For the past three evenings I've managed to see these two planets low in the western sky shortly after sunset. Brilliant Venus has been the easier planet to spot. Dimmer Mercury has been between one and two degrees to the lower right of Venus.
Binoculars seem to be better suited for catching these two planets than a telescope. The sky has been too bright at prime observing time for Mercury to be seen with the unaided eye.
This evening I set up a small, 80mm f/5 refractor on the porch. Venus was easily visible, but trees blocked Mercury from view. From nearly the same location I managed to see both planets with 20x80 binoculars. This was primarily because my eye level with the binoculars was a little higher than the telescope -- just enough to bring Mercury above the trees.
On the previous two evenings I viewed the two planets with 8x42 binoculars as well as with the 20x80s. Mercury was easier to see with the 20x80s. Venus showed up easily with either pair of binoculars. Once I knew where to look, Venus could also be seen with the unaided eye.
On all three evenings I had to look thru thin clouds when observing Venus and Mercury. The clouds appeared to have formed near the time of sunset low in my western sky. They showed up as horizontal bands of varying thickness, but not thick enough to block the planets from view with binoculars.
Meanwhile, Jupiter shines brightly in the south-southeast. Jupiter and its brightest moons are not difficult to see with either tripod-mounted or steadily held binoculars.
Showing posts with label Binocular Sessions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Binocular Sessions. Show all posts
20 August 2008
01 August 2008
Jupiter's Family via 25x100 Binoculars
Shown above are two sketches of Jupiter and its brightest moons as observed on 1 August 2008 U.T. The uppermost sketch was made at 3:15 U.T. The lower sketch was made at 7:25 U.T. The lower star at the far left is an actual star, not one of Jupiter's moons. Europa was in transit across Jupiter's disk (and not visible in the large binoculars) at the time of the first sketch, but by the time I had started working on the second sketch it had reappeared off Jupiter's preceding (western) limb.
Jupiter's North and South Equatorial Belts (the dark bands running parallel to Jupiter's equator) were visible in the tripod-mount 25x100 binoculars. Seeing conditions were rather poor on this night. Jupiter's moons and the various field stars appeared to twinkle due to earth's unsteady atmosphere. A haze (most likely from forest fire smoke) seemed to fill much of the sky as well.
13 January 2008
Binocular & Small Telescope Session
Date: 13 January 2008
Time: 3:05: 3:25 U.T.
Binoculars: 8x42 & 20x80
Telescope: 80mm f/5 Achromat
NELM: 6.0 to 6.5
Comet Holmes was visible to the unaided eye, but it was significantly better with the binoculars. A crescent moon was above the horizon to the southwest, but appeared to have little if any adverse effect on the evening's viewing. Clouds were approaching from the west.
Mars looked like a tiny, yellow-orange disk in the ST-80 at 105x without filters. Markings on the planet were difficult to see with the small telescope, but they became easier when the planet's brightness was reduced and contrast was increased via the use of a #23A Light Red filter. The #23A filter transformed the color of the planet to a orange-red. Normally I wouldn't consider using such a small telescope on Mars, but I was curious concerning what could be seen with minimal optical aid. Without any filters, the ST-80 is likely to disappoint just about anyone when viewing Mars. With filters, a fair amount of patience, a bit of observer experience (and a good solid mount!) it's possible to conduct some regular study of Mars when the planet is near opposition, but I would strongly suggest that any interested observer use a larger, higher quality telescope.
Surface markings were ill-defined and difficult to pinpoint in location due to the telescope's small aperture, the relatively low (for Mars) magnification, the less than perfect (achromatic) optics, and the somewhat uncooperative, home-made mount (One of these days I should add a friction adjustment to the mount's altitude axis).
After Mars I lowered the magnification to 22x using a wide-angle eyepiece. I took quick looks at the Great Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy (and its two nearby satellite galaxies), M33, and Comet Holmes. The ST-80 and its home-made, alt-az mount seem to perform at their best when used for such low magnification purposes. All of these objects were very pleasing in the small, short telescope. Comet Holmes looked like a fairly bright, diffuse (amorphous) cloud occupying approximately one-third of the 3.34 degree field of view.
In the course of the evening's short session I never felt any need to uncap the telescope's finder. It was easy enough to point the telescope at Mars, etc. with the 22x eyepiece in place prior to switching to higher power.
I brought the telescope and mount inside, leaving the tripod out in case I decided to try out a 102mm (4-inch) SCT on Mars. Later, when I went back outside, I discovered a cloud covered sky and frost on the tripod. It was clearly time to bring the tripod inside and wait for another clear night.
Time: 3:05: 3:25 U.T.
Binoculars: 8x42 & 20x80
Telescope: 80mm f/5 Achromat
NELM: 6.0 to 6.5
Comet Holmes was visible to the unaided eye, but it was significantly better with the binoculars. A crescent moon was above the horizon to the southwest, but appeared to have little if any adverse effect on the evening's viewing. Clouds were approaching from the west.
Mars looked like a tiny, yellow-orange disk in the ST-80 at 105x without filters. Markings on the planet were difficult to see with the small telescope, but they became easier when the planet's brightness was reduced and contrast was increased via the use of a #23A Light Red filter. The #23A filter transformed the color of the planet to a orange-red. Normally I wouldn't consider using such a small telescope on Mars, but I was curious concerning what could be seen with minimal optical aid. Without any filters, the ST-80 is likely to disappoint just about anyone when viewing Mars. With filters, a fair amount of patience, a bit of observer experience (and a good solid mount!) it's possible to conduct some regular study of Mars when the planet is near opposition, but I would strongly suggest that any interested observer use a larger, higher quality telescope.
Surface markings were ill-defined and difficult to pinpoint in location due to the telescope's small aperture, the relatively low (for Mars) magnification, the less than perfect (achromatic) optics, and the somewhat uncooperative, home-made mount (One of these days I should add a friction adjustment to the mount's altitude axis).
After Mars I lowered the magnification to 22x using a wide-angle eyepiece. I took quick looks at the Great Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy (and its two nearby satellite galaxies), M33, and Comet Holmes. The ST-80 and its home-made, alt-az mount seem to perform at their best when used for such low magnification purposes. All of these objects were very pleasing in the small, short telescope. Comet Holmes looked like a fairly bright, diffuse (amorphous) cloud occupying approximately one-third of the 3.34 degree field of view.
In the course of the evening's short session I never felt any need to uncap the telescope's finder. It was easy enough to point the telescope at Mars, etc. with the 22x eyepiece in place prior to switching to higher power.
I brought the telescope and mount inside, leaving the tripod out in case I decided to try out a 102mm (4-inch) SCT on Mars. Later, when I went back outside, I discovered a cloud covered sky and frost on the tripod. It was clearly time to bring the tripod inside and wait for another clear night.
02 January 2008
Two Bright Comets
Date: 2 January 2008
Time: 4:30 - 4:50 U.T.
Instrumentation: Binoculars and Unaided Eye
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +3 F (-16 C)
Comet 17P/Holmes remains an easily visible naked-eye comet. I was able to immediately spot and recognize this comet with the unaided eye upon stepping outside. The view was improved with 8x42 binoculars, and improved even more with 20x80 binoculars. Comet Holmes has increased in size and become a bit more diffused in appearance since my last blog entry.
Comet 8P/Tuttle was initially spotted near the Aires - Pisces border with the 8x42 binoculars. It was better seen (as a circular haze with a brighter center) with the 20x80 binoculars. At times I suspected Comet Tuttle as being visible to the unaided eye, but I was never 100% convinced.
These observations were made from my south porch after a period of indoor dark adaptation. The floor of the Colosseum (my open-air observatory) has been coated with a layer of ice for the past couple of weeks. Thus it would be ill advised to set up a telescope at that location.
Future Plans: At present I'm inclined to make fewer blog entrees and post even fewer sketches in 2008; but one never knows for certain what the future may hold.
Time: 4:30 - 4:50 U.T.
Instrumentation: Binoculars and Unaided Eye
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +3 F (-16 C)
Comet 17P/Holmes remains an easily visible naked-eye comet. I was able to immediately spot and recognize this comet with the unaided eye upon stepping outside. The view was improved with 8x42 binoculars, and improved even more with 20x80 binoculars. Comet Holmes has increased in size and become a bit more diffused in appearance since my last blog entry.
Comet 8P/Tuttle was initially spotted near the Aires - Pisces border with the 8x42 binoculars. It was better seen (as a circular haze with a brighter center) with the 20x80 binoculars. At times I suspected Comet Tuttle as being visible to the unaided eye, but I was never 100% convinced.
These observations were made from my south porch after a period of indoor dark adaptation. The floor of the Colosseum (my open-air observatory) has been coated with a layer of ice for the past couple of weeks. Thus it would be ill advised to set up a telescope at that location.
Future Plans: At present I'm inclined to make fewer blog entrees and post even fewer sketches in 2008; but one never knows for certain what the future may hold.
12 December 2007
Comet 17P/Holmes (12 Dec. 2007 UT)
Date: 12 December 2007
Time: 2:05 U.T.
Instrumentation: 20x80 Binoculars
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +21 F (-6 C)
The above sketch shows the full, three degree field of the 20x80 binoculars. North is up. West is to the right. Not all of the field stars that were seen were recorded in the sketch.
Comet Holmes is now clearly larger in apparent size than a full moon. (The apparent diameter of a full moon is about 0.5 degrees, or one-sixth of the binocular field.) As I was observing this comet I was reminded of the general appearance of a fossilized trilobite.
Comet Holmes remains easily visible to the unaided eye. It appeared to be clearly brighter than the nearby Perseus Double Star Cluster.
10 December 2007
Comet Holmes (10 Dec. 2007)
Date: 10 December 2007 U.T.
Time: 2:40 U.T.
Instrumentation: Unaided Eye, 8x42 & 20x80 Binoculars
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +15 F (-9 C)
Comet Holmes continues to be easily visible to the unaided eye -- at least from a dark sky. To the unaided eye the comet looks like a round, nebulous patch of light that's somewhat comparable to a full moon in angular size.
With 20x80 binoculars the comet had the appearance of a huge, oval (somewhat egg-shaped) patch of light occupying roughly one quarter of the binocular's three-degree field of view. The comet's sunward side was somewhat better defined than its fuzzier, anti-sunward side. Gone is the distinction between an inner and outer coma. The previously visible outer coma has probably enlarged and faded too much for my eyes to notice. No tail was noticed.
Within the comet's coma was a distinctly brighter bar of light. The bar was brightest and widest on its sunward end. Several stars were visible through the comet's coma. The comet's pseudo-nucleus was not visible. Comet Holmes now has the appearance of a giant, celestial Easter egg.
The view with 8x42 binoculars was essentially a smaller version of the 20x80 binocular view. At this point in time binoculars probably provide better views of this comet than most telescopes can provide.
I've made a few other observations of Comet Holmes between this blog entry and my previous blog entry; but other interests, activities, and necessities have taken precedence over blogging. Such is life . . .
Time: 2:40 U.T.
Instrumentation: Unaided Eye, 8x42 & 20x80 Binoculars
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +15 F (-9 C)
Comet Holmes continues to be easily visible to the unaided eye -- at least from a dark sky. To the unaided eye the comet looks like a round, nebulous patch of light that's somewhat comparable to a full moon in angular size.
With 20x80 binoculars the comet had the appearance of a huge, oval (somewhat egg-shaped) patch of light occupying roughly one quarter of the binocular's three-degree field of view. The comet's sunward side was somewhat better defined than its fuzzier, anti-sunward side. Gone is the distinction between an inner and outer coma. The previously visible outer coma has probably enlarged and faded too much for my eyes to notice. No tail was noticed.
Within the comet's coma was a distinctly brighter bar of light. The bar was brightest and widest on its sunward end. Several stars were visible through the comet's coma. The comet's pseudo-nucleus was not visible. Comet Holmes now has the appearance of a giant, celestial Easter egg.
The view with 8x42 binoculars was essentially a smaller version of the 20x80 binocular view. At this point in time binoculars probably provide better views of this comet than most telescopes can provide.
I've made a few other observations of Comet Holmes between this blog entry and my previous blog entry; but other interests, activities, and necessities have taken precedence over blogging. Such is life . . .
03 November 2007
Comet 17P/Holmes (03 Nov. 2007 UT)
Date: 03 November 2007
Time: 2:18 - 2:40 UT
Instrument: 25x100 Binoculars
Mount: Altaz/Tripod
Seeing: Good
Transparency: Good
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +27 F (-3 C)
Shown above is the full 2.33 degree field of view of the large, 25x100 binoculars with Comet Holmes near the center. West is up, and north is to the left. The sun is toward the north-northeast. Many of the fainter stars that were visible were not included in the sketch.
The comet's inner coma was sharpest and brightest on its sun-facing side. The outer coma was noticeably more diffuse, fainter, and less sharply defined than it has appeared previously.
The brighter portions of the comet (within the inner coma) were a subtle greenish-blue color. The color was initially noted with the 25x100 binoculars, but was even more apparent with de-focused 8x42 binoculars.
This comet has pretty much maintained its brightness over the past several nights. It remains easily visible to the unaided eye as a moderately bright 'fuzzy star'.
When scanning the sky with 8x42 binoculars in the general vicinity of the comet this evening I spotted the diffuse glow of the nearby open star cluster NGC 1528.
This observation was made in the evening, local time. The comet was also briefly observed and sketched on the previous morning using 20x80 binoculars.
Time: 2:18 - 2:40 UT
Instrument: 25x100 Binoculars
Mount: Altaz/Tripod
Seeing: Good
Transparency: Good
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +27 F (-3 C)
Shown above is the full 2.33 degree field of view of the large, 25x100 binoculars with Comet Holmes near the center. West is up, and north is to the left. The sun is toward the north-northeast. Many of the fainter stars that were visible were not included in the sketch.
The comet's inner coma was sharpest and brightest on its sun-facing side. The outer coma was noticeably more diffuse, fainter, and less sharply defined than it has appeared previously.
The brighter portions of the comet (within the inner coma) were a subtle greenish-blue color. The color was initially noted with the 25x100 binoculars, but was even more apparent with de-focused 8x42 binoculars.
This comet has pretty much maintained its brightness over the past several nights. It remains easily visible to the unaided eye as a moderately bright 'fuzzy star'.
When scanning the sky with 8x42 binoculars in the general vicinity of the comet this evening I spotted the diffuse glow of the nearby open star cluster NGC 1528.
This observation was made in the evening, local time. The comet was also briefly observed and sketched on the previous morning using 20x80 binoculars.
30 October 2007
Comet 17P/Holmes (30 Oct. 2007 UT)
Date: 30 October 2007
Time: 2:45 UT
Instrument: 20x80 Binoculars
NELM: 6.2
Transparency: smoky sky
The above sketch gives some idea of the appearance of Comet 17P/Holmes with 20x80 binoculars under a darker (moonless) sky. The comet's outer coma, which was not seen previously under bright moonlight is now easily visible. North is approximately to the upper left; and west is approximately to the upper right in this erect-image view. The binoculars were used hand-held. A wall provided an anchor to steady the view.
A subtle 'rift' was visible along the northeastern edge of the comet's bright inner coma. The southwestern extremity of the outer coma appeared to be a bit darker and more diffuse than elsewhere. The presence of the comet's bright pseudo-nucleus was hinted at as a brighter spot near the center of this fascinating comet. For reference purposes, the sun is to the northeast (to the left at a slight downward angle from the comet).
At the time of the observation the orange (from a smoke filled sky) moon was just rising. Comet Holmes is bright and distinctly non-stellar (though still rather small) to the unaided-eye. The comet's coma has been steadily growing larger since the outburst that occurred about one week ago. One of many sources of information and images on this comet can be found at http://www.spaceweather.com/
Time: 2:45 UT
Instrument: 20x80 Binoculars
NELM: 6.2
Transparency: smoky sky
The above sketch gives some idea of the appearance of Comet 17P/Holmes with 20x80 binoculars under a darker (moonless) sky. The comet's outer coma, which was not seen previously under bright moonlight is now easily visible. North is approximately to the upper left; and west is approximately to the upper right in this erect-image view. The binoculars were used hand-held. A wall provided an anchor to steady the view.
A subtle 'rift' was visible along the northeastern edge of the comet's bright inner coma. The southwestern extremity of the outer coma appeared to be a bit darker and more diffuse than elsewhere. The presence of the comet's bright pseudo-nucleus was hinted at as a brighter spot near the center of this fascinating comet. For reference purposes, the sun is to the northeast (to the left at a slight downward angle from the comet).
At the time of the observation the orange (from a smoke filled sky) moon was just rising. Comet Holmes is bright and distinctly non-stellar (though still rather small) to the unaided-eye. The comet's coma has been steadily growing larger since the outburst that occurred about one week ago. One of many sources of information and images on this comet can be found at http://www.spaceweather.com/
27 October 2007
Comet 17P/Holmes (27 Oct. 2007 U.T.)
At 2:06 U.T. on 27 October to the unaided-eye Comet Holmes looked like an ever so slightly bloated, pale yellow-orange star. It was definitely brighter than Delta Persei and seemed to be slightly brighter than Gamma Persei.
At 2:22 U.T. with 8x42 binoculars the comet appeared to have a slight yellow-orange color. It appeared as a small bright spot surrounded closely by a somewhat less bright coma. The bright spot appeared off-centered even at the low, 8x magnification.
At 2:31 U.T. with hand-held 20x80 binoculars (an outside wall was used to steady the view) Comet Holmes was very beautiful indeed! An off-centered (south of center) pale yellow-green bright spot was visible within a larger, less bright yellow-blue-green coma. The outermost edge of the coma seemed to have a slightly reddish tint. The comet looked very much like a planetary nebula.
From 3:08 until 3:26 U.T. I observed and sketched the comet with a 102mm SCT at 80x. The comet appeared to be a bit "fuzzier" (less sharply defined) than it was on 26 October. The central pseudo-nucleus was at the limit of visibility. Most of the time it was invisible; but from time to time it could be seen with certainty. The larger bright spot appeared shifted southwestward of the center of the coma. The outer 'edge' of the bright spot as well as the outer edge of the coma appeared fuzzier and less distinct than they appeared on 26 October. Only shades of gray were noted in this telescopic view. The comet has been steadily increasing in size ever since its sudden, unexpected brightness outburst.
The temperature at the beginning of this session was +32 degrees F. At the end it was +30 degrees F. My NELM (Naked-Eye Limiting Magnitude) was 4.9 on this (nearly full) moonlit night.
Comet 17P/Holmes was significantly fainter than Pluto a few nights ago -- too faint to be seen visually with most amateur telescopes. Then it brightened tremendously, becoming nearly one million times brighter, bright enough to be easily visible to the unaided-eye even in the presence of a full moon!
I've seen many comets; but Comet Holmes is the only one I've seen that has looked so much like a planetary nebula and so little like a comet. The current apparition of Comet Holmes will surely find its place in the astronomical history books!
At 2:22 U.T. with 8x42 binoculars the comet appeared to have a slight yellow-orange color. It appeared as a small bright spot surrounded closely by a somewhat less bright coma. The bright spot appeared off-centered even at the low, 8x magnification.
At 2:31 U.T. with hand-held 20x80 binoculars (an outside wall was used to steady the view) Comet Holmes was very beautiful indeed! An off-centered (south of center) pale yellow-green bright spot was visible within a larger, less bright yellow-blue-green coma. The outermost edge of the coma seemed to have a slightly reddish tint. The comet looked very much like a planetary nebula.
From 3:08 until 3:26 U.T. I observed and sketched the comet with a 102mm SCT at 80x. The comet appeared to be a bit "fuzzier" (less sharply defined) than it was on 26 October. The central pseudo-nucleus was at the limit of visibility. Most of the time it was invisible; but from time to time it could be seen with certainty. The larger bright spot appeared shifted southwestward of the center of the coma. The outer 'edge' of the bright spot as well as the outer edge of the coma appeared fuzzier and less distinct than they appeared on 26 October. Only shades of gray were noted in this telescopic view. The comet has been steadily increasing in size ever since its sudden, unexpected brightness outburst.
The temperature at the beginning of this session was +32 degrees F. At the end it was +30 degrees F. My NELM (Naked-Eye Limiting Magnitude) was 4.9 on this (nearly full) moonlit night.
Comet 17P/Holmes was significantly fainter than Pluto a few nights ago -- too faint to be seen visually with most amateur telescopes. Then it brightened tremendously, becoming nearly one million times brighter, bright enough to be easily visible to the unaided-eye even in the presence of a full moon!
I've seen many comets; but Comet Holmes is the only one I've seen that has looked so much like a planetary nebula and so little like a comet. The current apparition of Comet Holmes will surely find its place in the astronomical history books!
11 July 2007
Comet C/2006 VZ13 (LINEAR) & Aurora
Date: 11 July 2007 U.T.
Time: 5:50 U.T.
Instrument: 20x80 Binoculars
Seeing: Steady (for binoculars)
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +55 F (+13 C)
The above sketch shows the basic appearance of Comet C/2006 VZ13 LINEAR as seen with hand-held 20x80 binoculars. Only a few of the many visible field stars appear in this sketch. South is up. West is to the left. The comet is the large, round, nebulous object with a brighter middle. The galaxy, NGC 6015 was visible in the 20x80 binoculars as a much smaller and fainter nebulous object to the west of the comet. The comet was easily visible with 8x42 binoculars as well as with the 20x80s.
The comet was in the constellation Draco. Its rough location at the time of this observation was RA 15hr 57min, Dec. +62 degrees 28min. I estimated the comet's coma to be about 0.2 degrees in diameter. The comet is currently well placed in the evening sky for observers at mid-northern latitudes.
An aurora was visible a few degrees above my northern horizon. The aurora was somewhat brighter (with a small amount of structure visible) around 5:20 U.T. than it was at the time of the comet observation (5:50 U.T.). The aurora never extended very much above my northern horizon and seemed to have little or no effect on the limiting magnitude higher in the sky.
Time: 5:50 U.T.
Instrument: 20x80 Binoculars
Seeing: Steady (for binoculars)
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +55 F (+13 C)
The above sketch shows the basic appearance of Comet C/2006 VZ13 LINEAR as seen with hand-held 20x80 binoculars. Only a few of the many visible field stars appear in this sketch. South is up. West is to the left. The comet is the large, round, nebulous object with a brighter middle. The galaxy, NGC 6015 was visible in the 20x80 binoculars as a much smaller and fainter nebulous object to the west of the comet. The comet was easily visible with 8x42 binoculars as well as with the 20x80s.
The comet was in the constellation Draco. Its rough location at the time of this observation was RA 15hr 57min, Dec. +62 degrees 28min. I estimated the comet's coma to be about 0.2 degrees in diameter. The comet is currently well placed in the evening sky for observers at mid-northern latitudes.
An aurora was visible a few degrees above my northern horizon. The aurora was somewhat brighter (with a small amount of structure visible) around 5:20 U.T. than it was at the time of the comet observation (5:50 U.T.). The aurora never extended very much above my northern horizon and seemed to have little or no effect on the limiting magnitude higher in the sky.
13 April 2007
A Brief Binocular Session
Date: 13 April 2007 U.T.
Time: 4:00 - 4:30 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.4 (or better)
Temperature: +29 F (-2 C)
Three relatively bright non-Messier objects were targeted this evening. The first was NGC 2403. This galaxy was very easy to see with the large binoculars. It looked like a small, distinct patch of nebulosity and was more readily visible than many of the Messier galaxies.
Next was NGC 3242 "The Ghost of Jupiter". This object is a small, but very bright planetary nebula. Through the binoculars it resembled a slightly bloated, slightly fuzzy star. The detailed charts in the Uranometria Atlas allowed for easy identification via the surrounding star field.
Last on my list was NGC 4565 "The Needle Galaxy". This well-known, edge-on, spiral galaxy was visible in the binoculars as a small, faint, elongated glow with a somewhat brighter middle.
For whatever reason, I found myself looking in the vicinity of M81 with the unaided eye. I noted the nearby star pattern as plotted on atlas charts. All of the nearby stars plotted in the Cambridge Star Atlas (2nd edition) were visible to the unaided eye. In particular, I noted 24 Ursae Majoris and the unlabeled star between 24 and M81. At times I suspected a tiny, faint glow at the exact spot where M81 was supposed to be.
I'm not positive that I saw M81 with the unaided eye on this evening; but I'll try to remember to look for this relatively bright galaxy from time to time (with the unaided eye) when conditions are favorable.
Time: 4:00 - 4:30 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.4 (or better)
Temperature: +29 F (-2 C)
Three relatively bright non-Messier objects were targeted this evening. The first was NGC 2403. This galaxy was very easy to see with the large binoculars. It looked like a small, distinct patch of nebulosity and was more readily visible than many of the Messier galaxies.
Next was NGC 3242 "The Ghost of Jupiter". This object is a small, but very bright planetary nebula. Through the binoculars it resembled a slightly bloated, slightly fuzzy star. The detailed charts in the Uranometria Atlas allowed for easy identification via the surrounding star field.
Last on my list was NGC 4565 "The Needle Galaxy". This well-known, edge-on, spiral galaxy was visible in the binoculars as a small, faint, elongated glow with a somewhat brighter middle.
For whatever reason, I found myself looking in the vicinity of M81 with the unaided eye. I noted the nearby star pattern as plotted on atlas charts. All of the nearby stars plotted in the Cambridge Star Atlas (2nd edition) were visible to the unaided eye. In particular, I noted 24 Ursae Majoris and the unlabeled star between 24 and M81. At times I suspected a tiny, faint glow at the exact spot where M81 was supposed to be.
I'm not positive that I saw M81 with the unaided eye on this evening; but I'll try to remember to look for this relatively bright galaxy from time to time (with the unaided eye) when conditions are favorable.
10 March 2007
20x80 Binoculars - M51 etc.
Date: 10 March 2007 U.T.
Time: 6:30 - 7:50 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5 (mostly)
Temperature: +28 F (-2 C)
The above sketch shows the general appearance of M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy as seen with 20x80 binoculars. The smaller fuzzy spot just above (north of) M51 is NGC 5195.
At sunset my sky remained cloudy. When the sky finally cleared I decided to continue my hunt for Messier objects using the large binoculars. In Messier number order I observed the following objects: M3, M5, M13, M40, M44, M51, M53, M63, M67, M68, M81, M82, M83, M92, M94, M97, M101, M104, M106, M108, and M109. Over the past few months I've observed all of the Messier objects using 20x80 binoculars.
Time: 6:30 - 7:50 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5 (mostly)
Temperature: +28 F (-2 C)
The above sketch shows the general appearance of M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy as seen with 20x80 binoculars. The smaller fuzzy spot just above (north of) M51 is NGC 5195.
At sunset my sky remained cloudy. When the sky finally cleared I decided to continue my hunt for Messier objects using the large binoculars. In Messier number order I observed the following objects: M3, M5, M13, M40, M44, M51, M53, M63, M67, M68, M81, M82, M83, M92, M94, M97, M101, M104, M106, M108, and M109. Over the past few months I've observed all of the Messier objects using 20x80 binoculars.
The month of March is sometimes referred to as the Messier month. From some locations it's possible in March to observe all the Messier objects in a single, moonless night. Such an all night session is known as a Messier marathon.
I prefer to spread the observations out over a few months. In this manner I can observe the objects when they're higher in my sky and easier to see. Besides, it can be quite difficult catching some of the objects in March from my latitude. Nevertheless, if opportunity knocks I might be tempted to attempt a Messier marathon.
M83 proved to be the most elusive object. I looked for it at irregular intervals for the last 35 minutes of the observing session. A long, thin cloud hung out over this galaxy for much of the night. Finally, as the Moon was rising I managed to see M83. The galaxy was just a little brighter than the background sky at that time. It's even possible that I was observing M83 through a thin cloud layer.09 March 2007
20x80 Binocular Session
Date: 9 March 2007 U.T.
Time: 5:37 - 6:45 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.0 - 6.5
Temperature: +28 F (-2 C)
High Humidity and Clouds: A small amount of rain fell during the day prior to this session. The floor of my open-air observatory remained damp. Clouds didn't dissipate until sometime after sunset. Due to these conditions I decided to not set up a telescope. By the time of the observation a fairly thick layer of frost had formed on the porch, etc.
At the start of the binocular session my sky was clear in the west. The rest of the sky seemed to be covered with very thin clouds. Later, conditions improved enough to allow me to see most of the objects that I wanted to observe.
M41 is an open star cluster in Canis Major. Someone had recently mentioned on the newsgroup, sci.astro.amateur that they were disappointed in the appearance of this cluster in their 130mm telescope. I made a response as to some possible reasons, and mentioned that M41 was visible to the unaided eye under a sufficiently dark sky. So, with a clear sky, I decided to pay a visit to M41.
Sure enough, the cluster was a relatively easy object to detect with the unaided eye. Through the binoculars M41 was resolved into numerous individual stars. I found the view to be 'rather nice' despite the cluster's low altitude in my southwestern sky.
Near the end of the session the Moon rose. The high humidity scattered the moonlight, making the sky much brighter than it would have otherwise been.
Time: 5:37 - 6:45 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.0 - 6.5
Temperature: +28 F (-2 C)
High Humidity and Clouds: A small amount of rain fell during the day prior to this session. The floor of my open-air observatory remained damp. Clouds didn't dissipate until sometime after sunset. Due to these conditions I decided to not set up a telescope. By the time of the observation a fairly thick layer of frost had formed on the porch, etc.
At the start of the binocular session my sky was clear in the west. The rest of the sky seemed to be covered with very thin clouds. Later, conditions improved enough to allow me to see most of the objects that I wanted to observe.
M41 is an open star cluster in Canis Major. Someone had recently mentioned on the newsgroup, sci.astro.amateur that they were disappointed in the appearance of this cluster in their 130mm telescope. I made a response as to some possible reasons, and mentioned that M41 was visible to the unaided eye under a sufficiently dark sky. So, with a clear sky, I decided to pay a visit to M41.
Sure enough, the cluster was a relatively easy object to detect with the unaided eye. Through the binoculars M41 was resolved into numerous individual stars. I found the view to be 'rather nice' despite the cluster's low altitude in my southwestern sky.
Galaxies in Leo, Virgo and Coma Berenices: Next on my agenda were the Messier galaxies in the Virgo region. The above sketch has north up and west to the right. It shows the general appearance of M65 (the galaxy to the right of center), M66 (the galaxy to the left of center), and NGC 3620 (the fainter galaxy north of the other two). Galaxies tend to look like faint,fuzzy stains against the background sky when observed with 20x80 binoculars.
In addition to the three objects mentioned above, I observed the following galaxies: M58, M59, M60, M64, M84, M85, M86, M87, M88, M89, M90, M91, M95, M96, M98, M99, M100, and M105.Near the end of the session the Moon rose. The high humidity scattered the moonlight, making the sky much brighter than it would have otherwise been.
20 January 2007
Brief Morning Binocular Session
Date: 20 January 2007 U.T.
Time: 12:25 - 12:35 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +15 F (-9 C)
Observations were made of three Messier objects in this brief morning session. The first was the globular cluster, M68. Next was the "Sombrero" galaxy, M104; and the last was a rather nice binocular galaxy, M83. All three objects were also visible with 8x42 binoculars; but the 20x80s showed them much better.
Comet McNaught's tail: At the start of astronomical twilight I scanned my eastern horizon for any hint of this comet's tail in the morning sky -- just in case. No hint of tail was evident with either pair of binoculars. On the other hand, parts of my eastern horizon, particularly in the southeast, are cluttered by trees that obscure as much as six degrees from view.
On the more casual side I took quick looks at a few additional Messier objects and scanned parts of the Milky Way before ending the session. For all practical purposes I stopped observing around the beginning of astronomical twilight.
Time: 12:25 - 12:35 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5
Temperature: +15 F (-9 C)
Observations were made of three Messier objects in this brief morning session. The first was the globular cluster, M68. Next was the "Sombrero" galaxy, M104; and the last was a rather nice binocular galaxy, M83. All three objects were also visible with 8x42 binoculars; but the 20x80s showed them much better.
Comet McNaught's tail: At the start of astronomical twilight I scanned my eastern horizon for any hint of this comet's tail in the morning sky -- just in case. No hint of tail was evident with either pair of binoculars. On the other hand, parts of my eastern horizon, particularly in the southeast, are cluttered by trees that obscure as much as six degrees from view.
On the more casual side I took quick looks at a few additional Messier objects and scanned parts of the Milky Way before ending the session. For all practical purposes I stopped observing around the beginning of astronomical twilight.
17 January 2007
January Binocular Session
Date: 17 January 2007 U.T.
Time: 2:06 - 6:17 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +22F to +15F (-6C to -9C)
As evening approached, my sky remained clear. Yet, the 'Clear Sky Clock' indicated that clouds and/or poor transparency would prevail. So I refrained from setting up a telescope, and made plans for a binocular session -- just in case the sky remained clear.
Living under a dark sky, I was able to observe a few objects, come back inside, record notes, and allow the binoculars to warm up a little (as a preventive measure against dew and frost formation). The sequence was repeated as often as necessary. Of course, I was always careful to maintain a good level of dark adaptation throughout the session.
All told, I observed forty Messier objects and eleven non-Messier objects. Descriptive notes were recorded for all objects. A few details follow:
The Andromeda Galaxy was stunningly beautiful! The Merope Nebula in the Pleiades was easily visible with a well-defined shape. M33 was large and bright with a hint of visible structure. Even M81 appeared larger than usual, with more of its outlying region visible.
Based on the above indicators of a good sky, I decided to try for the California Nebula. It's rare that I look for this object; but on this night I'm glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised to find this elusive nebula easily visible in the 20x80s. Clearly this was a very good night indeed!
When I went around to the north side of the house at 4:50 U.T. I noticed an auroral glow along the north horizon. The glow was centered on magnetic north. A few minutes later I noted a single, somewhat fat auroral ray extending upward about ten degrees above the horizon. Fortunately the aurora was limited in brightness and extent, allowing me to return to my binocular observations.
About forty-five minutes before the end of the session I noticed a rather sudden onset of frost on everything outside. My final observations were of a few galaxies in Leo. They didn't seem quite as bright as I thought they ought to have been. Decreasing sky transparency was suspected.
Time: 2:06 - 6:17 U.T.
Binoculars: 20x80 (hand-held)
Seeing: Good
NELM: 6.5 or better
Temperature: +22F to +15F (-6C to -9C)
As evening approached, my sky remained clear. Yet, the 'Clear Sky Clock' indicated that clouds and/or poor transparency would prevail. So I refrained from setting up a telescope, and made plans for a binocular session -- just in case the sky remained clear.
Living under a dark sky, I was able to observe a few objects, come back inside, record notes, and allow the binoculars to warm up a little (as a preventive measure against dew and frost formation). The sequence was repeated as often as necessary. Of course, I was always careful to maintain a good level of dark adaptation throughout the session.
All told, I observed forty Messier objects and eleven non-Messier objects. Descriptive notes were recorded for all objects. A few details follow:
The Andromeda Galaxy was stunningly beautiful! The Merope Nebula in the Pleiades was easily visible with a well-defined shape. M33 was large and bright with a hint of visible structure. Even M81 appeared larger than usual, with more of its outlying region visible.
Based on the above indicators of a good sky, I decided to try for the California Nebula. It's rare that I look for this object; but on this night I'm glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised to find this elusive nebula easily visible in the 20x80s. Clearly this was a very good night indeed!
When I went around to the north side of the house at 4:50 U.T. I noticed an auroral glow along the north horizon. The glow was centered on magnetic north. A few minutes later I noted a single, somewhat fat auroral ray extending upward about ten degrees above the horizon. Fortunately the aurora was limited in brightness and extent, allowing me to return to my binocular observations.
About forty-five minutes before the end of the session I noticed a rather sudden onset of frost on everything outside. My final observations were of a few galaxies in Leo. They didn't seem quite as bright as I thought they ought to have been. Decreasing sky transparency was suspected.
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