objects.  

     Lastly, remember to keep things in perspective, too.  You are looking at another GALAXY! It isn't just a faint little round fuzzy thing.  I've noticed that I now have much more appreciation for semi-faint galaxies, such as the other four in this list besides 7148.  And I have now located dozens of these tiny ones.  Following a very challenging session like this one, try to imagine how impressive those spring Messier galaxies will look now!
Mapman Mike




Monday 3 November 2014

#57 Aquila Deep Sky Treasures, Part 3 (Conclusion)

     I observed Aquila over many nights in the summer of 2014.  These blogs mostly concern deep sky objects in that constellation, as observed with a 12" reflector.  Following on the heels of oc 6775 (see Part 2), the next night of observing saw me go after five planetary nebulae in a row!  Here they are, the good and the bad, from July 31st:
pn 6790:  10"; V. 10.5 mag.; Cent. * 11.1:  Essentially a bright star that becomes somewhat brighter at high power with the Skyglow filter on, as seen at 187x and 200x.  The nebula very closely follows a very faint star.
pn 6807:  8"; V. 12 mag.; Cent. * 16.3:  Though virtually impossible to confirm visually, the object was stellar.  At 250x with the filter a tiny bluish haze surrounded the target area.  It was like a tiny, unfocused spot.
pn 6781:  114"; V. 11.4 mag.; Cent. * 16.7:  There is no mistaking this very, very large nebula at 60x.  It brightened a lot at 60x with the Skyglow filter.  I enjoyed great views at 150x, 187x and 200x, with and without the filter.  It was round, of even brightness, and there were several faint stars in the field.  Recommended for its size.
pn 6804:  66"; V. 12 mag.; Cent. * 14.3:  Another minor showpiece, this one is fainter than 6781 and about half its size.  Good views were had at 60x and 120x with filter.  187x and no filter shows a brighter star (mag 13?) on one edge of the nebula, as well as the central star.  Averted vision shows the star best.  It is easier to see at 250x, where four stars can be seen as well. Ragged sides are also evident, and a brighter middle area.  Recommended paired with 6781.
pn 6803:  10"; V. 11.4 mag.; Cent * 16.7:  Two stars are apparent in the exact area.  However, one gets brighter with the filter on, and slightly expands.  Bright.

     Three small clusters finished off that evening in Aquila, as follows:
oc Do 35:  7'; 10 *s:  125x is high enough for me to block out star 31 from the field,  In this range, about 20 stars were counted.  A faint, very close double star was noted just south of the 9.5 mag. star at the cluster's center.
oc Be 43:  5'; 35 *s; Br. * 15 mag:  This was difficult to locate in tonight's sky.  I saw about 6 very faint stars at 187x and 200x.  No doubt this would improve in a darker, drier sky.
oc King 25:  5'; 40 *s:  Several tiny, faint stars were seen near a much brighter white star.

     The following section of Aquila objects was observed on August 15th.  They consist of 7 open clusters:
oc Be 45:  2'; 20 *s; Br. * 15 mag:  Located at 60x (!), it was viewed up to 250x.  The cluster is mostly haze between and surrounding two faint stars (mag. 10.5?).
There is a close double star just south.  The cluster lies amidst a rich star field.  Some resolution was obtained at 200x and 250x with averted vision, though only a very few stars were seen.
oc King 26:  2'; 15 *s:  It was spotted at 60x as a haze surrounding a mag. 12 (?) star.  At 100x a small line of faint stars resolves, following the brighter star.  Up to 250x resolves a dozen stars, mag. 14 and fainter.
oc 6837:  3'; V 12 mag.; 20 *s:  The first of four new (to me) NGC clusters in Aquila.  Needless to say, I was excited to see them!  Located at 60x and resolved at 150x, 18 stars were counted at 200x, including a dense, faint section north of a mini Orion's Belt!
oc 6840:  4'; 20 *s; Br. * 10 mag:  Faint but impressive at 60x, it reminded me of a mini M 50 at 100x!  It is mostly resolved at this range, with many of the stars being of a similar magnitude. 187x shows 20 stars in the main group, with another 15 preceding it.  The cluster is oval.  it makes a double cluster with 6843!
oc 6843:  4'; 20 *s; Br. * 10 mag:  A double cluster with 6840 when viewed up to 125x, where all members are resolved.  The stars are fainter than 6840, and more scattered.  25 stars were counted at 187x, including a south extension.
oc 6858:  10'; 12 *s; Br. * 10 mag:  Located at 60x, preceding a pale orange star.  100x shows the cluster well.  It consists of curving, arcing lines of stars, all faint, with 125x resolving several very faint ones, too.  187x shows 30 stars in the crescent shaped object.

     My next to final night observing in Aquila (August 20th) saw me locate one more pn and several galaxies.  The planetary nebula was a new one for me, and quite lovely. 
 pn 6852 (28"; V. 12.6 mag.; Cent * 17.9: is an interesting object, with good views at 187x with a filter and averted vision.  It is elongated, or possibly rectangular.  A very faint star is north preceding.  Though best with a filter, it was later seen at 100x without it.  200x shows the faint star north as a double, and a 3rd star is at the south end of the nebula.
     All of the galaxies viewed tonight in Aquila were new to me.  I may have even discovered a new open cluster near one of them.  I cannot find any info on it anywhere.
eg 6901:  1'.4 x 0'.5:  V 13.7; SB 13.1:  Located at 125x, made difficult by numerous bright stars near it.  It is not large, but it is elongated.  It appears faint, and is not an easy object to find.
eg 6906:  1'.7 x 0'.8:  V. 12.3; SB 12.5:  Lying just 2' following 6901, it was spotted easily at 100x.  It was large, bright and elongated, giving good views up to 187x.
eg 6915:  1'.4 x 1':  V. 12.2; SB 12.4:  Located easily at 100x, it was bright and oval.  Even at 200x it was big and bright, with a bright middle.  It is nestled in a busy star field.
eg 6922:  1'.3 x 1':  V. 13.5; SB 13.7:  Observed at 150x, 187x and 200x, it was extremely faint and round.  Of interest is an unidentified open cluster or asterism just south of the galaxy.  For now I am calling it Mapman Mike oc 1.  The cluster consists of about a dozen stars, all below mag. 9.7 (none shown on Uranometria).  I am in the process of trying to get this group identified or named.  Stay tuned to this blog for further updates.
eg 6926:  1'.3 x 1':  V. 12.4; SB 13.3:  A double with nearby 6929, 26 was observed at 100x, where it was seen to be quite large and very oval.  Both galaxies were seen together at 150x.
eg 6929:  0'.9 x 0'.7:  V. 13.4; SB 12.8:  This one is much more elusive, being very small and round.  It is faint, and involved with a tiny, faint cluster or asterism, just following 6926.  Both can be glimpsed at 150x in the same field.
eg 6941:  2' x 1'.4:  V. 12.8; SB 13.8:  My final object in Aquila, this galaxy was located at 125x.  It was very faint and small.  However, 187x and averted vision gives glimpses of a much larger, elongated object.  It was too faint for 200x.  Located south following a bright star field.

     On the night of August 26th I completed observations of Aquila with 3 new objects.
eg 6900:  0'.8 x 0'.6:  V. 13.5; SB 12.6:  Spotted at 125x and also viewed up to 200x, it was seen but at the high power only, and with averted vision, where it began to appear oval.  It was round and small at lower power, and very faint overall.
eg I. 1317:  0'.6 x 0'.5:  V. 13.8; SB 12.5:  Located at 100x, it was bright, fairly large, and much easier to see than 6900.  Up to 200x gave good views of the round galaxy.
eg 6865:  0'.8 x 0'.6:  V. 15; SB 14:  Since it was at -9 degrees I had little hope of finding this object, as it becomes involved with light pollution from a nearby city.  However, it was located at 125x, very tiny, faint and round.  It was best seen at 200x using averted vision, where it was similar to 6900, though considerably fainter.  This is one of the faintest objects I have yet located!
Mapman Mike


Sunday 2 November 2014

#56 Aquila Deep Sky Treasures, Part 2

     Aquila lacks a Messier object, or any first rate object in general.  There are many fine objects, just none that compare to showpieces in many other constellations.  Thus on July 21st I tackled the best object in Aquila, in my humble opinion.
oc 6709 ( 15'; V. 6.7 mag.; Br. * 9 mag.; 111 *s) is arguably the finest cluster in Aquila, and likely its finest object (in a 12" scope).  I have fond memories of it from Lake Penage with the old Edmund 8" scope, and indeed it looks great in Deb's 6" reflector and in our Edmund Astroscan (4 1/4").  In the 12" it is a minor showpiece, especially to the experienced observer's eye.  Two orange stars lie amidst the group, and at higher powers they become double.  At 43x and 60x the cluster reminds me of a dreidel.  There is a definite "Y" shape to it.  I went up to 83x, then on to 100x, 125x, 150x, 187x, and finally 200x, before returning to 60x again.  The first orange double precedes the second one, and has a very close, faint companion.  The second pair is orange and blue.  There is a third, fainter and very close pair sitting very near the second.  The cluster has some dense knots, but all is resolved at 200x.  I spent a long time here, and also came back several times.
     Oc 6724 (3'; V. 10 mag.; Br. * 12 mag.; 10 *s) was new for me.  It is a disappointing NGC object, especially after viewing 6709 right next door.  200x shows 8 stars in a tight group, preceding a brighter star.  Following that star is yet another faint group.  Nothing too special is here.
     On the other hand, oc Poole J1855.0+1047 (6'; 40 *s) is marginally better viewing than 6724. It was seen at 60x as a small, very dense knot of somewhat bright stars.  It is just north following 6709, and north preceding 6724.  It lies just north of a bright triangle of stars that includes V913.  Fifteen stars were counted in a small, tight group as viewed at 250x.
     NGC oc 6738 (15' V. 8.3 mag.;) appears bright and straggly at 60x, located north preceding a bright double star, and within a triangle of bright stars.  This was a new one for me.  100x and 125x show the main group as somewhat circular.  Forty stars were counted here, and there is a very faint group following.  The many bright stars, including several not part of the cluster make this a decent group to view.

    On the night of July 24th, iIt was time for another stellar-like planetary nebula.  
I. 4846 (11"; V. 11.9 mag.; Cent. * 15.1 mag.) was confirmed after some searching.  I used my Skyglow filter and 250x to do so.  It is immediately north of a somewhat bright star, a double with faint companion.  Grayish-blue in colour the nebula resembles a very faint star with a tiny surrounding ring of haze.  Nothing to see here, folks.  It's interesting to note that the second IC catalogue (#1530 onward) was discovered photographically.
     It comes as a surprise to some viewers that summer constellations contains galaxies.  Last summer I viewed all of the ones in Lyra and Cygnus, a significant number.  Galaxies near the brighter portion of the Milky Way are difficult to observe, as they are nearly always placed within a bright star field.  
However, eg 6814 (3' x 2'.8: V. 11.2 mag.; SB 13.4 mag.) was easily spotted at 100x, being large and round.  It bore magnification well, and I used up to 200x with good results.  The central area was bright and large, showing well with the aperture stopped down to 8".  Using full aperture, a wide, much fainter haze surrounded it.  No central core was visible, though several faint stars are involved.  We even saw the galaxy very faintly in the 6" scope.  If you are going to see only one galaxy in Aquila, it should be this one.  Good luck!
     Gc Palomar 11 (10'; V. 9.8) is a bit of a challenge, but not too bad for a 12" in a good sky.  It was seen at 60x and observed through 187x.  It is essentially a fairly large area of very, very faint stars resolving in behind brighter ones in the foreground.  Located south of a magnitude 8.5 star, to me it is like a larger Berkeley cluster.  Don't expect to see a "globular cluster."
     NGC eg 6821 (1'.1 x 1'.1: V. and SB 13.1) is one of those rare galaxies where the surface brightness and visual magnitude are equal.  Located at 100x, it was clearly round, faint, pretty big, and seen best with averted vision.  At -7 degrees I was happy to find this one so easily.  A very faint star is following.
     Two planetary nebulae were next on my observing list.  
Pn 6772 (86"; V. 12.7 mag.; Cent. * 18.6 mag.) was a ghostly apparition, spotted at 60x using the Skyglow filter.  It was large, possible appearing even larger than M57!  I used up to 200x tonight, which shows the nebula to be of uniform brightness and shape (round).  Though far from being a showpiece, it was fun to observe this in the 12".  Next was:
 pn 6778 (37"; V. 12.3; Cent. * 16.9).  Less than half the size of nearby 6772, it is considerably brighter and much easier to see.  It is medium in size and noted well at 120x with the filter.  Very good views were had at 250x, also with the filter.  Here it began to appear oval, and 2 brighter knots were glimpsed within.  It had a bright, distinct middle section and a small, much fainter outer area.  Up to 375x was used here successfully. This is virtually my highest usable magnification.  This object is worth a stopover.
     The final object in Part 2 (there will be a Part 3) is oc 6775 (13'; 10 *s).  While its standing as an actual cluster may be in some doubt, this object does offer an interesting field surrounding it.  A small, tight group of stars is noted here.  12 stars were counted at 200x in an area no more than 3' or 4'.  Preceding this is a more open group of stars with similar brightness to the first group.  Both together make up 6775.  Twenty more stars are in the wider group.  The cluster can be seen well at 150x.  A brighter circlet of stars lies just north.
To be continued...
Mapman Mike

# 55 Aquila Deep Sky Treasures, Part 1

     Now that the November blahs have hit us in the northern latitudes, there will be plenty of time to reflect on all the wonderful observing done over the past summer and early autumn. Tolkien calls the time between Nov. 1st and Dec. 21st "The Fading," an apt name.  I have yet, in all my years of observing, to have a banner observing month in November.  It's mostly overcast, windy, cold, and the leaves are down, giving the sky and stray lights too much glow. However, there is always hope for this November.  We shall see.  With the moon waxing now, there is still time to reflect.

     After a spring session in which I observed literally nothing but galaxies (Leo and then Bootes), it was a real treat to begin studies of Aquila in early July.  To see a quick overview of what objects are in this constellation, see the blog entry for July 27th, 2014.  Observed in previous years with the 8", there were some new NGC objects for me, along with clusters from other catalogues.  I was also looking forward to seeing again what I had seen so many years ago with my previous scope.

pn 6751 (26"; V. 11.9; Cent. * 15.4) was located easily, between two faint stars, and viewed up to 300x.  It has a very bright, star-like middle section, with an occasional hint of a dark cneter and/or dark lane.  This object is small but impressively bright.
oc 6735 (8'; 35 *s; Br. * mag. 12) was a new one for me, and it was observed on the night of July 3rd.  It was my first cluster in several months.  Looking at Uranometria, I was expecting a mag. 7 star to mostly drown out the faint cluster members that apparently surrounded it. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised, even at 60x!  Here lies a lovely and busy cluster of faint stars surrounding a bright yellow star, but they are hardly drowned out by that object's light. Best seen at 100x, the cluster drifts west from the yellow star (preceding).  At 125x I counted at least 50 stars.  It even looked decent in Deb's 6" mirror at 94x.

     Aquila has a number of stellar-like planetary nebulaes.  Outside of NGC planetaries, I rarely seek out these objects from other catalogues.  The following objects were observed the night of July 4th.
pn 6741 (8"; V. 11.5 mag.; Cent. * 20.3 mag.) showed a very small greyish-blue disc at 375x.  It has a close, very faint stellar companion.  It can be found just following oc 6735.
gc 6760 (9'; V 9 mag.; Br * 15.6) was next, easily spotted at 60x.  Compared to the dozens of faint galaxies I had recently viewed, this was an easy and fun object to observe.  Despite appearing as if it will resolve at any moment, it doesn't.  I viewed it up to 250x, where it at last begins to resolve, but only outside of the central core, which is still very bright and still blazes. It glows from within like some mysterious lamp, bright as can be but hiding its stars.

     Another new NGC object for me was gc 6749 (4'; V. 12.4 mag.; Br * 16.5 mag.).  This is unlikely to be the object first reported by Herschel, as it is much too faint.  Despite this, it is now accepted as 6749.  Lying in a very rich area of the Milky Way, it has a very low surface brightness and is essentially very faint haze tucked in behind 3 or 4 mag. 12 stars.  There might be work to do here with a larger scope, but a 12" barely shows the haze if you have a pinpoint location.

     Two faint Berkeley clusters were next, Be 79 (7'; Br. * 15 mag; 60 *s) and Be 80 (3'; Br * 15; 20 *s).  79 was large and somewhat circular.  Noticed at 100x, using up to 200x resolves about 15 very faint stars.  The "brighter" members were clustered towards a mag. 9 star.  It resolves only with averted vision and high power.  80 was located at 60x, but it was only a faint, small hazy patch.  It is much easier to see than gc 6749!  Up to 250x was used to resolve a very faint E/W string of 6 to 8 stars, using a.v.

     I will conclude Part 1 of Aquila with a pair of open clusters, observed on July 17th.  
oc 6755 (15'; V. 7.5 mag.; Br * 11 mag; 157 *s) is an unusual cluster.  Ringed by bright members, there are three separate very dense sections.  In the extreme S was the smallest knot. The largest was central.  N was a 3rd group, less rich than the central one.  A bright member is preceding the central group, with a faint double star just S of it.  At 60x the cluster was mostly haze, which is large and quite spread out.  The area including the central clump contains about 50 stars, while the N group has about 25.  Up to 200x was used to resolve and scan the cluster. It looked good in the 6" as well.  
oc 6756 (4'; V 10.6 mag.; B * 13 mag; 40 *s) is just north following, and in the same low power field.  This tiny, faint group resembles a globular cluster at 60x.  However, 187x to 300x resolves the dense central group.  About 15 stars were counted in and near the main group.  It is bright enough to use 300x, which is recommended to really get inside this little cluster.

     I will be back soon with Part 2 to Aquila, and then I will continue on with Delphinus and Sagitta, two other constellations I managed to begin and complete over the summer.
Mapman Mike

     

Wednesday 17 September 2014

#54 Some Favourites in Lyra

 September is such a wonderful month to get outside and do some observing.  In July and August, observing the summer constellations means having to begin very late in the evening, something impossible for those who work next morning.  In July it isn't truly dark until after 11 pm.  Along comes autumn equinox with a nice surprise: most of those summer constellations are still available, and darkness comes early enough now to allow at least an hour or two of observing even during a work week.  For a time in September, the stars actually appear not to advance at all from one night to the next, due to the earlier sunsets and darkness.  So if you have had a tough time getting your observing act together during the summer, you can still see the wonders of Lyra, Cygnus, Aquila, and even Sagittarius over the next several weeks.

This time I would like to talk about a pair of objects in Lyra.  They are challenging ones that require larger apertures to appreciate.  Both objects, a planetary nebula and an open cluster, look splendid in my 12" reflector, and in our club’s 14” telescope.  Hopefully, I can entice you outside some night soon for a look.

Lyra has the most famous planetary nebula in the heavens.  M 57, the Ring Nebula, is one of the most looked at objects in the sky.  It looks beautiful in a 3” scope, and anything bigger is a bonus.  On a spectacularly clear night last October, I was able to glimpse the central star with a 12” scope.  There is even a very faint IC galaxy very close by that also makes for a challenging search.  However, I wish to talk about another planetary nebula in Lyra, NGC 6765.  It cannot be found with a 3” scope; not even with a 6”.  It is 40” in size and close to 13th magnitude.  It’s central star is beyond reach of the 14” scope, at mag. 16.

Located slightly north of globular cluster M 56, and preceding it by 6’ of R.A., this object surprises even veteran observers, who are often intrigued to learn of its existence.  While it can be located in an 8” scope on a very fine night, a bigger aperture is required to fully appreciate its size and shape.  It is certainly no Ring Nebula, as it offers an overhead planetary nebula much more tricky to observe in detail, though worthwhile for patient observers.  It lies close enough to M 56 that making a stopover here is not difficult.  I observed it over several nights in the 12” scope, trying to figure out exactly what it was I was seeing.  When tackling new objects at the eyepiece, I avoid looking up photos until my sketch and description is complete.  Then I go to Google Images for a peek.

In the eyepiece I saw a large, faint object at 100x, nearly half the size of M 57.  It is in a very rich star field, and it bears magnification well, whereas at 200x it becomes oval.  At first I thought I was seeing a star in it, but on further viewing it seemed like a bright clump of nebulosity.  My ultra-block filter worked very well here, making the object brighter and larger.  Eventually I was able to discern two parts to the nebula.  At first it was merely rectangular in shape, but as I viewed it longer it began to resemble a snowman, with a small, roundish head situated atop a larger, roundish body.  Is there a “snowman nebula” out there already?  If not, I nominate pn 6765!

7.5 degrees north of M 56, and 4’ following is the unusual and eye-popping open cluster NGC 6791.  This one requires a big aperture to resolve the multitude of stars, the brightest of which is mag. 15.  Observed back in the old days with the 8”, it was seen as a milky haze, quite large and not that difficult to locate.  With a diameter of 10’ and a visual mag. of around 9.5, it is impressive even when not resolving.  However, it does begin to resolve in the 12” at higher powers (187x begins to show stars; at 250x things start to become overwhelming).  For those who love to view oc 7789 in Cassiopeia (which resolves well in a 6” scope), 6791 is another step or two beyond.  I have viewed it in the club’s 14”, but I would really like to see this in a 16” scope or higher.  Stars, stars, stars!   

With all the wonderful globular clusters out there, it is not surprising that M 56 gets overlooked sometimes by summer skywatchers.  When seen directly overhead, M 56 is a real treasure.  Once again, the larger the aperture the more you will see.  Since this spectacular globular cluster is used this month as our nearest guide object, it would be a shame not to include it in our explorations.  It makes a wonderful third object, beginning with the faint planetary, following up with the challenging-to-resolve open cluster, and finishing with M 56.  And if you haven’t seen M 57 in a while, view it after viewing 6765 to appreciate the differences.  Enjoy the night skies!
Mapman Mike



            

Saturday 9 August 2014

#53 Sagittarius Deep Sky Plans

If you had to nominate one constellation as "best of" for northern deep sky observers, which would you choose?  Virgo, with all of those bright galaxies and Messier objects?  Scorpius, with its clusters and nebulae?  Or perhaps Orion, with the most amazing nebulae available.  I would argue Sagittarius. It has a reasonable number of NGC and IC objects (77), a consistently fine background when star hopping, plenty of worthwhile objects from other catalogs, and perhaps the widest variety of objects in any one constellation. There are open clusters galore, along with nearly as many globular clusters. There are planetary nebulae, galactic nebula, and even a few galaxies.  Double and variable stars are positively glorious.  I have yet to mention that there are no less than fifteen Messier objects!

Best of all, Sagittarius is a summer constellation and on view during the best observing weather for us northern folk.  Trying to choose favourite constellations is a totally subjective exercise, as is choosing a favourite object in such a rich area.  I won't even try, at least until I have viewed all of them.  This may take a few seasons.  The one disadvantage of observing in Sagittarius is its relatively low position in the southern sky.  My latitude is 42 N.  I can comfortably observe stars and clusters to about -35 degrees on excellent nights, and on occasion, for certain objects, I can reach -42 degrees. However, finding nights in the humid summer when I can clearly see the southern sky is difficult, and a rare occurrence.  For that reason, I always have other, higher constellations on the go.  I am working in Aquila, Delphinus and Sagitta most nights. However, if and when the southern sky is worthwhile, off I go to Sagittarius.  So far I have barely begun my re-exploration of this amazing motherlode of deep sky treasures.  For now, I am concentrating on the sky in and around M 23.

Here is a simplified list of what I will be observing in Sagittarius.  Firstly, the fifteen Messier objects are:  8, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 54, 55, 69, 70, and 75.  Have I missed any?

In the NGC list there are:
19 open clusters
21 globular clusters
03 galactic nebulae, plus 2 more involved with clusters and having the same designation
06 galaxies (from my latitude--there are several more, but too low for me to attempt)
11 planetary nebulae

In the IC catalogue are:
01 globular cluster
10 galactic nebulae
06 planetary nebulae

From other catalogues of interest to me are:
33 open clusters
04 galactic nebulae

I am also seeking a minimum of 15 doubles, some of which I have seen previously with the 8" and recorded as worth viewing again, along with a few I could not split with that instrument.  Combined with my work in three other summer constellations, I am happily awaiting the last quarter moon phase and the next clear night closest to it.
Mapman Mike

Wednesday 6 August 2014

#52 Summary #6: Mid-July to July 31st, 2014

     The two-week session from last quarter moon to first quarter moon brought us out to the observatory five times, with just over 17 hours of observing logged.  My work continued in Hercules, as I finished up two significant Abell searches there.  Last month it was Abell 2197, while this month it was Abell 2199.  This detailed but difficult work using the close up maps in the Uranometria appendices is one of my very favourite things to do.  I really wish that more of these detailed maps would be published!  I also added a few more galaxies in Bootes before calling off observations there until next Spring.  I really got to work in Aquila, and though most of the objects have been seen before using the old 8", it really is like seeing them anew with a 12".  I also began work in Sagittarius, something that will take several seasons to conclude, as my south skies are not my best skies.

Only two nights of the five had superior skies, and on the first one it clouded over by midnight.  However, the 2nd fine night stayed great, and we logged 5 hours of observing that night.  The biggest highlight of July? It would have to be getting back into observing in the summer milky way!  The richness of the background sky from a dark site is unbeatable, and there are distractions aplenty.  Here, then, is what I have been doing for the last two weeks.

HERCULES
I managed to observe Abell 2199 in one session.  I was after a total of 10 galaxies here, 7 of them from the NGC.  5 of them have the same NGC number!
Abell 2199--SkyView Images

In the center of the above image is eg 6166:  1'.9 x 1'.4:  V. 11.8; SB 12.8:  This large, bright galaxy lies near the center of Abell 2199.  Very close to it is eg 6166A, immediately south and in the 5 o'clock position.  Beside it on the left is tiny eg 6166D.  These two objects were easy to see at 150x, in the same field with 6166.  A bit further away and in the 2 o'clock position is eg 6166C.  Best seen at high power with averted vision, it was not difficult either.  For me, the challenge was seeing eg 6166B, in the 9:30 o'clock position.  It looks stellar in the photo, above.  Indeed, it is only 0'.4 x 0'.3, and V. 14.9 (sb 12.4).  Without such a good sky I doubt I would have found this one, but after a while it was glimpsed with a.v.  Many other small galaxies can be seen in the photo, but I was only after the 6166 group.

Very close by, in the 5 o'clock position and just outside the range of the photo is eg 6158:  0'.9 x 0'.6:  V 13.7; sb 13.1:  Compared to 6166A, B, C, and D, this one was a piece of cake!  It is in the same 100x field with 6166, though I could not see the smaller companions at this magnification range.  It is distinctly oval, faint but with a brighter middle.  I finished up here with UGCs 10349. 10367, and 10381.  All three were easy targets for the 12", and of some interest to observers.  U10381 was especially notable, a medium long, very thin slash.  When I finally found eg 6129  (actually in Corona B.) this completed my work with Uranometria Chart A3! (also see last month's summary for Abell 2197).

oc DoDz 5: 27':  This large open cluster of bright stars is half on Chart A3 and half off.  I observed it at 43x and 60x.  It lies just south of Abell 2199.  About 15 bright stars were counted.  A similar sized group is preceding.  It has about 20 stars, all much fainter than the actual cluster ones.

BOOTES
eg 5536:  1'.2 x 1':  V. 13.6; sb 13.6:  This pair of galaxies was seen easily at 125x, and then up 
eg 5541:  0'.8 x 0'.6:  V. 12.7; sb 11.8) to 200x.  Though 5541 is spotted first, it is 5536 that appears to have a bright middle.
eg I. 990:  This tiny, faint galaxy is not far from the pair just mentioned.  As it was a great night sky I gave it a try.  Success!
eg 5497:  1'.2 x 0'.7:  V. 14.1; sb 13.8:  Impossible without a great sky, though I did glimpse it on a night of bad transparency.

AQUILA
I have seen most of the deep sky objects here in previous years with the 8" scope.  I am redoing them all, plus adding several NGC objects not labelled on my earlier maps as well as several clusters from other catalogues.
oc6709:  15': V. 6.7; Br * 9:  This is the showpiece open cluster within Aquila.  Fond memories of this group in the 8".  It also looks fine in Deb's 6".  Three nice doubles in there, too.  Quite wonderful in the 12".  Recommended.
oc 6724:  3'; V 10; Br * 12:  Next door to 6709, though quite disappointing.  200x shows 8 stars in a tight group.
oc 6738:  15'; V. 8.3:  Bright and straggly at 60x, located north preceding a bright double star.  40 stars counted in the central area.  Another faint group following.  Decent cluster.
oc 6755:  15'; V. 7.5; Br.* 11:  An unusual cluster, and worth a look.  Ringed by brighter stars, there are three dense sections.  100x resolves most of the haze.  About 75 stars were counted.  Very nearby is oc 6756, which makes a good contrast with 6755.  This is a tiny, compressed and faint group.  Up to 300x was used to resolve it.
oc 6775:  13'; 10 *s:  A small, faint group of stars is noted in a busy field.  12 stars at 200x in a very small area.  20 more in a wider area.  Seen well at 150x.
oc Be 43:  5'; Br * 15:  6 very faint stars seen at 187x and 200x.  Sky conditions were not very good.
oc Do 35:  7'; asterism?:  125x is just high enough to block out star 31 from the field.  About 20 stars counted, including a faint, very close double noted just south of the 9.5 mag. star at the cluster's center.
oc King 25:  5':  Several tiny comites seen near a much brighter, white star.
oc Poole J1855.0+1047:  Just north following 6709.  Small, very dense knot of somewhat bright stars.  North of a bright triangle of stars that includes V 913.  15 stars counted at 250x.
gc Pal 11:  10'; V. 9.8:  Noted at low to medium power.  Large area of very, very faint stars in behind brighter ones.  Just south of a mag. 8.5 star, it reminded me of a large Be cluster.  Don't expect to see a "globular."
eg 6814:  3' x 2'.8:  V. 11.2; sb 13.4:  Easily spotted at 100x, large and round.  Central area bright and large, surrounded by fainter haze.  Very very faint in 6" scope.
eg 6821:  1'.1 x 1'.1:  V. 13.1; sb 13.1:  Spotted at 100x, round and faint, pretty large; best with averted vision.
pn 6772:  86"; V. 12.7:  Ghostly apparition spotted easily at 60x.  Up to 200x used.  Uniform shape and brightness (round).  Fun to view in the 12".
pn 6778:  37"; V. 12.3:  Less than half the size of 6772, though considerably brighter.  Noted well at 120x with sky glow filter.  375x used successfully.  Oval shape, with 2 bright knots.  Bright, distinct middle section and a small, much fainter outer area.
pn 6781:  114"; V. 11.4:  Huge and bold, I had great views of this object from 150x up to 200x.
Recommended.
pn 6790:  10"; V. 10.5:  Use a very good pinpoint atlas for these nearly stellar planetaries.
pn 6803:  10"; V. 11.4:  Again, nearly stellar.  Use high magnification and a filter.
pn 6804:  66"; V. 12; Central * 14.3:  Another minor showpiece!  Central star viewed at 187x, though much easier at 250x.  Another faint star on the very edge, making it harder to see the central one.
pn 6807:  8"  V. 12:  At 250x a tiny bit of bluish haze was noted, using the Skyglow Filter.
pn I. 4846:  11"; V. 11.9:  Confirmed at 250x with a filter.

CYGNUS
oc Be 56:  3'; Br * 16:  Left over from last summer, I finally found it.  A few very, very faint stars resolved in behind some faint foreground ones.  Not much to see in a 12".  In a very rich area for sweeping.

SAGITTARIUS
oc 6494--M 23:  25'; V. 5.5; Br * 10; 150 *s:  Looking good in any telescope, I had not studied M 23 in detail in many years, as it tends to get overshadowed by all those Messier nebulae around there.  A major showpiece in the 12", I found it looked its best at 83x, where it fully resolves.  There are nearly 100 brighter members, and nearly as many fainter ones.  It resembles a city at night as seen from an aircraft.  Chains of stars, strings, circlets, crescents and lines.  Fun!
gc 6440:  4'.4; V. 9.3; Br * 16.7:  Spotted with ease at 60x, this is a bright globular in a 12" with a very bright center and a large area of surrounding haze.  It seems to glow like a lamp, though no stars resolve.  The first of 21 globular clusters I will observe in Sagittarius.
pn 6445:  44"; V. 11.2:  One of the "Little Gem" nebulae, it was spotted at 60x, though it improved a lot with a filter.  Lies close to a 7.5 mag. star; there is also a very faint one just N.  The N end is brighter, too, as if a faint star were embedded.
oc 6507:  15'; V. 9.6; Br * 12:  It was not a very good night of seeing in the south when I observed this, and will take a second look on a better night.  Just north following M 23, it was spotted at 60x.  I noted a large sprinkling of  faint stars following WX, a variable star.  About 30 stars were counted tonight, and I used up to 187x.  I also looked at 100x with the aperture stopped down to 8".  The stars were very faint but resolved.

CASSIOPEIA
oc 1027:  15'; V. 6.7; Br * 9:  We have been up pretty late, and this autumn constellation is in prime position after about 2 am.  The cluster is lovely in the 12" at 60x, with a 7 mag. white star near the center, and a 9.7 mag. pair further out.  Large, fairly scattered.  100x gives an impressive view of about 60 stars, mostly white.  Much less impressive in the 6".
oc Be 65:  5':  Studied at 125x and 150x, 12-15 stars were resolved just north of a somewhat brighter group that has a dipper shape involved.
oc Cz 13:  4'; Mag. 10.4; Br * 12.8:  Spotted at 100x as a very faint cluster of tiny stars.  The group is still resolving at 200x and 250x.
Mapman Mike  

Sunday 27 July 2014

#51 Aquila, Delphinus and Sagitta: Deep Sky Plans

Aquila is an odd constellation--it is right smack in the Milky Way, has 3 bright stars that make it one of the easiest constellations to identify, yet it lacks a real showpiece deep sky object.  Among its 37 NGC and IC objects, there is no Messier object, nor even a great object to show to newbies.  However, that is not to say that lesser treasures cannot be found here.  The experienced deep sky observer knows that while throngs of telescopes are being pointed at the big, showy objects of summer, there are a few of us who appreciate going off the beaten path just as much.  Many objects in Aquila are off the beaten path.  

Here is the NGC breakdown for AQUILA:
11 open clusters
02 globular clusters
11 planetary nebulae, including one from the IC
13 galaxies, including 2 from the IC

Here is the breakdown for other catalogues that I am interested in observing with a 12" scope:
08 open clusters
01 galaxy

I am also returning to view several double and triple stars that I enjoyed with the 8", as well as attempting a few that I could not find back in the day, or could not split.  My list includes 16 doubles and/or triples along with 2 variables.  While I have already had a good start on observing the Aquila project list, it is only about 30% complete at present.

DELPHINUS
There are 24 NGC/IC objects here:
01 open cluster
02 globular clusters
02 planetary nebulae
19 galaxies, including 2 ICs.
There is 1 open cluster from another catalogue.
I will also pay visits to 6 double stars and a variable.

SAGITTA
There are 5 NGC/IC objects, including M 71.
01 open cluster
01 globular cluster
03 planetary nebulae, including one from the IC
There are 5 open clusters and 2 globulars from other catalogs.
I am also seeking 4 doubles and a variable.

Since forming these plans earlier in the spring, I have decided to begin chipping away at Sagittarius, but only when southern skies are exceptionally good.  Details of this constellation will form a separate blog entry.  I also have a few objects left to complete in Cassiopeia before beginning Cepheus, my main autumn constellation.
Mapman Mike

Tuesday 22 July 2014

#50 Summer Observing Plans, 2014

With spring galaxy season officially ended (for me it finally ended last night, when I logged a tiny, faint one in Bootes), it is time to bring on the summer milky way and all of the awesome areas of sky contained within. Last summer I enjoyed quite a lot of clear skies, and was able to begin and finish detailed deep sky observations of Lyra and Cygnus, as well as nearly finish Cassiopeia.  The summer constellations are "up there" a lot longer than those of any other season, thanks to the increasing level of darkness creeping back into our lives.  Combined with generally nicer weather, many of us spend entire nights observing in July, August, and September.  I have already observed most of the summer sky with my previous 8" scope, and I am now having another go with my 12".

My summer plans include observing all of the NGC and IC objects in Aquila, Delphinus, and Sagitta, and also getting a start in Sagittarius.  Hundreds of deep sky objects await, many of them completely new to me.  I have also included all of the open clusters from other catalogs shown on Uranometria 2000, as well as the occasional globular cluster and planetary nebula.  My main goal, however, is the NGC list.  Double stars are not forgotten, as I will go back and review some of the best ones seen previously, along with several I could not split with the 8", or could not find back in the day.  Refer to my earliest blogs for exactly how I go about setting up my observing lists. It's an old-fashioned way, but keeps me entertained for hours on cloudy nights and weekends.

I've already had a good start in Aquila, logging four open clusters last night, including 6709.  There are also three (less impressive) clusters in the immediate vicinity.  However, by star hopping to them from 6709 I got to see a lot of lovely star fields, and got to know another small part of the sky very well.  On previous nights I viewed oc 6755 and 6756, along with other open clusters, a few globulars and planetaries, a variable star and a double.  Since I spent April, May and June hunting down (mostly) faint galaxies, it is pure joy to behold the wonders of the Milky Way once again.  I especially like viewing open clusters, and the 12" has revealed them to me in ways only that level of aperture could.  6709, for example, is a minor treasure in my scope, and I spent a very long time last night enjoying the sight.  I began at 43x, and slowly worked my way up to 200x, stopping off for lengthy views at 60x, 83x, 100x, 125x, 150x, and 187x.  Each view gave a new perspective, and it was like arriving amidst the cluster in a spaceship, having begun some distance away. Once deep inside the cluster, I pulled away again and enjoyed low power views.  Believe me, this is a fun way to spend a night!  Afterwards, once the notes are in the logbook, I go back and compare what I saw now with what I saw years ago with the 8".

My wife and observing partner, Deb, has her own method of tracking down deep sky objects.  Deb now has about a year of solo observing under her belt, after assisting me with sketches at the eyepiece for decades.  She started with our Astroscan 4 1/4" RFT, locating all of the Messier objects to boost her driving and hunting skills. Once she had completed that project, she upgraded to an Orion Starblast 6".  That is one fine little telescope, with some of the sharpest views of stars and deep sky objects I have ever seen.  It more than holds its own against all the super expensive 5" refractors that come out to the observatory to observe. It's only drawback is that it does not accept 2" eyepieces. 

Right now Deb is completing her NGC globular cluster project.  Previous to this she took on Spring galaxies. Her next project, just currently getting underway, is finding open clusters within a specific size and magnitude. Basically she observes a large selection of objects in one category (galaxy, open, or globular cluster) and does a comparative study.  She observes each object with the same three eyepieces, comparing size, brightness and ease of finding and seeing the object.  So she is now an expert observer of galaxies and globular clusters using a 6" reflector.

Because we travel to the observatory in one vehicle, and because my 12" scope takes up a lot of the cargo room, Deb is limited to a 6" aperture, though she is often more than happy to take a peek through the 12". Sometimes we have fun by observing the same object at the same time in both scopes, comparing the views.
As always, I am interested in hearing about other observing methods.  Just remember to have a peek at what else may lie around that deep sky object you are looking at, especially if it lies in the Milky Way.  Star chains, small but colourful double stars, tiny asterisms... it's fun to be surprised by uncateloged, undiscovered wonders, too. Happy summer observing!

Mapman Mike

Saturday 12 July 2014

#49 Summary # 5: June 2014

The hazy skies of June were not just in our area of the Great Lakes, but were reported far and wide.  Despite forecasts of "mainly clear" and "clear," high, thick hazy clouds hampered many a night.  More than a few 90 minute return drives to the observatory were either mostly wasted or completely wasted.  We managed to snag a few objects here and there, until finally our big break came.  Not until the moon was just approaching first quarter did we get a pair of very fine nights in a row.  Luckily we were able to stay late those nights, watching the moon set after midnight both nights.  Without those two nights it would have been a slim report.

I am happy to report, however, that 12.5 hours of observing were logged in June (and very early July), with 23 new NGC/IC objects making it into my logbook.  5 new objects from other catalogues were also seen, as well as 3 NGC objects viewed previously with the 8" scope.  Many of the objects were faint galaxies, and some were very poor viewing indeed.  However, I also logged a couple of planetaries, globulars, and an open cluster.

BOOTES
Work continues here, though I will only mention the best objects. 
eg 5529:  6'.2 x 0'.9: V. 11.5; SB 13.5:  This galaxy becomes more impressive the more you look at it.  I spent about 40 minutes enjoying this one, along with 2 very, very faint companions (eg 5527 and eg M+6-31-87).  Best at 150x using averted vision.
eg 5529, Sky View Images

eg 5544:  1'.1 x 1':  V. 13; SB 13:  Though faint, I had no trouble seeing this pair.  My first night  
eg 5545:  1' x 0'.3:  V. 14.1; SB 12.7) I did not know how far apart they were, and thought I had not seen 5545.  What I saw was a pear-shaped galaxy, quite long, with the wide end preceding the narrow one.  Once home I found a photo and realized I had been looking at both galaxies, which are interacting!  A fun pair, recommended with a great sky.
eg 5544, 5545 Skyview Images

eg 5557:  2'.4 x 1'.9:  V. 11; SB 12.6:  Seen easily, even through ever-thickening haze the first time.  A classic "fried egg" galaxy, with a slightly oval shape, a brilliant core, a large, bright area surrounding the core, and a much smaller area of fainter haze around that.  A 6" will show it easily.
eg 5596:  1'.1 x 0'.8:  V. 13.6; SB 13.3:  Round to oval galaxies are much easier to see than the "slash" type, or elliptical ones.  Stellar core was noted at 200x.  View hampered by a close 7 mag. star, so high power helps get it out of the field.
Other galaxies seen this month in Bootes were:  5499, 5515, 5524, 5527, 5572, 5616, eg M+6-31-87.

HERCULES
All work here was in Abell 2197 and immediate vicinity.
eg 6150:  1'.3 x 0'.5:  V. 14; SB 13.6:  Located at 100x.  Very elongated, but a wide middle.  Best at 200x.
eg 6160:  1'.8 x 1'.5:  V. 13.2; SB 14.3:  Seen at 100x (after moonset).  Stellar core at 150x.
eg 6173:  1'.9 x 1'.4:  V 12.1; SB 13.2:  The brightest galaxy in Abell 2157, but hampered by a nearby 7 mag. star.  Slightly oval with a notably large, bright middle.
Other galaxies seen this month in or near Abell 2157 were: 6138, 6141, 6174, 6175, 6180, 6184, 6131 (Corona Borealis), I. 4610, U 10407, U 10415.  The last two are very close and are not a difficult pair.

AQUILA
My new summer constellation has begun.
oc 6735:   8'; 35*s, B* mag. 12:  My first new cluster since Monoceros in March, and I didn't have to freeze myself to view it!  Pleasantly surprised, even at 60x.  A lovely and busy cluster of faint stars surround a bright yellow star.  Best at 100x.  At 125x I counted over 50 stars.  Also viewed in Deb's 6", where it showed less stars but still looked like a cluster.
V:  Variable star V is a beautiful orange star.
15:  A bright and wide double star, yellow and lavender.  A beauty!
gc 6760:  9'.6:  V. 9; B* 15.6:  This globular is a glowing ball of unresolved stars, but after viewing so many faint galaxies I didn't care!  It was wonderful!  Despite appearing as if it will resolve at any moment, it doesn't.  However, at 200x and 250x several stars outside the core pop into view.
Also viewed in Aquila this month:  pn 6741, gc 6749 (more on this one at a later date).
Mapman Mike



Monday 9 June 2014

#48 Monthly Summary #4: May 2014

This was a very successful session!  There were a total of 67 NEW NGC/IC objects observed!!  Though many were faint galaxies in Leo and Bootes, several were pretty impressive in the 12".  I also observed 5 UGC galaxies, along with 6 previously viewed NGC objects, all galaxies except for one planetary nebula.  If that sounds like a lot of objects, and that I might have been rushing, consider that I observed over 8 beautifully clear nights, and logged nearly 31 hours of observing time at the eyepiece!  That's just a little more than 2 objects per hour.  Though I did not sketch every object, I did do many sketches, especially when multiple galaxies were observed in one view.

In an earlier post I talked in detail about my observations in Abell 1367, a highlight to date of my work in Leo.  Rather than talk about each and every galaxy observed last month (too many!), I will only mention the highlights.

LEO
eg 3862:  1'.6 x 1'.6:  V. 12.7; sb 13.7:  In Abell 1367.  Large, with a bright middle.  Easily noticed at 100x, with good views up to 200x, where I. 2955 was also spotted, almost adjacent.
eg 3886:  1'.2 x 0'.9:  V. 13.2; sb 13.4:  Easy to spot at 100x, and still bright up to 200x.  Just north preceding 2 faint stars, it was easy to observe with direct vision.  Somewhat oval with averted vision.  Within Abell 1367.
eg 3910:  1'.6 x 1'.2:  V. 13.1; sb 13.9:  Another easy object to spot at 100x, it also had a very faint star near it.  Up to 200x was used to see the oval shape.  Bright, with a bright center.  Easy to find between two brighter stars.
UGC 6697:  1'.5 x 0'.3:  V.13.6; sb 19.6:  Not far preceding eg 3842.  Oval, and easily located.  A rich section of Abell 1367.
UGC 6719:  1'.1 x 0'.7:  V. 13.6; sb 13.2:  Located easily at 100x; bright and oval at 125x.  Within Abell 1367.
UGC 6725:  1'.2 x 0'.7:  V. 12.9; sb 12.6:  Oval and not so bright.  Confirmed as a galaxy at 125x, it was best seen with averted vision within a dim but busy star field.  Oval with a bright center.  Within Abell 1367.
UGC 6770:  2'.8 x 0'.8:  V. 12.9; sb 13.6:  Located at 100s, south of Abell 1367, and viewed well up to 200x.  Very oval, bright and large.  Lies between two 11 mag. stars.

BOOTES
This constellation offers the owner of a 12" telescope many fine galaxies that are relatively bright.  The constellation is high enough for northern viewers, and seems to last well into early July.
eg 5517:  1' x 0'.8:  V. 13.9; sb 13.5:  Located at 100x, with a close mag. 8 star.  Seen well at 125x, and still quite good at 150x.  Round, or perhaps flaring slightly oval with averted vision.  Not difficult in superior skies.
eg 5553:  1'.3 x 0'.3:  V. 14; sb 12.8:  Noticed at 100x and 125x, it was a classic cigar-shaped galaxy.  Relatively bright, just following a triangle of stars.  Several IC galaxies nearby.
NGC 5589:  1'.1 x 1'.1:  V. 13.2; sb 13.4:  These two galaxies have three other close NGC 
NGC 5590:  1'.8 x 1'.8:  V. 12.3; sb 13.5) companions, so it is worth getting familiar with the area.  90 spotted at 60x, easily located near a bright star.  Large and round, with good views up to 100x, where it is now a double galaxy with 89.  At 200x it had a very bright middle.  With both objects similarly shaped, they make a good comparison for size and brightness.
eg 5623:  1'.6 x 1'.1:  V. 12.5; sb 12.8:  Seen well at 60x, and all the way up to 200x.  A fine galaxy, elliptical and easy to find.  Very bright middle with haze extending all around.
eg 5629:  1'.8 x 1'.8:  Along with I. 1017, a fine pair of galaxies.  The main one was bright and easy at 100x, but looked like a pair at 125x.  Both seen easily at 200x.  The main galaxy is round, and the tiny one is oval (I.1017:  1' x 0'.5:  V 13.7; sb 12.8).
eg 5635:  2'.3 x 1'.1:  V. 12.9; sb 13.8:  Spotted easily at 60x, even with a rising moon.  Large and oval, remaining bright up to 200x.  Bright center.
eg 5639:  1'.4 x 0'.9:  V 13.7; sb 13.8:  Very elliptical with a bright middle.Best with averted vision at 187x.  Just N of a dim star.
eg 5672:  0'.8 x 0'.5:  V. 13.4; sb 12.3:  Located north following a mag. 9 star, which is actually a close, fairly even double, coloured yellow and pale blue.  The double points to the galaxy, which was spotted at 100x and gave good views up to 200x.  Slightly oval.  
eg 5677:  0'.9 x 0'.7:  V. 13.9; sb 13.2:  Easily spotted at 100x, and quite good at 125x.  Oval at 187x.
eg 5706:  0'.4 x 0'.3:  V. 14.8; sb 12.3:  Both galaxies seen at 125x, though 09 was spotted at 60x. 
eg 5709:  1'.6 x 0'.4:  V. 13.6; sb 12.3)  09 was remarkably elongated, whereas tiny 06 was oval.  Both seen best with averted vision at 187x.
eg 5737:  1'.3 x 0'.8:  V. 13.7; sb 13.6:  Spotted at 60x, and an elongated shape noted at 100x.  Faint at 125x, but not small.  187x with averted vision gives a fair view, large but not bright.
eg 5760:  1'.5 x 0'.7:  V. 13.3; sb 13.2:  Located at 60x, faint but oval.  100x shows it well, and 187x gives it a bright middle.  Very elongated now using averted vision.  It is pretty large and somewhat bright.
eg 5798:  1'.4 x 0'.9:  V. 13; sb 13.3:  Brighter than 5827, which should be brighter.  Anyway, it is oval and located at 100x.  It is bright and easy to view.  Faint star adjacent.  Best at 187x, where it had a stellar core.
eg 5857:  1'.2 x 0'.6: V. 13; sb 12.5:  59 is bigger, but either galaxy alone would make a fine sight. 
eg 5859:  3' x 0'.8:  V. 12.5; sb 13.3) Seen together at 150x they are quite splendid!  Both seen at 60x.  Fun to compare size difference and brightness.  Shape is similar, and with almost the same position angles.

HERCULES
I am doing some work in Abell 2197 and 2199.
eg 6146:  1'.3 x 1':  V. 12.5; sb 12.8:  Easy to view at 100x, preceding a faint star.  Oval, and bright even at 200x.  Many bright stars are in the field, as well as eg 6145 (not difficult) and eg 6147 (extremely difficult).

AQUILA
One of three summer constellations I am reviewing with the 12", having done them with the 8" in previous years.
pn 6751:  26":  V. 11.9:  Located at 100x between two faint stars, and viewed well up to 300x.  It has a very bright middle, likely the central star, with occasional hint of a dark center.  Small, but very bright.

Other objects seen this past month but not reported above are listed below.  If you want any further details on them, just send me a message.  Some were easy, some were very difficult.  Unless the sky has great transparency, I don't even try for the hard ones.
3602, 3834, 3840, 3844, 3845, 3851, 3857, 3859, 3864, 3867, 3868, 3883, 5249, 5293, 5332, 5512, 5532, 5559, 5567, 5568, 5579, 5594, 5609, 5611, 5613, 5642, 5657, 5659, 5685, 5735, 5748, 5771, 5773, 5778, 5780, 5827, 5829, 5842, 6145, 6147, I. 984, I. 2955, I. 4447.
Mapman Mike