Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

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kt4hx United States of America
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Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

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Post by kt4hx »


Here is the second evening of a three evening outing I had back in September 2020. These sessions were never posted here on TSS in the Reports Forum, but I am correcting that now, on their two year anniversaries. I did actually post the third evening’s report about a week ago, but now that I’ve injured my leg and cannot do any observing presently, I decided to go ahead and put up the other two reports from that three night run.

This second evening I began as the moon was sinking toward the southwestern horizon and the sky was filling in nicely with myriad stars. I would spend the bulk of my time in four constellations – Pegasus, Andromeda, Pisces and Triangulum. While in Triangulum I took a much closer look at the large face-on spiral Messier 33. So let’s get started with what turned out to be an epic galaxy hunting session.


17.5 inch f/4 dobsonian
ES 82 18mm (110x, 0.7° TFOV, 4.0mm EP)
Ethos 13mm (152x, 0.7° TFOV, 2.9mm EP)
XW 10mm (198x, 0.4° TFOV, 2.2mm EP)
XW 7mm (283x, 0.2° TFOV, 1.6mm EP)
XW 5mm (397x, 0.2° TFOV, 1.1mm EP)


UGC 10599 (Hercules, elliptical galaxy, mag=13.3, size=1.1’x0.9’, SBr=13.3):
I quickly stopped by this object that was viewed the previous evening. It was pretty much as noted before, a small round dim glow with a prominent stellar core pinned to its center.

NGC 7722 (Pegasus, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.4, size=1.7’x1.4’, SBr=13.2):
Having recently found out about a new supernova within the galaxy, I decided to make it my next stop. Heading to the winged horse I quickly found its host galaxy, NGC 7722. Swept up at 110x I found it to be a little bright but small. Oval in shape it displayed a broadly brighter core area. With 198x it was quite strong within the field and a nice galaxy. (New)

SN 2020ssf (Pegasus, supernova in galaxy NGC 7722, listed mag=12.4, type-Ia):
Further studying the disk of NGC 7722 at198x I picked up the flash in the pan as an intermittent diamond sparkle along the WSW edge of the broadly brighter core area – exactly where I expected it to be in proximity to this brighter portion of the galaxy. Moving up to 283x it was still intermittent involved at the edge of the central brightness, but easily seen. (New)

NGC 7711 (Pegasus, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.2, size=2.6’x1.3’, SBr=13.3):
Small and diffuse at 110x, it presented as a slightly bright oval. At 198x it was very obvious and displayed an intermittent stellar core. (New)

NGC 7703 (Pegasus, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.4, size=2.2'x0.5', SBr=13.3):
Slightly dim at 110x it presented a small evenly illuminated elongated oval. Viewed at 198x it revealed a non-stellar concentrated brightness at the core; a 12th mag field star lay just to its east. (New)

NGC 7691 (Pegasus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=12.9, size=2.1'x1.6', SBr=14.0):
Picked up at 110x I found it a very dim homogeneous mote. Trying at 198x it was easier, but still a weak diffuse glow. (New)

MCG +3-60-11 (Pegasus, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.3, size=0.8’x0.6’, SBr=13.4):
Found with 110x as a very dim and small round glow just above threshold. While easier to discern at 198x it remained a challenging homogeneous puff. (New)

NGC 7580 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=0.8'x0.6', SBr=12.8):
Seen with 110x as a small and just slightly bright rounded diffuse glow. It seemed brighter than expected, likely due to its surface brightness. Using 198x its appearance changed little. (New)

NGC 7570 (Pegasus), barred spiral galaxy, mag=13.2, size=1.5'x0.9', SBr=13.4):
A small and little dim oval with a broadly brighter center at 110, it revealed an intermittent stellar core at 198x. (New)

NGC 7559 (Pegasus, lenticular galaxy, mag=13,3, size=1.1'x1.0', SBr=13.1):
Picked up at 110x as a singular small homogeneous round glow. At 198x a secondary lump was suspected at the northwestern edge, but could not be confirmed. Then at 283x the presence of the companion was confirmed, as per below.. (New)

NGC 7559B (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=0.4’x0.3’, SBr=11.3):
More formally known as MCG +2-59-14, the companion to NGC 7559 was very difficult to discern, but was glimpsed at 283x as a tiny diffuse lump within the northwestern edge of the primary galaxy’s envelope. (New)

NGC 7563 (Pegasus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=12.8, size1.9'x1.0', SBr=13,3):
About 6’ SSE of the previous pair and within the same FOV, I easily picked up this slightly bright and small oval with an intermittent stellar core at 110x. At 198x its stellar core winked in and out within an obviously brighter core region. (New)

NGC 7515 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=12.4, size=1.7'x1.6', SBr=13.4):
Swept up with 110x it presented a pretty bright but small round glow. It exhibited a broadly brighter core surrounded by a diffuse halo. At 198x it was obvious and pretty. Its diffuse outer halo contained the central brightness which was punctuated by a stellar core. Nearly 7’ south of the galaxy the evenly matched wide (26.7”) double star HJ 3176 pointed right at the galaxy. (New)

NGC 7508 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=14.7, size=1.0'x0.3', SBr=13..3):
Very small and pretty dim at 110x, it presented a difficult homogeneous oval. Viewed with 198x it was easier but still pretty weak overall, though it did reveal a stellar core. (New)

NGC 7535 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.7, size=1.5'x1.5', SBr=14.4):
At 110x it was a small round homogeneous glow that was a little dim to the eye. Using 198x it was easier but still not a strong object within the field. (New)

NGC 7536 (Pegasus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=13.4, size=1.9'x0.7', SBr=13.6):
Nearly 9.5’ south of the previous object was this small elongated oval. At 110x it was a little dim, but brighter than its neighbor to the north. A broadly brighter core was noted, which was more apparent at 198x. (New)

NGC 7525 (Pegasus, compact galaxy, mag=14.4, size=0.6'x0.6', SBr=13.1):
A very small and very dim oval, it was picked up using 110x, but it remained weak and diffuse at 198x. (New)

NGC 7523 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=14.8, size=1.1'x0.3', SBr=13,4):
About 2.5’ SSW of the previous object and within the same field of view, this object was also picked up at 110x, though with difficulty. It presented a small elongated ghostly finger. It remained quite weak at 198x as well, though clearly seen. (New)

NGC 7511 (Pegasus, spiral galaxy, mag=13.9, size=1.1'x0.5', SBr=13.0):
Nearly 23’ southwest of the last object I pulled down this small and dim oval glow at 110x. Going to 198x didn’t yield much improvement as it too remained weak and homogeneous. (New)


NGC 68 galaxy group (Andromeda, size=~10.0, # galaxies=~34, distance=~300 mly):
This galaxy group is also known as Vorontsov-Velyaminov 166 (VV-166), and the main members also comprising Arp 113. I observed eight members of the group using magnifications ranging from 110x to 283x. Below is a locator chart with DSS images downloaded from the site https://www.deepskycorner.ch/ngc70/ngc70.en.php. Interestingly I note they title the group as the NGC 70 Group rather than normally utilized name of the NGC 68 Group (since that is the brightest galaxy). I presume that was done because Vorontsov-Velyaminov designated NGC 70 as VV-166a. Nonetheless, I observed all but NGC 67A (PGC 1185) in the close-up image of the group.
ngc70_chart.jpg

NGC 67 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.2, size=0.3’x0.2’, SBr=10,9):
A part of Arp 113 it lay immediately southwest of the main clump of galaxies. It appeared as a dim rounded and pretty small homogeneous mote. It is also known as VV-166g. I did not notice MCG 5-1-64 (NGC 67A) just 44” to its northeast. (New)

NGC 70 (Andromeda, spiral galaxy, mag=13.5, size=1.4'x1.2', SBr=13.9):
Part of Arp 113 this spiral formed a triangle with NGC 70 and 68 at the heart of the group. Visually it was a small and rounded diffuse glow that was dim to the eye. Also known as VV-166a. (New)

NGC 71 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.2, size=1.2'x1.1', SBr=13.4):
Also part of Arp 113, this galaxy overlapped with the southern edge of NGC 70. Like the others it presented a dim and diffuse glow that was rounded in shape. Also known as VV-166c. (New)

NGC 68 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.9, size=1.2’x1.1’, SBr=12.9):
The namesake of the group and also part of Arp 113, formed a triangle with NGC 70 and 71 in the main knot, and overlapped with the two along their western edges. A little brighter than the others, it nonetheless was not showy by any means. Round and diffuse at all magnifications. Also known as VV-166b. (New)

NGC 72 (Andromeda, barred spiral galaxy, mag=13.5, size=1.1'x0.9', SBr=13.3):
Another piece of Arp 113 it lay just southeast of the main clump and appeared dim and diffuse. Rounded in shape it was also small in visual size. Also known as VV-166d. (New)

NGC 72A (Andromeda, elliptical galaxy, mag=14.7, size=0.3’x0.3’, SBr=12.0):
Just east of NGC 72, this was a difficult tiny knot of diffuse light that was a bit tough. It is also known as MCG +5-1-70 or PGC 1208. It likewise is known as VV-166h. (New)

NGC 69 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.8, size=0.5’x0.3, SBr=12,5):
The final member of the group observed, which is also part of Arp 113, this small and very dim rounded pip of light lay just south of the main clump. Homogeneous in appearance, it was not easily scooped up. Also known as VV-166e. (New)

NGC 74 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.5, size=0.8'x0.4', SBr=13.1):
This lenticular is only 6’ east of the main clump of three (NGC 68, 70 and 71). Visually, it was picked up as a small and pretty dim oval that nonetheless was not difficult to discern in the same field of view with the main trio. This galaxy is not part of either VV-166 or Arp 113. (New)



NGC 76 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.3, size=1.0'x0.9', SBr=13.1):
Almost 16.5’ southeast of NGC 72, and not a true member of the NGC 68 group, I noticed this object as I was studying the field. It presented a small and dim diffuse oval clearly separated from the main grouping. (New)

NGC 43 (Andromeda, barred lenticular galaxy, mag=12.6, size=1.6'x1.5', SBr=13.4):
Moving away from the previous group, I scooped up this barred lenticular using 110x. It was a little bright to the eye, as well as small and round in appearance. A stellar core was revealed at 198x and it was very obvious within the field. (New)

NGC 39 (Andromeda, spiral galaxy, mag=13.5, size=1.1'x1.0', SBr=13.6):
About 12.5 minutes northwest of the previous object and seen within the same FOV it was clearly the dimmer of the pair. Easily seen, it was small, round and homogeneous. Viewed at 198x it was obvious though obviously playing second string to NGC 43. (New)

NGC 29 (Andromeda, barred spiral galaxy, mag=12.7, size=1.7'x0.8', SBr=12,9):
Also carrying the designation NGC 21 due to a duplicate discovery being included in the catalogue, it was easily found at 110x. It was small but a little bit bright, and displayed an oval homogeneous disk. Using 198x it was obvious in the field as a bright elongated oval that was evenly illuminated. (New)

NGC 20 (Andromeda, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.0, size=1.5'x1.5', SBr=13.8):
This lenticular is also listed as NGC 6 due to a duplicate discovery. I spotted it at 110x as a small round pip of dim light just west of the end of a line of five stars (10th to 14th mag) that flowed east-west. At 198x I found it obvious in the field though small and homogeneous. (New)

NGC 13 (Andromeda, spiral galaxy, mag=13.2, size=2.5'x0.7', SBr=13.5):
I located this spiral 12’ northwest of the previous object using 110x. It appeared as a dim and small elongated sliver near a pair of very dim field stars. At 198x it was easier though still a little dim. I got a sense of increased thickness in its center as well as a fleeting stellar core. (New)


Messier 33 / NGC 598 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=5.7, size=1.1°x41.6’, SBr=14.1):
I now moved to Triangulum and the beautiful low surface brightness spiral, Messier 33 for a closer study of its structure. Observed at 110x and 152x it presented a large oval that filled the field of view (0.7°) in both eyepieces (ES 82 18mm and Ethos 13mm). It was seen as a very obvious and bright oval that revealed diaphanous spiral structure. Its appearance was heavily mottled and uneven across its dimension. The core appeared bright and very diffuse in nature, being slightly elongated in the major axis.
I was able to identify some HII regions and star clouds within the galactic disk. They ranged from bright to very dim, and were identified utilizing an annotated image which I had printed. Here are the ones I was able to positively identify.

NGC 604: Observed previously, this emission nebula presented a bright and very obvious small knot of concentrated light near the end of a spiral arm. It was in your face obvious in the eyepiece.
IC 143: Just WSW of NGC 604 I picked up this dim, but not a difficult small knot. (New)
IC 142: Following the chart I spotted this very small and weak concentration southwest of IC 143. (New)
NGC 595: About 6’ southwest of IC 142 I found this small knot fairly obvious. (New)
NGC 592: About 5.5’ further to the southwest from NGC 595 I easily picked up this small knot of brightness within one of the interior arms. (New)
NGC 588: Nearly 6’ west of NGC 592 I picked up this small knot of brightness in the next arm out from that containing the previous object. (New)
IC 139 and IC 140: I located this pair of HII knots south of the bright diffuse core in the inner portion of their resident arm. Aligned north-south they were both fairly subtle to the eye but clearly seen. (New-2)
IC 136: Just east of the previous pair, I noticed this larger mostly circular patch about 1.5’ in diameter. It was not visually strong, but still easily seen. (New)


NGC 431 (Andromeda, barred lenticular galaxy, mag=12.9, size=1.4'x0.9', SBr=13.0):
Thi
s previously observed galaxy was near to some others I wanted to pursue so I stopped in on the way through. Picked up at 110x it was small and slightly bright. Oval in shape it appeared homogeneous. Using 198x it was easier and obvious within the field as a small diffuse oval.

NGC 392 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.9, size=1.2'x0.9', SBr=12.8):
Crossing over into Pisces I swept up this small and slightly dim diffuse oval. Viewed at 198x it exhibited a stellar core. (New)

NGC 394 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.8, size=0.5'x0.2', SBr=11.3):
Within the same FOV and immediately NNE of the previous object I spotted this small and dim homogeneous oval at 110x. Using 198x it remained dim but displayed a stellar core. (New)

NGC 397 (Pisces, elliptical galaxy, mag=14.6, size=0.7'x0.5', SBr=13.3):
Also within the same FOV and to the southeast of the previous two galaxies, I suspected this dim rounded mote at 110x. At 198x its presence was confirmed as a very dim homogeneous oval dust bunny. (New)

NGC 410 (Pisces, elliptical galaxy, mag=11.5, size=2.4'x1.3', SBr=12.7):
Sharing the field of view with two other galaxies (N407 and N414), it stood out as easily the brightest of the group which formed a flattened triangle pattern oriented east-west. Viewed at 110x and 198x it presented a pretty bright and just slightly large elongated oval that was homogeneous to the eye. It was strongly obvious within the field. (New)

NGC 407 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.4, size=1.7'x0.4', SBr=12.9):
About 5’ WSE of the previous object I picked up this small and slightly dim elongated oval at 110x. Homogeneous to the eye, it was easier at 198x but still vastly overshadowed by NGC 410. (New)

NGC 414 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=13.5, size=1.7'x0.4', SBr=12.0):
This lenticular is actually a merged pair, though the secondary was not resolved. Visually the galaxy was a weak homogeneous glow at 110x, and while easier at 198x it remained a dim and small oval glow. (New)

IC 1648 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.4, size=0.6'x0.4', SBr=12.7):
Barely seen at 110x as a very small diffuse dust mote. Looking at 198x it was confirmed as a small and dim difficult oval. (New)

IC 1638 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.1, size=0.7'x0.7', SBr=13.4):
Suspected at 110x, it was confirmed at 198x as a weak and small round mote. (New)

IC 1636 (Pisces, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.4, size=0.5'x0.3', SBr=12.3):
Just over 9’ west of the previous object and still utilizing 198x I picked up this very small and homogeneous weak oval. Easily see it was nonetheless quite dim. (New)

NGC 968 (Triangulum, elliptical galaxy, mag=,12.2 size=3.6'x1.9', SBr=14.2):
Moving back to the celestial triangle, I swept up this somewhat bright and somewhat large oval. It presented as evenly illuminated across its dimension. Viewed with 198x it was an obvious oval. I was getting a very fleeting suspicion that perhaps there was a diffuse enhancement near its southeastern side so I moved up to 283x. There was definitely something there next to an 11th mag field star just off the southeaster side of the primary galaxy. (New)

MCG +6-6-57 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=15.2, size=0.6’x0.3’, SBr=13.2):
The suspected object (at 198x) just southeast of NGC 968 is this tiny spiral. It appeared to be attached or nearly so to the southeastern side of the primary galaxy and involved with the field star. Observed up to 283x it was nothing more than an intermittent knot of diffuse brightness that was difficult to hold. (New)

NGC 959 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=12.4, size=2.3'x1.4', SBr=13.6):
Swept up at 110x as a little bit bright oval that seemed slightly large to the eye. Obvious at 198x it seemed fairly bright and slightly large, remaining homogeneous in appearance. (New)

NGC 1050 (Perseus, barred spiral galaxy, mag=12.6, size=1.4'x1.1', SBr=12.9):
Slipping over the border into Perseus to pick up this spiral, it appeared small and slightly oval in shape. A little dim to the eye it was evenly illuminated. Using 198x it was more obvious within the starry field and displayed an intermittent stellar core. (New)

NGC 1093 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=13.1, size=1.8'x1.1', SBr=13.7):
Back into the triangle to nail down this small and dim diffuse oval at 110x. Viewed with 198x, it remained slightly weak and generally homogeneous. (New)

NGC 987 (Triangulum, barred lenticular galaxy, mag=12.4, size=1.3'x1.1', SBr=12.7):
Slightly bright at 110x, this small and vaguely oval shaped galaxy was homogeneous to the eye. With 198x it was obvious and revealed a brighter inner lens punctuated with an intermittent stellar core at its center. (New)

NGC 978 (Triangulum, lenticular galaxy, mag=12.4, size=2.0'x1.7', SBr=13.6):
Picked up at 110x this lenticular was a slightly bright thick oval. Small and homogeneous, at 198x, its appearance remained pretty much the same. Trying with 283x I had a suspicion of a second component to this system involved along its southern side. Dropping in the XW 5mm (397x) I could at times pick up a small knot of additional brightness involved in the southern side of the envelope of NGC 978. (New)

NGC 978B (Triangulum, lenticular galaxy, mag=14.4, size=0.6’x0.3’, SBr=12.4):
More formally properly known as MCG +5-7-17 This small lenticular is involved within the envelope of NGC 978 closer to its southeastern quadrant. At 397x it was nothing more than an intermittent knot of brightness distinct from the primary galaxy. (New)

NGC 974 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=12.7, size=2.5'x1.9', SBr=14.2):
Formed a triangle of three galaxies, with N970 and N969, this spiral was easily seen at 110x as a slightly bright and subtly large oval. It was quite obvious at 198x and homogeneous to the eye east of NGC 969. (New)

NGC 970 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=14.7, size=0.7'x0.2', SBr=12.4):
Just WNW of NGC 974 this very dim and small oval was just suspected at 110x and confirmed weakly at 198x. It has a very weak mag 17.2 companion off its southwestern tip which was of course not seen. (New)

NGC 969 (Triangulum, lenticular galaxy, mag12.3=, size=1.7'x1.6', SBr=13.2):
Just west of NGC 974 this lenticular was the brightest of the trio, showing as somewhat bright and rounded. Generally homogenous it was quite obvious at 198x, dominating the field. (New)

NGC 973 (Triangulum, spiral galaxy, mag=12.8, size=3.7'x0.5', SBr=13.4):
Northeast of a 7th mag field star, this spiral appeared as slightly bright elongated sliver. It was subtly large (in major axis) and homogeneous. Viewed at 198x it was an obvious feature within a starry field. (New)

IC 1815 (Triangulum, barred lenticular galaxy, mag=12.9, size=1.7'x1.6', SBr=13.8):
About 4.5’ south of the previous object I pulled down my final one for the evening. At 110x it was a small and dim round homogeneous glow. Easier at 198x it was however the weaker of the two last galaxies. (New)


It was now around 0100 hours and I was getting tired. This was a supremely successful galaxy hunt, and as such, exhausting. At this point I moved all the gear back into the garage and went inside to warm up a little, as the air had cooled noticeably and things were a bit dewy around and on me. The sky had been extremely cooperative this evening and was gloriously rich and robust. Thanks for following along and I plan to see you back out there the next evening as well for some more galaxy hunting under a dark rural sky.

Link to the first night: viewtopic.php?t=27087
Link to the third night: viewtopic.php?t=26952
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
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Ragilmer
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#2

Post by Ragilmer »


Were you viewing from a really dark site or is a 17.5" dob just that awesome? In theory the AD10 I think can view up to about 14.5 magnitude, but I'm guessing anything near that will take very dark skies and gentle tapping of the EP.
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

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Post by Bigzmey »


This is the granddaddy of all galaxy hunts Alan! Bucket load of galaxies with SN as a cherry on top. How come you have waited two years to post it? :D
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

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Post by kt4hx »


Ragilmer wrote: Tue Sep 20, 2022 10:18 pm Were you viewing from a really dark site or is a 17.5" dob just that awesome? In theory the AD10 I think can view up to about 14.5 magnitude, but I'm guessing anything near that will take very dark skies and gentle tapping of the EP.

Hi Rob. This is at our dark site house, where I keep the 17.5 inch permanently. On average nights I would put it at a Bortle 3 level. On a few occasions it might actually improve toward a B2, or worsen slightly to B4. Our home location is now about a Bortle 6 and that is why I keep that scope over at that house, to take advantage of the aperture and darker skies.

Remember all things being equal, aperture will rule when it comes to galaxies. When you mention 14.5 with the AD10, I would put that more at a stellar magnitude. For more diffuse and extended objects it might be pushing it a bit to hit 14.5. Then again, I don't recall what Bortle level you have at home, as that will have an impact as well. But in terms of light grasp, my 17.5 inch has just over 3 times the light grasp of your 10 inch. When you double aperture, say from 10 to 20 inches, you have a 4-times light grasp.

Another aspect I will mention is dim object observing skills. This is something that must be learned, and the more time spent pursuing dimmer objects, particularly extended ones like galaxies and nebulae, the better trained your eye becomes at detecting very subtle variations in light and dark, which aids significantly in detection of these objects. For reference, I've been pursuing galaxies for a lot of years. Unfortunately, I did not really keep a log of my activities until about 10 to 11 years ago, so a lot of my historical observations were not documented for a long, long time. I highly recommend you keep track of your observations as it is a fine tool to see where you've been and how your observing skills have improved with time. This was a major mistake I made when younger, which I deeply regret. But I am trying to make up for it now. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#5

Post by kt4hx »


Bigzmey wrote: Tue Sep 20, 2022 10:37 pm This is the granddaddy of all galaxy hunts Alan! Bucket load of galaxies with SN as a cherry on top. How come you have waited two years to post it? :D

Thank you Andrey. The year 2020 was a fine one for my observing. Conditions were consistently better than they've been this year. Why I waited, I am not sure really. I went through a period in the latter half of that year when I did not post reports. Since I am on the disabled list presently, I thought I would revisit some of those efforts. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#6

Post by Bigzmey »


kt4hx wrote: Tue Sep 20, 2022 11:24 pm On average nights I would put it at a Bortle 3 level. On a few occasions it might actually improve toward a B2, or worsen slightly to B4.
Following your reports, Alan I feel that the sky quality at our respective dark sites is on pair, give or take. Mine also fluctuates between Bortle 3 and 4 on average. However, I have a couple of light domes spoiling western half. So, while eastern half may get on occasion better than Bortle 3, the western half is typically around Bortle 5. Thankfully, even towards the west the sky gets substantially better above 40 degrees. Also, my site is at ~4,000 ft elevation, which helps.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#7

Post by kt4hx »


Bigzmey wrote: Tue Sep 20, 2022 11:49 pm
kt4hx wrote: Tue Sep 20, 2022 11:24 pm On average nights I would put it at a Bortle 3 level. On a few occasions it might actually improve toward a B2, or worsen slightly to B4.
Following your reports, Alan I feel that the sky quality at our respective dark sites is on pair, give or take. Mine also fluctuates between Bortle 3 and 4 on average. However, I have a couple of light domes spoiling western half. So, while eastern half may get on occasion better than Bortle 3, the western half is typically around Bortle 5. Thankfully, even towards the west the sky gets substantially better above 40 degrees. Also, my site is at ~4,000 ft elevation, which helps.

I was suspecting we have similar conditions. My elevation there is approaching 2,800 ft. My western sky is mostly obliterated by trees below about 50°, but I have a pretty good NNE to SSE view. I do have a large tree at the southern edge of the property that is problematic for the lower 30° in that direction, so I have to wait for the deep stuff to get beyond the tree, unless I move to the other end of the property. My worst light dome is to the NNE back toward town (pop. ~ 150), but as long as they aren't doing anything at the fairgrounds its not too bad. At home we used to be Bortle 5, but have since degraded to a B6. It is good we both have other places to go, because conditions certainly are not going to get any better at our respective homes. I don't anticipate anything getting worse at the dark site house given the sparse population and lack of any industry. It is a rural environment and the people there wish to keep it that way. They like the peach and quite, and dark skies. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#8

Post by Bigzmey »


kt4hx wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 12:13 am It is good we both have other places to go, because conditions certainly are not going to get any better at our respective homes.
Definitely worth two-hour trip! On top of darker skies remote sites also offer peacefulness and tranquility. Sounds of nature vs sounds of police sirens. Even for the targets I can observe at home (planets, doubles, asteroids) I still prefer to go to my dark site.
Scopes: Stellarvue: SV102ED; Celestron: 9.25" EdgeHD, 8" SCT, 150ST, Onyx 80ED; iOptron: Hankmeister 6" Mak; SW: 7" Mak; Meade: 80ST.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.

Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2382, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 255
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#9

Post by kt4hx »


Bigzmey wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 12:48 am
kt4hx wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 12:13 am It is good we both have other places to go, because conditions certainly are not going to get any better at our respective homes.
Definitely worth two-hour trip! On top of darker skies remote sites also offer peacefulness and tranquility. Sounds of nature vs sounds of police sirens. Even for the targets I can observe at home (planets, doubles, asteroids) I still prefer to go to my dark site.

Yeah, its always worth the trip. It is quiet over at the other house other than occasional traffic, which I know you don't have. Mostly I hear cows, but that is okay! :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#10

Post by helicon »


Thanks for the excellent report Alan - quite a session with work done in Pegasus, Andromeda, Triangulum, and Pisces. And to top it off, folks can see most of these targets now, like you had done 2 years ago. Congratulations on achieving the VROD for the day!
-Michael
Refractors: ES AR152 f/6.5 Achromat on Twilight II, Celestron 102mm XLT f/9.8 on Celestron Heavy Duty Alt Az mount, KOWA 90mm spotting scope
Binoculars: Celestron SkyMaster 15x70, Bushnell 10x50
Eyepieces: Various, GSO Superview, 9mm Plossl, Celestron 25mm Plossl
Camera: ZWO ASI 120
Naked Eye: Two Eyeballs
Latitude: 48.7229° N
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#11

Post by kt4hx »


helicon wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:39 pm Thanks for the excellent report Alan - quite a session with work done in Pegasus, Andromeda, Triangulum, and Pisces. And to top it off, folks can see most of these targets now, like you had done 2 years ago. Congratulations on achieving the VROD for the day!

Thank you Michael. Those three nights combined was one of the best trips I had made to the dark site house, and indicative of how much better conditions were that year for us over there. When taken as a whole, over the nights of 19-21 Sep 2020 I was able to add 123 new objects to my log. Even I was surprised at how well things seemed to click those evenings. As they say, sometimes the cosmic tumblers all fall into place and the wonders of the universe are revealed. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#12

Post by Makuser »


Hi Alan. Wow, yet another great observing report from your archives on the second evening. And this has to be one of the best quintessential observing reports that I have ever seen. What a superb huge haul of beautiful DSO objects and targets. And I agree with Andrey that catching SN 2020ssf was the icing on the cake. Thanks for your fantastic and well documented/informative report Alan and congratulations on another well deserved TSS VROD Award.
Marshall
Sky-Watcher 90mm f/13.8 Maksutov-Cassegrain on motorized Multimount
Orion Astroview 120ST f/5 Refractor on EQ3 mount
Celestron Comet Catcher 140mm f/3.64 Schmidt-Newtonian on alt-az mount
Celestron Omni XLT150R f/5 Refractor on CG4 mount with dual axis drives.
Orion 180mm f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain on CG5-GT Goto mount.
Orion XT12i 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian Intelliscope.
Kamakura 7x35 Binoculars and Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 Binoculars. ZWO ASI 120MC camera.
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#13

Post by kt4hx »


Makuser wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 6:03 pm Hi Alan. Wow, yet another great observing report from your archives on the second evening. And this has to be one of the best quintessential observing reports that I have ever seen. What a superb huge haul of beautiful DSO objects and targets. And I agree with Andrey that catching SN 2020ssf was the icing on the cake. Thanks for your fantastic and well documented/informative report Alan and congratulations on another well deserved TSS VROD Award.

Thank you kindly Marshall. It truly was an outstanding evening and one that memories are made of. At least while I am out of action I can relive and share some experiences from past observing sessions. :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#14

Post by Unitron48 »


Quite the collection, Alan! I second Marshall's comments!! Congrats on another well deserved VROD :smile:

Dave
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#15

Post by kt4hx »


Unitron48 wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 11:58 am Quite the collection, Alan! I second Marshall's comments!! Congrats on another well deserved VROD :smile:

Dave

Thank you Dave. I appreciate your comments and taking the time to read through a rather lengthy report. A bit of a novelette this one! :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#16

Post by Unitron48 »


kt4hx wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 7:51 pm
Unitron48 wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 11:58 am Quite the collection, Alan! I second Marshall's comments!! Congrats on another well deserved VROD :smile:

Dave

Thank you Dave. I appreciate your comments and taking the time to read through a rather lengthy report. A bit of a novelette this one! :)
Okay, so where is day three! I'm here drinking my coffee with no report to read!!

Dave
Unitron (60mm, 102mm), Brandon 94
Stellarvue SVX127D
http://www.unitronhistory.com

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#17

Post by kt4hx »


Unitron48 wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:22 pm
kt4hx wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 7:51 pm
Unitron48 wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 11:58 am Quite the collection, Alan! I second Marshall's comments!! Congrats on another well deserved VROD :smile:

Dave

Thank you Dave. I appreciate your comments and taking the time to read through a rather lengthy report. A bit of a novelette this one! :)
Okay, so where is day three! I'm here drinking my coffee with no report to read!!

Dave

Hey Dave, here's a hint: take a look at the very bottom of the night two report! :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#18

Post by kt4hx »


Unitron48 wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:22 pm
kt4hx wrote: Thu Sep 22, 2022 7:51 pm


Thank you Dave. I appreciate your comments and taking the time to read through a rather lengthy report. A bit of a novelette this one! :)
Okay, so where is day three! I'm here drinking my coffee with no report to read!!

Dave

Hey Dave, here's a hint: take a look at the very bottom of the night two report! BTW, you've already read it and commented! :)
Alan

Scopes: Astro Sky 17.5 f/4.5 Dob || Apertura AD12 f/5 Dob || Zhumell Z10 f/4.9 Dob ||
ES AR127 f/6.5 || ES ED80 f/6 || Apertura 6" f/5 Newtonian
Mounts: ES Twilight-II and Twilight-I
EPs: AT 82° 28mm UWA || TV Ethos 100° 21mm and 13mm || Vixen LVW 65° 22mm ||
ES 82° 18mm || Pentax XW 70° 10mm, 7mm and 5mm || barlows
Filters (2 inch): DGM NPB || Orion Ultra Block, O-III and Sky Glow || Baader HaB
Primary Field Atlases: Uranometria All-Sky Edition and Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Astronomers, we look into the past to see our future." (me)
"Seeing is in some respect an art, which must be learnt." (William Herschel)
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean." (Sir Isaac Newton)
"No good deed goes unpunished." (various)
Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking, don't you think?” (Scarecrow, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)
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Re: Observing Report for 20 September 2020 - an epic galaxy hunt from two years ago

#19

Post by terrynak »


Alan, get well soon.

NGC 410 is the only galaxy from this report that I've seen (1/3/13).

It'll probably take another trip to the Southern Hemisphere before I see any "new" galaxies previously unobserved (last one was on 12/29/19). I'm due for another vacation (possibly in December).

I just don't have the energy/desire to lug a large telescope to some dark site away from the city over the weekend. In the past, a smaller telescope would have sufficed (up to 4.5" aperture) to seek out "new" DSOs, but I've pretty much taken them as far as they could go in the last decade. It would have to be with a 5" at the very least to make it worthwhile.

Whereas the opportunities are still bountiful for a small grab-and-go scope in the Southern Hemisphere.
Scopes: Reflectors, refractors, and 1 catadioptric. Ranging in aperture from 50mm to 150mm.
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