TheSkySearchers

If you have any target suggestions for the April 2020 challenge we would love to hear them!

You can put forward a suggestion for the Northern hemisphere or the Southern hemisphere or both if you like!
Also remember our 9th magnitude limit.

Let us know what tickles your fancy for April 2020 and post your suggestions to this topic.

Since no one has made any suggestions yet and we're closing in on April, let me get it started.

Souther Hemisphere: Eta Carinae Nebula / NGC 3372 (This one is a very good visual target since it's so bright. And, of course, a favorite for AP.)

Northern Hemisphere: M66

Great suggestions Joe!

If only I could have some clear skies!

For the Northern Hemisphere, can I propose Praesepe, aka The Beehive Cluster, aka M44, aka NGC 2632.

For the Antipodeans, I second Joe's Eta Carinae proposal, it's full of photo opportunities!

Regards

Graeme

For the North -- M101 - a bright, (mag 7.9) large galaxy yet difficult to see its detail. And the South -- NGC 5128 (Centaurus A) another bright galaxy at mag 6.8. I myself have yet to observe this object - looking forward to it. Should the clouds ever part!

Cheers,
JT

For a more temporary target in the north, how about comet ATLAS C/2019 Y4. I am seeing some suggest that, as it gets closer to us over April and May, it could get very bright -- maybe about as bright as Venus. Right now, it is reportedly about 8th magnitude.