Object: NGC 2266 - OCL 471
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 11:11Local
Object RA: 6h 43.3m
Object Declination: 26d 58'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Gem
Magnitude: 9.5
Size: 7
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: B
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 95x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Okay, this one isn't bad. Stands out nicely in a wide FOV. Tight concentration to this one with maybe 50-100 stars. Pretty even brightness in the stars-not a whole lot of mix except for a few brighter members on the Southwest edge.
Trumpler I-1 or 2-M
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Object: NGC 2129 - OCL 467
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 20:30Local
Object RA: 6h 0.7m
Object Declination: 23d 19'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Gem
Magnitude: 6.7
Size: 7
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: B
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 92x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Okay, look at the image(on my blog page) and you tell me.
Garbage. Fairly faint cluster. 40 or less stars. No concentration.
This baby has nothing going for it.
Not even beer goggles can help this one.
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Object: NGC 4258 - M106
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: MESSIERS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 11:00UT
Object RA: 12h 18.96017m
Object Declination: 47d 18.26633'
Object Type: Gx
Constellation: CVn
Magnitude: 8.3
Size: 18.2
Locate Method: Star Hopping
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: C
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 70x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
This is another Messier that i've seen but not officially logged towards my Messier certificate. One of very few that I still have left. So again, I disregarded the Sky Commander DSC's and hopped on over to Alioth at Ursa Major and made my way over to M106.
Problem was it was fairly bright down and it was low in the sky at this point. Lots of water vapor was killing the view for galaxy's at this point. I popped in the Baader version of a broadband filter and panning over from Alioth, managed to finally find M106. Very faint and certainly not as good a view as the image attached. lol
But I found it nonetheless so i'm happy.
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Object: IC 1805 - OCL 352
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 20:00Local
Object RA: 2h 32.7m
Object Declination: 61d 27'
Object Type: C+N
Constellation: Cas
Magnitude: 6.5
Size: 60
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 70x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
I found this one in the Sky at Night magazine. This one is also known as the Heart Nebula.
Wow! At 70x and 82 degree FOV, this was very cool. I should have gone to even lower power for an even wider FOV but that's another time.
I could see TONS of faint nebulosity all over the place with no discernable shape. I wanted to be sure I was seeing what I thought I was so I removed the OIII filter and the view was night and day. Not even a hint of nebulosity with the filter. Very cool! I strongly urge the reader to check out this object! I'm coming back for sure next night out and use lower power to take in the entire view.
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Object: NGC 1976 - M42 - Orion Nebula, Trapezium Cluster (center of M42)
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: MESSIERS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 19:45Local
Object RA: 5h 35.27267m
Object Declination: -5d 23.41333'
Object Type: Nb
Constellation: Ori
Magnitude: 4
Size: 66
Locate Method: Star Hopping
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
I thought i'd have some fun and compare my Siebert 7mm Ultra(70deg) with my TMB 7mm(60). I could easily make out the E component in the Trapezium and thought i'd follow it through the FOV and see how the viewcompared edge to edge between the two eyepieces.
On axis both eyepieces are sharp. Nice tight stars blah blah blah. I followed the E component in the TMB edge to edge and the brightness of this star never seemed to drop off all the way to the very edge. With a smaller FOV at 60deg, I didn't see any astigmatism or coma in the eyepiece whatsoever. The view never changed at all save for a hint of coma at the VERY edge as I tilted my head very far to see the Trapezium disappear from view. Not bad.
The Siebert shared the same view on axis with perhaps a tad less contrast than the TMB eyepiece. However, as the E component neared the far edge, I did have to strain a bit more to keep this star in view-though I could still see it. So light dropoff is not bad.
If I had to make a choice, i'd say the TMB is the better eyepiece, but I really have an affinity for the Siebert eyepieces. They're light as a feather, have decent optics and are handmade here in the USA and for some reason that keeps me coming back to them. Go figure.
Then again,this is coming from a guy that tries out Astronomy equipment the way Imelda Marcos tried on shoes.
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Object: NGC 2068 - M78
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: MESSIERS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 19:30Local
Object RA: 5h 46.75m
Object Declination: 0d 4.8'
Object Type: Nb
Constellation: Ori
Magnitude: 8
Size: 8
Locate Method: Star Hopping
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 92x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
I'm pretty sure this is one of the few I needed to find for completing my Messier in it's entirety so I figured i'd forego the Sky Commander DSC for a bit and have a look. Believe it or not, i've continued to bypass M78 since I began the hobby. Boy was I missing out!
Beautiful wispy nebulosity surrounds two 10th magnitude stars. Nebulosity is brightest near the stars(i'm assuming these puppies are HOT) with some fading as you move away. A short ways away is NGC 2067..an extra bonus puff of nebulosity.
Very nice. I would like to have spent more time on this one and I will next night out along with the Rosette.
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Object: NGC 2232 - OCL 545
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 19:00Local
Object RA: 6h 28m
Object Declination: -4d 51'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Mon
Magnitude: 3.9
Size: 30
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: B
Power/Magnification Used: 70x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Very loose cluster set by itself in the general area of NGC2237-2244(Rosette). This is a really large one that's spread out quite a bit. I drew a V shape to remember it for confirmation purposes and as it turns out, the small batch of stars nearby was also part of this cluster. The V shape located SSE is the more sparse of the two sections while the nearby mini cluster is to the NNW.
Taking the dual member clusters together into account-it's actually a decent cluster o check out if you get a chance.
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Object: NGC 2244 - NGC 2239
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 2/24/2008
Time Observed: 19:00Local
Object RA: 6h 31.9m
Object Declination: 4d 57'
Object Type: C+N
Constellation: Mon
Magnitude: 4.8
Size: 24
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: B
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 70x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Partly Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
A decent open cluster, with not a whole lot of central concentration. I was guessing somewhere between 40-60 stars both faint and bright.
What I didn't look at was the Rosette Nebula that surrounds this cluster! Ha! What was I thinking?
Apparently this is a young star formation that may have begun shining about less than half a million years ago. It's a baby! The young age and heat from these stars are what provide the radiation for the Rosette.
Okay, so now i've learned something and I need to go back here again. Next time out for sure.
Trumpler would be III-3-M
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Object: NGC 6603 - M24 - Sagittarius Star Cloud, Delle Caustiche
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 9/3/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 18h 18.4m
Object Declination: -18d 24'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Sgr
Magnitude: 11.1
Size: 5
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Celestron CPC 800 GPS XLT 203 10.0
Power/Magnification Used: 81x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Unstable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Could not make out M24 as well as I could a couple of weeks ago..however, this open cluster was quite visible. Reminds me of NGC 7789 in it's concentration.
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Object: NGC 6494 - M23
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 9/3/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 17h 57.06667m
Object Declination: -18d 59.1'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Sgr
Magnitude: 5.5
Size: 27
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Celestron CPC 800 GPS XLT 203 10.0
Power/Magnification Used: 81x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Unstable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Huge Open cluster. 100+ stars spread out all over the place. Still detached from the surrounding starfield despite how large it is. Little to no central concentration. Stars have a medium range of brigthness. Trumplet II 3 R
Most impressive at low power when framed by the Siebert 34mm and UO 25mm Mk70
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Object: NGC 6656 - M22
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 9/3/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 18h 36.40233m
Object Declination: -23d 54.28667'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: Sgr
Magnitude: 5.1
Size: 24
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Celestron CPC 800 GPS XLT 203 10.0
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Unstable
Detailed Observing Notes:
My favorite glob cluster mostly because of it's sheer size. Positively explodes in the FOV using the 7mm TMB but is best and more clearly resolved using the Edmund 8mm RKE. Despite hazy conditions, I was able to push to 254x. Not bad.
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Object: NGC 1664 - OCL 411
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 9/3/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 4h 51.1m
Object Declination: 43d 41'
Object Type: OC
Constellation: Aur
Magnitude: 7.6
Size: 18
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Celestron CPC 800 GPS XLT 203 10.0
Power/Magnification Used: 127x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Unstable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Not quite a perfect kite. Probably wouldn't do it's job very well. However it is easily recognizable. A mixture of brigth and faint stars in this one-probably about 50-with the brightest of stars forming the asterism.
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Object: NGC 6229 - GCL 47
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 23:30Local
Object RA: 16h 47m
Object Declination: 47d 32'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: Her
Magnitude: 9.4
Size: 3.8
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Bright and very tight glob. Only with the 5mm TMB do I begin to see the triangle shape within this objects core. I'll have to revist again!
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Object: NGC 6341 - M92
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 23:00Local
Object RA: 17h 17.1235m
Object Declination: 43d 8.19'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: Her
Magnitude: 6.5
Size: 11.2
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 240x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Tight core that begins to resolve on the edges with the Speers 13mm. Begins to spread out nicely here.
Really starts to resolve and begs for more mag at 150x using the Edmund RKE 8mm
240x using the TMB 5mm Planetary forces this one to fully spread out and still begs for more power.
I love Globular Clusters! Nothing elses takes power in deepsky like these objects and this is why they're my favorites.
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Object: NGC 6205 - M13 - Great Cluster in Hercules, The Wall
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 22:30Local
Object RA: 16h 41.687m
Object Declination: 36d 27.58833'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: Her
Magnitude: 5.9
Size: 16.6
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 171x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Wow! The UO 25MK70 gave me my best low-power view of M13 that i've had yet. Already begins to resolve at 48x. At 92x with the Speers 13.4 and a nice wide 1 degree FOV, my favorite glob(next to m22) is resolved to it's core easily and wants more mag.
I figured i'd try out the Edmund RKE 8mm with a very narrow FOV of .3 degrees and M13 EXPLODES and fills the entire FOV. Gorgeous view and crazy bright. There's something to be said for using a narrow FOV and very few elements once in awhile.
The comparable mag(171x to 150x) of the TMB 7mm planetary reviews the same great view and brightness but with an obvious wider FOV.
Seeing M13 for the first time this season did not dissapoint!
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Object: NGC 5024 - M53
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 22:30Local
Object RA: 13h 12.92083m
Object Declination: 18d 10.12'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: Com
Magnitude: 7.7
Size: 12.6
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: C
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 92x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Distinct core-very bright. Not fully resolved with the Speers SWA2 13mm eyepiece before it too dips behind the trees. Here we go again......
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Object: NGC 4244 - UGC 7322
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 12h 17.5m
Object Declination: 37d 48'
Object Type: Gx
Constellation: Cvn
Magnitude: 10.4
Size: 15.9
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 75x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Large edge on galaxy. Very extended in faint . Seen best with my UO 16mm SE. Very bright with a distinct central core.
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Object: NGC 4656 - Crowbar Galaxy, UGC 7907
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 22:00Local
Object RA: 12h 44m
Object Declination: 32d 10'
Object Type: Gx
Constellation: Cvn
Magnitude: 10.5
Size: 15.3
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: B
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 48x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Beautiful in the UO 25mm MK70 before it dipped behind my trees. Argh! Nice edge on Spindle shape. Bummer that it dipped behind some tree branches. sigh....
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Object: NGC 5272 - M3
Deepsky Catalog: NGC 2000
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 5/13/2007
Time Observed: 21:00Local
Object RA: 13h 42.18833m
Object Declination: 28d 22.58333'
Object Type: Gb
Constellation: CVn
Magnitude: 6.4
Size: 16.2
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 100x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Clear / Deepsky Mostly Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Very bright despite the sun not having set yet. Very nice contrast against the bright sky using the 25mm UO Super Erfle.
13.4mm Speers with it's 1 degree FOV is fantastic. Resolved at 92x almost to it's core and still having great contrast against a still somewhat blue sky. This eyepiece comes to focus using the astrosystems ultra low adaptor.
Compaing the view with the Edmund RKE 12mm narrows the view big time, but reveals a slightly brighter view with it's 3 elements compared to the Speers 8 element eyepiece. This only shows just how great the Speers eyepiece is with it's comparatively similar brightness despite it's 8 elements!
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Object: NGC 281 - PacMan Nebula, IC 11
Deepsky Catalog: Saguaro Astronomy Club Database version 7.5
Log Type: NGC OBJECTS
Date Observed: 9/21/2006
Time Observed: 23:30Local
Object RA: 0h 53m
Object Declination: 56d 37'
Object Type: C+N
Constellation: Cas
Magnitude: 7.4
Size: 4
Locate Method: Computerized Scope
Observing Location: Plymouth Ma
Object Rating: A+
Primary Equipment Used: Antares 10" Dobsonian Reflector 254 04.9
Power/Magnification Used: 109x
Transparency/Seeing: Deepsky Somewhat Clear / Deepsky Somewhat Stable
Detailed Observing Notes:
Very nice nebulosity set against a fairly sparse Open Cluster. Very large and loose. Where's the pac man?......I find out later that it's a dark lane that forms the pac man shape...i'll look for it next time to be sure.
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