Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

A place to post your visual observing descriptions, reports, and log entries for the Messier Visual Awards program.
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bladekeeper
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Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

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Post by bladekeeper »


This list of observed Messier objects are culled from my log book and represent the last observation of each of these. Various scopes, eyepieces, and dates are present. Many of these, and some of the toughest, are done with an 80mm refractor. :D

1. Crab Nebula - Messier 1 - NGC 1952
(Bright Nebula in Taurus, mag 8.5, size 6’ x 4’)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 21:13:24
Comment: Bam! Right dead center. M1 was rather diffuse this evening, a faint grey splotch. With the 15mm, it was greyer splotchier.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm, GSO Super Plössl 15mm

2. Messier 2 - NGC 7089
(Globular Cluster in Aquarius, mag 6.6, size 16’)
Observed: Oct 8, 2017 at 21:13:59
Comment: Such a nice globular cluster. I punched it up to 173x and marveled at the nice core. Not too concentrated, not too loose. It’s a Goldilocks glob! Scads of glittering diamonds resolved right down to the core. A welcome relief after those eye bleeders I was previously trying to observe. Just a pleasure to observe.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 18mm, 8.8mm

3. Messier 3 - NGC 5272
(Globular Cluster in Canes Venatici, mag 6.3, size 16.2’, Class VI)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:28:17
Comment: An even better glob! Very concentrated orb of fuzzy goodness. I pushed the power up to 9mm, but that is a bit too much for a DSO with this scope. I backed off to 51x and enjoyed the view.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

4. Messier 4 - NGC 6121
(Globular Cluster in Scorpius, mag 5.9, size 26.3’, Class IX)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:03:25
Comment: This nice globular cluster is easily visible in both scopes. In each, it presents as a large pale grey and granular orb of soft light. I pushed the C80 up with the 15mm. I can pick out slightly more defined granularity. The glob does not possess an especially concentrated core.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm, GSO Super Plössl 15mm

5. Messier 5 - NGC 5904
(Globular Cluster in Serpens, mag 5.7, size 17.4’, Class V)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:46:31
Comment: A fun little glob, reasonably tight core with a bright halo.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

6. Butterfly Cluster - Messier 6 - NGC 6405
(Open Cluster in Scorpius, mag 4.2, size 25’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:24:45
Comment: The familiar butterfly shape, or even a fox head as I sort of liken it to (though upside down), is readily apparent. Sharp silvery and golden pinpoints dot the field of view. The visual in both scopes is quite satisfying. I swapped out the 18mm in the CP80 for the 32mm. Just a fantastic view.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, GSO Super Plössl 32mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

7. Ptolemy's Cluster - Messier 7 - NGC 6475
(Open Cluster in Scorpius, mag 3.3, size 80’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:29:23
Comment: Getting a bit low down into the murky light dome, but this fine open cluster is cutting through nicely. In both scopes, a loose and wide scattering of fine diamonds on dark grey velvet. Lovely.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

8. Lagoon Nebula - Messier 8 - NGC 6523
(Bright Nebula in Sagittarius, mag 5.8, size 90’ x 40’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:09:00
Comment: Another RACI bulls-eye. Obvious nebulae in the 18mm surrounding the embedded cluster. Same in the 26mm. Of course, this is a reasonably decent binocular target too, so no worries with these scopes. Guiding the C80 around the field a bit I can pick up some bits of subtle brightening hither and yon. An enjoyable view.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

9. Messier 9 - NGC 6333
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 7.8, size 9.3’, class 8)
Observed: Jul 4, 2018 at 23:26:10
Comment: Well, here at least is a friendly apparition. The tight knot of M9 shows readily at 84×. At 138×, I can just barely resolve a few of the component stars. Fun glob, though!
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm, 11mm, 8.7mm

10. Messier 10 - NGC 6254
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 6.6, size 15.0’, class 7)
Observed: Jul 11, 2018, at 22:27:53
Comment: A nice big globular cluster. At 51×, a fine round dusty orb. At 61×, a tighter core is delineated, and the dustiness becomes somewhat granular.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, GSO Plössl 15mm

11. Wild Duck Cluster - Messier 11 - NGC 6705
(Open Cluster in Scutum, mag 5.8, size 14’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:43:18
Comment: Gorgeous no matter the scope utilized! Both present a tight concentration of diamond dust, broader and bright. Granular yet resolvable throughout. I just love this OC.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

12. Messier 12 - NGC 6218
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 6.1, size 15.0’, class 9)
Observed: Jul 11, 2018, at 22:34:14
Comment: At 51×, somewhat broader and more diffuse than M10. No sharp core, just a ghostly concentration of photons.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

13. Hercules Cluster - Messier 13 - NGC 6205
(Globular Cluster in Hercules, mag 5.8, size 16.6’, Class V)
Observed: Sep 1, 2018 at 23:09:08
Comment: Holy crap. What an amazing globular cluster. Stars resolved right to the core at 138×. Swapping to the Coulter, loads of diamond dust meet the eye. Phenomenal!
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 11mm, Coulter Optical 12.5mm

14. Messier 14 - NGC 6402
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 7.6, size 12.0’, class 8)
Observed: Jul 11, 2018, at 22:38:13
Comment: A tad smaller and more diffuse than M12. A small little soft pinch of light at 18mm.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

15. Messier 15 - NGC 7078
(Globular Cluster in Pegasus, mag 6.3, size 12.3’)
Observed: Sep 10, 2017, 21:12:30
Comment: Well, was hoping to make a play for Pease 1. Nope. While I had memorized a star chart, I could make nothing out in or around the glob that remotely resembled the chart I had studied. I think it is a combination of the stars I need being too dim, the sky having too much crap in it, and the glob passing out of the FOV too quickly. I started off at 84× and quickly pushed up to 173×, and further to 227×. I was having trouble resolving enough stars to even see the little trapezium I was looking for to help locate the planetary. Fine view of the glob though with its intense stellar core and myriads of stars buzzing around in a glowing halo. Even with the OIII, nothing that I could call a PN emerged. Need a darker sky.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm, 8.8mm, 6.7mm

16. Eagle Nebula - Messier 16 - NGC 6611
(Bright Nebula in Serpens, mag 6.0, size 35’ x 28’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:36:40
Comment: Subtle nebulosity in the KK, but I can almost pick out a rough eagle-ish shape if I pretend hard enough. The overall star field bends and curves away from the nebula as a backward S shape. Loving the contrast put up by the ortho.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

17. Omega Nebula - Messier 17 - NGC 6618
(Bright Nebula in Sagittarius, mag 6.0, size 46’ x 37’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:33:12
Comment: Easy nebulosity. I am picking up an inverted swan shape (though the head and neck are very subtle). The central bar is nicely displayed. In the 26mm, a bit more oval in appearance though the swan may still be seen.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

18. Messier 18 - NGC 6613
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 6.9, size 9’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:30:18
Comment: My little duck foot again. Good views in both scopes of the loose and slightly sparse OC.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

19. Messier 19 - NGC 6273
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 6.8, size 13.5’, Class VIII)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:18:41
Comment: Visually about the same size as M62, but the core is not quite as dense. This renders it a bit softer, though still quite easily discerned.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

20. Trifid Nebula - Messier 20 - NGC 6514
(Bright Nebula in Sagittarius, mag 6.3, size 29’ x 27’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:13:19
Comment: Very subtle here. I believe, with the 26mm on the C80, and with averted vision, I can just make out a bifurcation between two of the Fids. The nebulae only stand out with averted vision. The effect is even more subtle with the higher power on the CP80. Pretty cool.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

21. Messier 21 - NGC 6531
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 5.9, size 13’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:15:38
Comment: A nice little knotty cluster. Well concentrated and separated from the field. I am picking up a few more stars with the 18mm over the 26mm. A fun fistful of stars to quietly observe.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

22. Messier 22 - NGC 6656
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 5.2, size 24.0’, Class VII)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:07:02
Comment: Bulls-eyed in the RACI and centered. Broad and granular in the 18mm with no real core density. A similar and pleasing view in the 26mm.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

23. Messier 23 - NGC 6494
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 5.5, size 27’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:19:06
Comment: Brilliant! Somebody knocked over the salt shaker. I like the view via the ortho better as the background is darker, better contrast, and more available jewels to take in. Reasonably concentrated and separated from the field. An excellent cluster worthy of anyone’s attention.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

24. Sagittarius Star Cloud - Messier 24 - IC 4715
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 4.59, size 120’ x 60”)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:22:32
Comment: A repeat from Friday evening. The 26mm shines here and pulls in the bulk of the loosely scattered, yet well populated OC.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

25. Messier 25 - IC 4725
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 4.6, size 32’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:24:24
Comment: RACI bulls-eye. A nice view in both scopes though the 18mm does it more justice. A velvety dark background and many diamonds of varying magnitudes scattered loosely on the field.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

26. Messier 26 - NGC 6694
(Open Cluster in Scutum, mag 8.0, size 15’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:40:16
Comment: This is a concentrated little rat. A somewhat orb-like fist of stars. I am supposing the dimmer diamonds in the midst are lending an almost nebulous appearance to the cluster. In the 26mm, it almost looks like a loose glob with a foreground star superimposed.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

27. Dumbbell Nebula - Messier 27 - NGC 6853
(Planetary Nebula in Vulpecula, mag 7.1, size 480” x 340”)
Observed: Jun 9, 2018 at 23:23:46
Comment: I am always shocked at the size of this planetary nebula. Even at 46×, I’ve got a large twin-lobed smudge in the center of the FOV. Threading the OIII onto the diagonal and going with the KK 18mm, I can easily pick out the apple core shape with averted vision. With the OIII, the fuller extent of this PN is standing out nicely.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, KK Ortho 18mm

28. Messier 28 - NGC 6626
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 6.9, size 11.2’, Class IV)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:05:32
Comment: Easily picker-uppable in both scopes. Left, a fine fuzzy orb with a nice surrounding halo. Similar in the right though a hair smaller.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

29. Messier 29 - NGC 6913
(Open Cluster in Cygnus)
Observed: Aug 8, 2015
Comment: 2nd observations of M29. About 8 brighter stars, fairly compact, sort of a squished up Dipper, with hints of many fainter stars scattered amongst these.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

30. Messier 30 -
(Globular Cluster in Capricornus)
Observed: Aug 12, 2015
Comment: 2nd on M30. A bright glob with some graininess overlaying a tight core. Star 41 Cap is a pale yellow beacon up and to the right.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

31. Andromeda Galaxy - Messier 31 - NGC 224
(Spiral Galaxy in Andromeda, mag 3.4, size 191’ x 62’, SB 13.5 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jan 17, 2018 at 19:46:23
Comment: Started off at 35× with the 26mm “Halloween” Plössl. Nice bright view of the central core area with a broader disc of outer core halo. Swapped out for the KK 18mm for 51×. Still a fine bright core and still a nice extended halo disk. So far so good. I like it.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, KK Ortho 18mm

32. Messier 32 - NGC 221
(Elliptical Galaxy in Andromeda, mag 8.1, size 8.7’ x 6.5’, SB 12.4 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jan 17, 2018 at 19:53:00
Comment: Staying with the 18mm, M32 displays as a happy little fuzzy stellar object forming a trapezoid asterism with three other stars.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

33. Pinwheel Galaxy - Messier 33 - NGC 598
(Spiral Galaxy in Triangulum, mag 5.7, size 70.8’ x 41.7’, SB 14.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Feb 7, 2018 at 20:37:30
Comment: Well, that wasn’t hard. I have a broad and roughly round cloudy patch in the center of the FOV. And that’s about it. But at least I can see it! Easily discerned in the 102 with the KK 18mm.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, GSO SuperPlössl 32mm, AR102L, KK Ortho 18mm

34. Messier 34 - NGC 1039
(Open Cluster in Perseus, mag 5.2, size 35’)
Observed: Feb 7, 2018 at 21:00:01
Comment: Nice view of this fine open cluster in both refractors. I enjoyed the view with the KK in the 102, especially. The 15mm Bresser 70° in the 80mm put up an excellent view as well.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, GSO SuperPlössl 32mm, Bresser 70° 15mm, AR102L, KK Ortho 18mm

35. Messier 35 - NGC 2168
(Open Cluster in Gemini, mag 5.1, size 28’)
Observed: Jan 24, 2018 at 19:52:09
Comment: With the 80mm at 28×, this excellent open cluster displays many tiny little pinpoint diamonds. Scattered amongst the jewels is a dusting of glitter that adds much depth to the view. At the 127 at 34×, many more diamonds are resolved. Gorgeous view!
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, GSO Plössl 32mm, AR127, ES 82° 24mm

36. Pinwheel Cluster - Messier 36 - NGC 1960
(Open Cluster in Auriga, mag 6.0, size 12')
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:07:32
Comment: Dead nuts centered. Creepy. M36 looks quite pleasing in the 6".
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron "Halloween" Plössl 26mm

37. Messier 37 - NGC 2099
(Open Cluster in Auriga, mag 5.6, size 24')
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:09:46
Comment: My favorite of the three Auriga Messier clusters. A very busy and compact OC, and a fine red ruby sitting in the center. Always a sight for sore eyes.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron "Halloween" Plössl 26mm

38. Starfish Cluster - Messier 38 - NGC 1912
(Open Cluster in Auriga, mag 6.4, size 21')
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:00:17
Comment: Creepy and unnatural. The mount, that is. M38 looked really nice though. A sharp scattering of diamonds, or spilled salt on dark velvet.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron "Halloween" Plössl 26mm

39. Messier 39 - NGC 7092
(Open Cluster in Cygnus, mag 4.59, size 29.0’)
Observed: Jul 29, 2017, 23:37:44
Comment: Since I was nearby, a quick stop off to say howdy to this brilliantly glittering open cluster. At 84×, the OC filled the FOV with bright diamonds. A meteor streaked through as I watched.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

40. Messier 40 - Winnecke 4
(Multiple Star in Ursa Major, mag 9.6)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:35:52
Comment: Yup. There they be. ‘Nuff said.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

41. Messier 41 - NGC 2287
(Open Cluster in Canis Major, mag 4.5, size 38')
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:18:13
Comment: A large and loose cluster comprised of many brighter stars of differing hues. A rather gangly affair.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm

42. Orion Nebula - Messier 42 - NGC 1976
(Bright Nebula in Orion, mag 4.0, size 66’ x 60’)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 20:33:20
Comment: Creepy. I swapped out the 20mm for the BCO 10mm. A fine view of M42 with the ortho at 120×. I’ve got 5 Trapezium stars in the view and loads of glorious gas and dust with detailed folds and undulations present to the eye. M43 is even getting in on the act. Very nice view!
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron Plössl 20mm, Baader Classic Ortho 10mm

43. Messier 43 - NGC 1982
(Bright Nebula in Orion, mag 9.0, size 20’ x 15’)
Observed: Dec 15, 2017 at 21:07:37
Comment: Quite dim in the 3” scopes, and steadily more present as aperture increased. Not much to say other than a nice round smudgy patch on the north side of M42.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: CP80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, ST80, ES 82° 11mm, AR127L, ES 82° 18mm, Vite Aspheric 23mm, ES Super Plössl 25mm, AR102L, ES Super Plössl 25mm, Vite Aspheric 23mm, AD12, ES 82° 18mm

44. Beehive Cluster - Messier 44 - NGC 2632
(Open Cluster in Cancer, mag 3.09, size 70.0’)
Observed: May 5, 2017, 21:42:54
Comment: Since I was in the area, I wended my way over to the Beehive. I went with the 30mm (28×) in the 5" and the 18mm (22×) in the ST80. Both scopes presented a fine wide-field view of this excellent cluster. Despite the dominant moonlight, a nice scattering of diamonds on a steel grey felt met my eye. Good stuff.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 30mm, ST80, ES 82° 18mm

45. Pleiades - Messier 45 - Melotte 22
(Open Cluster in Taurus, mag 1.5, size 120’)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 21:22:14
Comment: There it be. I can’t really achieve a wide enough FOV to properly display this cluster, but I have that issue with most of my scopes save for the ST80. At any rate, a nice sharp view of the stars within and surprisingly little CA is present.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm

46. Messier 46 - NGC 2437
(Open Cluster in Puppis, mag 6.1, size 27’)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 20:52:54
Comment: A fine smattering of delicate points of light, too numerous to count. Or rather, I am being too lazy to count them. I watched for the planetary (NGC 2438) for a bit, but it did not show. A bit too soupy out, and I did not bother with the OIII filter. All at 60× with the 20mm.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron Plössl 20mm

47. Messier 47 - NGC 2422
(Open Cluster in Puppis, mag 4.4, size 29')
Observed: Feb 25, 2017, 21:17:43
Comment: Popped back over to the refractors to catch these two Messier clusters. M47 is a fine visage in the 5" with the 24mm. The ST80 does it justice as well. I just can't get over these sharp pinpoint stars.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 24mm, ST80, ES 82° 14mm

48. Messier 48 -
(Open Cluster in Hydra, mag 5.80, SB 14.46 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Feb 24, 2016, 20:16:26
Comment: 2nd visit to M48. A very broad open cluster, lots of mag 9-ish stars scattered about. Looks like somebody knocked over the salt shaker..."To find a queen without a king, they say she plays guitar and cries and sings...la la la la."
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

49. Messier 49 - NGC 4472
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 8.4, size 10.2’ x 8.3’, SB 13.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 7, 2018 at 23:05:33
Comment: Another big and beautiful glow ball hanging in space. A tight core with a bright surrounding halo.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm, 11mm

50. Messier 50 - NGC 2323
(Open Cluster in Monoceros, mag 5.9, size 16’)
Observed: Jan 23, 2018 at 20:36:31
Comment: Well, a nice cluster in both scopes, though many of the dimmer members are not resolved. These display as a background nebular glow amongst the brighter members. I kinda like this one a little better in the 102 with the 32mm.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, AR102L, GSO Super Plössl 32mm

51. Whirlpool Galaxy - Messier 51 - NGC’s 5194 and 5195
(Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici, mag 8.4/9.6, size 11.2’ x 6.9’/5.8’ x 4.6’, SB 12.9/12.9 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:04:04
Comment: I can see both cores of 5194 and 5195. Just two dim smudgy fuzzy eyes peering blearily back at me. No connecting bridge with this scope on this night.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

52. Messier 52 - NGC 7654
(Open Cluster in Cassiopeia, mag 6.9, size 16')
Observed: Feb 15, 2017, 19:54:32
Comment: Since M52 was on my mind, I moved over to the AR127 to observe this cluster. An easy RACI hop down from Caph (β Cassiopeiae). With the 18mm in for 46×, a nicely compact and roundish dusting of tiny diamonds meets my eye. Moving over to the ST80 on the T1 mount and another quick hop down from Caph brought again this visage of a tight wad of diamond dust to my eye. Much smaller in the ST80 at 29× of course, but clear and bright. Since I had the Mak sitting on the T2 with the 5", I had a gander with that scope too at 52×. I can barely see stars with the Mak, much less the cluster. Enough of that.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 18mm, ST80, ES 82° 14mm, MC90, Vite Aspheric 23mm

53. Messier 53 - NGC 5024
(Globular Cluster in Coma Berenices, mag 7.5, size 12.6, Class V)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:22:13
Comment: Nice glob! While I cannot resolve individual stars, I do see a glorious puffball of light in the FOV, a nice firm core with some surrounding halo.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

54. Messier 54 - NGC 6715
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 7.7, size 9.1’, Class III)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:47:40
Comment: Slid over to this glob via the 26mm in the C80. I can easily pick up a sharp fuzzy stellar globe with a dense core. At the CP80, a similar view though with a bit more halo on display. Man, this thing has a tight core on it.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

55. Messier 55 - NGC 6809
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 6.4, size 19’, Class XI)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:54:33
Comment: Well this is a big ol’ soft rascal! First spotted in the right scope at 51× as a broad disk of subtle light. It is quite easy to lose but some movement and averted vision brings it back. A similar view in the left scope at 35×. Very large and very subtle!
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

56. Messier 56 - NGC 6779
(Globular Cluster in Lyra, mag 8.3, size 7.1’)
Observed: Jun 9, 2018 at 23:03:13
Comment: This globular cluster is a bit on the loose and faint side. At 67×, I am picking up a mere faint patch of a subtle glow. Pushing up through 80× and 120× does not resolve any stars with the 6” refractor.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, KK Ortho 18mm, GSO Super Plössl 15mm, Baader Classic Ortho 10mm

57. Ring Nebula - Messier 57 - NGC 6720
(Planetary Nebula in Lyra, mag 8.8, size 86” x 63”)
Observed: Jun 9, 2018 at 22:41:11
Comment: A bit lacking in contrast due to the flat transparency, but the Ring nonetheless. I bumped up to 80× and enjoyed the view a while.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm, GSO Super Plössl 15mm

58. Messier 58 - NGC 4579
(Spiral Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.7, size 5.9’ x 4.7’, SB 13.1 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:45:48
Comment: Not much to say here, just a roundish grey fuzzy patch. These descriptions sound like the first time I went through these with my 12”.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

59. Messier 59 - NGC 4621
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.6, size 5.4’ x 3.7’, SB 12.9 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: May 12, 2018 at 22:52:40
Comment: Not much to say on this one, a mere nearly-averted vision puff of light.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

60. Messier 60 - NGC 4649
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 8.8, size 7.4’ x 6.0’, SB 12.9 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: May 12, 2018 at 22:43:17
Comment: Nothing more than a round glowy patch of light
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

61. Messier 61 - NGC 4303
(Spiral Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.7, size 6.5’ x 5.8’, SB 13.4 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 7, 2018 at 22:54:41
Comment: A big wad of ginormousness. A stellar core surrounded by a rather expansive halo. A barely detectable central bar or arm is perceived. I wish the transparency was better.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm, 11mm

62. Messier 62 - NGC 6266
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 6.6, size 14.1’, Class IV)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:13:19
Comment: A smaller globular cluster, but a much tighter core compared to M4. Both scopes display the glob quite well.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

63. Sunflower Galaxy - Messier 63 - NGC 5055
(Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici, mag 8.6, size 12.6’ x 7.2’, SB 13.3 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:08:23
Comment: M63 is showing well. A large and decently bright canted oval in the FOV. There is a brighter star sitting right on one end of the galaxy.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

64. Black Eye Galaxy - Messier 64 - NGC 4826
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 8.5, size 10.0’ x 5.4’, SB 12.7 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:18:03
Comment: The ol’ Black Eye displays as a fuzzy oval. While detectable with direct vision, it shows better with averted as a large fuzzy oval. No real detail to note, and not black eye feature.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

65. Messier 65 - NGC 3623
(Spiral Galaxy in Leo, mag 9.3, size 9.8’ x 2.9’, SB 12.8 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 21:20:19
Comment: I’ve got two in the view here. With the KK 18mm at 51×, M65 displays as a longish oval of grey light. With averted vision, I can pick out the squeeze of the core.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Orth 18mm

66. Messier 66 - NGC 3627
(Spiral Galaxy in Leo, mag 8.9, size 9.1’ x 4.2’, SB 12.7 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 21:25:20
Comment: Just below M65 in the FOV, I can more easily pick out this beautiful galaxy. Very obvious core concentration here. Overall, nothing more than a grey smudge with this scope.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

67. Messier 67 - NGC 2682
(Open Cluster in Cancer, mag 6.9, size 29’)
Observed: Mar 2, 2017, 20:44:20
Comment: Nice dusting of diamonds in the 5”. In the ST80, more concentrated and not terribly bright, a dusting of diamond powder.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 18mm, ST80, ES 82° 14mm

68. Messier 68 - NGC 4590
(Globular Cluster in Hydra, Mag 7.84, size 11.0 arcmin, SB 12.26 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jun 22, 2016, 22:10:01
Comment: 2nd visit to M68. And, at only 19° above the horizon, not much of a view. Even at 138x, a mere pale milky ball with no stars resolved. Oh well. I can see it though, right? Yup.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm, 11mm

69. Messier 69 - NGC 6637
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 7.7, size 7.1’, Class V)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:35:37
Comment: Sitting near star HD 170500, this nice yet soft glow ball displays easily. A soft pinch of a core in the left scope at 51×, and a small little dust bunny in the right scope at 35×.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

70. Messier 70 - NGC 6681
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 8.1, size 7.8’, Class V)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:44:12
Comment: Took me a bit to nail this one down as it was a bit more subtle than I anticipated. Small and a tad on the dimmer side, it seems to possess a tighter core in the CP80 and is a small fuzzy dot in the C80.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

71. Messier 71 - NGC 6838
(Globular Cluster in Sagitta, mag 8.1, size 7.2, Class X-XI)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:55:01
Comment: Wow! A lot more stars in this area of the sky. The glob is easily spotted, though. Very loose in concentration, it is a mere bruise of light on the sky.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

72. Messier 72 - NGC 6981
(Globular Cluster in Aquarius)
Observed: Aug 12, 2015
Comment: 2nd on M72. This glob is quite dim for a Messier glob, a pale nebulous patch of light. It almost looks like a faraway elliptical galaxy like some of the bigger ones in Virgo.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

73. Messier 73 - Collinder 426
(Open Cluster in Aquarius)
Observed: Aug 12, 2015
Comment: 2nd on M73. Who's a little martini glass? You are...yes you are...
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

74. Messier 74 - NGC 628
(Spiral Galaxy in Pisces, mag 9.4, size 10.5" x 9.5", SB 14.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Dec 13, 2017 at 20:12:37
Comment: Sweet! A little tough to pick out, but definitely there. I can see, and mostly with averted vision, a pale and diffuse glow representing the central core of this face-on galaxy. No further detail to note in this scope. I tried the 15mm as well, but that is getting to a 1.32mm exit pupil, and that's almost killing the galaxy. The 2.29mm exit pupil of the 26mm with this scope is better.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: CP80, Celestron "Halloween" Plössl 26mm, Bresser 70° 15mm

75. Messier 75 - NGC 6864
(Globular Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 8.6, size 6.0’, Class I)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 22:59:45
Comment: Not the easiest glob around in these scopes, though not terrible. Fuzzy stellar in the left scope with a tight core and close-in halo. In the right scope it is fuzzier stelliar and seemingly more concentrated.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

76. Little Dumbbell Nebula - Messier 76 - NGC 650
(Planetary Nebula in Perseus, mag 10.1, size 163” x 107”)
Observed: Jan 23, 2018 at 19:48:35
Comment: New with the Premium 80. Despite the moonlight, I can pick out a small dim grey smudgy spot with the 26mm at 35×. Similar view in the 102 with the 25mm at 40×. At the 80, I swapped out for the KK 18mm and 51×. Still a bit dim, but I can pick up a noticeable brightening in the center of this planetary nebula. I’m not quite getting the little rectangle like with the 12”, but definitely observable with an 80mm scope. Not altogether much different than a mag 11 galaxy in the dob. With a 15mm in for 61×, it is even easier to see, a nice little uniform squarish smudge. Even more boxy with the KK in the 102 at 56×.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, KK Ortho 18mm, Bresser 70° 15mm, AR102L, ES Super Plössl 25mm, KK Ortho 18mm

77. Cetus A - Messier 77 - NGC 1068
(Spiral Galaxy in Cetus, mag 8.9, size 7.1" x 6.0", SB 12.8 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Dec 13, 2017 at 20:22:37
Comment: Nice! Easily picker-outable due to the bright central core of this galaxy. Immediately rightward is small star HIP 12668.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: CP80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, Bresser 70° 15mm

78. Messier 78 - NGC 2068
(Bright Nebula in Orion, mag 8.0, size 8’ x 6’)
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:13:31
Comment: A pair of fuzzy eyes staring back at me, and with averted vision a nice spread of nebulosity surrounding my pair of lights.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, KK Ortho 18mm

79. Messier 79 - NGC 1904
(Globular Cluster in Lepus, mag 7.7, size 8.7’)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 20:39:03
Comment: A fine little soft cotton ball hanging in the center of the field. I am only picking up some core concentration and no stars are resolved with the 15mm at 80×.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron Plössl, GSO Super Plössl 15mm

80. Messier 80 - NGC 6093
(Globular Cluster in Scorpius, mag 7.3, size 8.9’, Class II)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:52:10
Comment: A readily viewable little knot of light. Rather fuzzy stellar with this scope and eyepiece combo.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

81. Bode's Nebula - Messier 81 - NGC 3031
(Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major, mag 6.9, size 26.9’ x 14.1’, SB 13.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 21:00:53
Comment: A bit too soupy for good galaxy views. M81 presents as a bright fuzzy stellar dot with a slight bit of extended halo surrounding it.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm

82. Cigar Galaxy - Messier 82 - NGC 3034
(Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major, mag 8.4, size 11.2’ x 4.3’, SB 12.5 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Mar 14, 2018 at 21:03:21
Comment: I adjusted my FOV to encompass both M81 and M82. M82 shows as a grey dash of light. Bumping up the power with the 15mm, the dash of M82 lengthens, and with averted vision, I can pick out the diagonal cut of a dust lane across the center.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, GSO Super Plössl 32mm

83. Messier 83 -
(Spiral Galaxy in Hydra, mag 7.15, size 13.5 x 13.2 arcmin, SB 13.01 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jun 22, 2016, 22:17:00
Comment: 2nd visit to M83. And at only 20° above the horizon, all I'm getting is a very compact and bright fuzzy core. No hint, of course, of any surrounding structure. Well, maybe a hint of something immediately surrounding the core, but that's about it. Anyway, got him.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

84. Messier 84 - NGC 4374
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.1, size 6.5’ x 5.6’, SB 13.0 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:28:48
Comment: Similar in appearance to M86, a round fuzzy glowball.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

85. Messier 85 - NGC 4382
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 9.1, size 7.1’ x 5.5’, SB 12.9 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:17:36
Comment: Fairly easy to pick this guy out with the KK. A large round fuzzy patch with a strong core present.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

86. Messier 86 - NGC 4406
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 8.9, size 8.9’ x 5.8’, SB 13.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:27:34
Comment: A bit tough to pick out at first and I passed right over the pair. Backing up, I could then discern this round fuzzy glowball. Over to the right...
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

87. Messier 87 - NGC 4486
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 8.6, size 7.2’ x 6.8’, SB 13.0 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:37:00
Comment: Yet another bright glowball. The core is showing nicely but quickly tapers off into the background.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

88. Messier 88 - NGC 4501
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices)
Observed: May 21, 2015
Comment: Moving further down and to the right, I find this nice fat oval, a flattish cotton ball with a brighter core area.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

89. Messier 89 - NGC 4552
(Elliptical Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.8, size 5.1’ x 4.7’, SB 13.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: May 12, 2018 at 23:02:16
Comment: A bit easier to detect this galaxy with its tighter and brighter fuzzy core. Not much detail to note other than that.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

90. Messier 90 - NGC 4569
(Spiral Galaxy in Virgo, mag 9.5, size 9.5’ x 4.4’, SB 13.4 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: May 12, 2018 at 22:59:42
Comment: This galaxy is pretty tough with this scope on this night. It is averted vision and a rather soft glow with no defined boundaries. It just appears as a slight swelling of light.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

91. Messier 91 - NGC 4548
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 10.2, size 5.4’ x 4.3’, SB 13.4 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jun 21, 2017, 00:05:10
Comment: Just stopping off to say hi to this old friend. Moving about an FOV and a half to the left, I can easily spot this mottled looking core with its hints of sweeping extended structure.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 11mm

92. Messier 92 - NGC 6341
(Globular Cluster in Hercules, mag 6.5, size 11.2’)
Observed: Jun 5, 2018 at 23:26:31
Comment: New with the 80mm. A much tighter knot of light compared to M13, with a strong core concentration.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

93. Messier 93 - NGC 2447
(Open Cluster in Puppis, mag 6.19, SB 12.91 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Feb 24, 2016, 20:10:56
Comment: 2nd observation of M93. Decent open cluster. And... it's an open cluster. If I squinted my viewing eye just enough, and used plenty of imagination, I can see the ZOSO symbols from Led Zeppelin's 4th album. "Going to California with aching in my heart..."
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

94. Messier 94 - NGC 4736
(Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici, mag 8.2, size 11.2’ x 9.1’, SB 13.1 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:15:21
Comment: This galaxy shows quite readily. An intensely concentrated core appears as a bright fuzzy star. With averted vision, some extended outer halo is detected.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

95. Messier 95 - NGC 3351
(Spiral Galaxy in Leo, mag 9.7, size 7.4’ x 5.0’, SB 13.5 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 21:48:36
Comment: This guy is a bit softer and hence tougher to pick out. It appears as a soft and homogenous faint grey blob, not much more than a mere uptick in the light. Better with averted vision.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

96. Messier 96 - NGC 3368
(Spiral Galaxy in Leo, mag 9.3, size 7.6’ x 5.2’, SB 13.1 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 21:45:14
Comment: A fine bright core on this galaxy surrounded by a hint of the fuzzy stuff. Averted vision really sharpens up the core nicely.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

97. Owl Nebula - Messier 97 - NGC 3587
(Planetary Nebula in Ursa Major, mag 9.8, size 202” x 196”)
Observed: Jul 19, 2017, 22:34:13
Comment: Eye candy time. Nothing at 84×, so I slapped on the OIII filter. And there the old bean is. A fine large and soft round glow, hints of some internal shadowing apparent. And that's enough of that.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

98. Messier 98 - NGC 4192
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 10.1, size 9.9’ x 2.2’, SB 13.6 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:03:50
Comment: Holy crap this one was tough. I went through the KK 18mm, back to the GSO 32mm, and settled on the 26mm Halloween Plössl. Still, all I can make out is a long and quite faint blob of light. Not even really a smudge.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

99. Messier 99 - NGC 4254
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 9.9, size 5.4’ x 4.7’, SB 13.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:07:27
Comment: Much easier. This galaxy presents as a nice round fuzzy patch with a stronger core. I guess it is still pretty faint, but you know, relativity and what not.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

100. Messier 100 - NGC 4321
(Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices, mag 9.3, size 7.4’ x 6.3’, SB 13.4 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:14:28
Comment: A little tough here. With averted vision, a grey round fuzzy patch with the KK.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

101. Messier 101 - NGC 5457
(Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major, mag 7.9, size 28.8’ x 26.9’, SB 14.9 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:38:10
Comment: Well, yeah, I can see it. It is large and broad, but otherwise a mere undefined cloudy patch that all but blends in with the background. And that's about what I expected to see.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

102. Spindle Galaxy - Messier 102 - NGC 5866
(Spiral Galaxy in Draco, mag 9.9, size 4.7’ x 1.9’, SB 12.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:41:02
Comment: Detectable with averted vision only as a nice slender oval. There seem to be one or two very dim stars on either side of it.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

103. Messier 103
(Open Cluster in Cassiopeia)
Observed: Jan 31, 2017, 19:35:35
Comment: Pointed the QuickFinder at Ruchbah (δ Cassiopeiae) and slid up and over leftward with the 18mm (46×). At this power, M103 resembles the "square root" symbol, only backwards. Pushing up to 59× yields a little background haze and a slight sprinkling of dim points of light. 75× is essentially the same thing. Not a terribly impressive open cluster, especially on this night. The transparency was really in the toilet tonight.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127, ES 82° 18mm, 14mm, 11mm

104. Sombrero Galaxy - Messier 104 - NGC 4594
(Spiral Galaxy in Virgo, mag 8.0, size 8.7’ x 3.5’, SB 11.6 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jun 5, 2018 at 23:32:11
Comment: New with the 80mm. A mere fuzzy glow. A roundish core with a couple of slight milk mustache extensions on either side.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

105. Messier 105 - NGC 3379
(Elliptical Galaxy in Leo, mag 9.3, size 5.4’ x 4.8’, SB 12.8 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 21:38:16
Comment: The bright core of M105 is very obvious and appears as the left eye in a pair of fuzzy eyes blinking back at me.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm

106. Messier 106 - NGC 4258
(Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici, mag 8.4, size 18.6’ x 7.2’, SB 13.6 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:12:33
Comment: This galaxy took a bit to show up. I could pick it out easily enough with averted vision. A brighter concentrated streak seems to provide a backbone to the whole affair.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

107. Messier 107 - NGC 6171
(Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus, mag 8.1, size 13’, Class X)
Observed: Jul 13, 2018, at 23:48:19
Comment: Much more difficult to pick out than M5. All I am getting is a loose and faint round milky patch.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm

108. Messier 108 - NGC 3556
(Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major, mag 10.0, size 8.7’ x 2.2’, SB 13.1 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jul 19, 2017, 22:38:02
Comment: Meh. I can barely detect M108, and only because I know it's there. Nothing but a long and faint uptick in the light level with direct vision.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12, ES 82° 18mm

109. Messier 109 - NGC 3992
(Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major, mag 9.8, size 7.6’ x 4.7’, SB 13.6 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 21:52:57
Comment: Well, not a quality view by any means, but I can see a subtle brightening at the galaxy’s location. I think I can pick it up in the C80 with the 26mm too, though that may be averted imagination.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm

110. Messier 110 - NGC 205
(Elliptical Galaxy in Andromeda, mag 8.1, size 21.9’ x 11.0’, SB 14.0 mag/arcmin²)
Observed: Jan 17, 2018 at 19:56:09
Comment: Still with the 18mm, M110 is a very diffuse thumbprint on the sky. Easy to miss with this scope without careful watching.
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
Bryan
Scopes: Apertura AD12 f/5; Celestron C6-R f/8; ES AR127 f/6.4; Stellarvue SV102T f/7; iOptron MC90 f/13.3; Orion ST80A f/5; ES ED80 f/6; Celestron Premium 80 f/11.4; Celestron C80 f/11.4; Unitron Model 142 f/16; Meade NG60 f/10
Mounts: Celestron AVX; Bresser EXOS-2; ES Twilight I; ES Twilight II; iOptron Cube-G; AZ3/wood tripod; Vixen Polaris
Binoculars: Pentax PCF WP II 10×50, Bresser Corvette 10×50, Bresser Hunter 16×50 and 8×40, Garrett Gemini 12×60 LW, Gordon 10×50, Apogee 20×100

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Lady Fraktor Slovakia
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#2

Post by Lady Fraktor »


You managed quite a few with the 80mm refractor, well done :)
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notFritzArgelander
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#3

Post by notFritzArgelander »


Nice retraversal! When do you get your bling? ;)
Scopes: Refs: Orion ST80, SV 80EDA f7, TS 102ED f11 Newts: AWB 130mm, f5, Z12 f5; Cats: VMC110L, Intes MK66,VMC200L f9.75 EPs: KK Fujiyama Orthoscopics, 2x Vixen NPLs (40-6mm) and BCOs, Baader Mark IV zooms, TV Panoptics, Delos, Plossl 32-8mm. Mixed brand Masuyama/Astroplans Binoculars: Nikon Aculon 10x50, Celestron 15x70, Baader Maxbright. Mounts: Star Seeker IV, Vixen Porta II, Celestron CG5
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#4

Post by JayTee »


Right now.

Congrats Bryan.

You know a spreadsheet would have worked just as well... :lol:

Cheers,
JT
∞ Primary Scopes: #1: Celestron CPC1100 #2: 8" f/7.5 Dob #3: CR150HD f/8 6" frac
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#5

Post by bladekeeper »


JayTee wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 12:11 pm Right now.

Congrats Bryan.

You know a spreadsheet would have worked just as well... :lol:

Cheers,
JT
Yeah, true, but I didn't have the notes cobbled together in the same spot. :lol:

Thanks for the bling, JT! :)
Bryan
Scopes: Apertura AD12 f/5; Celestron C6-R f/8; ES AR127 f/6.4; Stellarvue SV102T f/7; iOptron MC90 f/13.3; Orion ST80A f/5; ES ED80 f/6; Celestron Premium 80 f/11.4; Celestron C80 f/11.4; Unitron Model 142 f/16; Meade NG60 f/10
Mounts: Celestron AVX; Bresser EXOS-2; ES Twilight I; ES Twilight II; iOptron Cube-G; AZ3/wood tripod; Vixen Polaris
Binoculars: Pentax PCF WP II 10×50, Bresser Corvette 10×50, Bresser Hunter 16×50 and 8×40, Garrett Gemini 12×60 LW, Gordon 10×50, Apogee 20×100

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bladekeeper
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#6

Post by bladekeeper »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 7:44 am You managed quite a few with the 80mm refractor, well done :)
Thanks, Gabrielle! I am particularly proud of the M74 observation with that scope. :D
Bryan
Scopes: Apertura AD12 f/5; Celestron C6-R f/8; ES AR127 f/6.4; Stellarvue SV102T f/7; iOptron MC90 f/13.3; Orion ST80A f/5; ES ED80 f/6; Celestron Premium 80 f/11.4; Celestron C80 f/11.4; Unitron Model 142 f/16; Meade NG60 f/10
Mounts: Celestron AVX; Bresser EXOS-2; ES Twilight I; ES Twilight II; iOptron Cube-G; AZ3/wood tripod; Vixen Polaris
Binoculars: Pentax PCF WP II 10×50, Bresser Corvette 10×50, Bresser Hunter 16×50 and 8×40, Garrett Gemini 12×60 LW, Gordon 10×50, Apogee 20×100

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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#7

Post by Dragonsfire »


Awesome List lol
Neil
Orion XT8i Dob, ES AR102
9x50 RACI Finder, TELRAD Reflex Sight, Electro Dot Sight RD400X
Agena SWA 38mm 70 FOV 2" EP, Orion 25+10mm Sirius Plossl 52 FOV EP
ES 82* 11mm, 18mm 2", ES 68* 24mm, 6mm, 25mm Ortho. EP, Televue 3X Barlow,CS lens 2.8mm-12mm F1.4
Filters Baader Continuum, UV/IF cut, Lumicon UHC, DGM OIII. ND5/3.8 Kendrick
GX1 Lumix, E-PM2, ASI224mc, SteadyPix Deluxe, iOptron SkyTracker 7.7lb
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Makuser United States of America
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#8

Post by Makuser »


Hello Bryan. Wow, this is a great list, and well documented with informational data. Thanks for sharing this with us Bryan, and congratulations on the M110 Award Badge.
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: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#9

Post by Juno16 »


Congratulations Bryan!

Man, your compilation is excellent! Very good and detailed observations. Very impressive sir!

I gave up (or suspended) my quest at 94 about a year ago. Need a bigger scope or a very dark location.

Great job!
Jim

Scopes: Explore Scientific ED102 APO, Sharpstar 61 EDPH II APO, Samyang 135 F2 (still on the Nikon).
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro with Rowan Belt Mod
Stuff: ASI EAF Focus Motor (x2), Orion 50mm Guide Scope, ZWO 30 mm Guide Scope, ASI 220mm min, ASI 120mm mini, Stellarview 0.8 FR/FF, Sharpstar 0.8 FR/FF, Mele Overloock 3C.
Camera/Filters/Software: ASI 533 mc pro, ASI 120mm mini, Orion SSAG, IDAS LPS D-1, Optolong L-Enhance, ZWO UV/IR Cut, N.I.N.A., Green Swamp Server, PHD2, Adobe Photoshop CC, Pixinsight.
Dog and best bud: Jack
Sky: Bortle 6-7
My Astrobin: https://www.astrobin.com/users/Juno16/
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#10

Post by Thefatkitty »


Nice deal Bryan, nice bling too :D That is indeed impressive with the 80mm. If I had clear skies and a better latitude I'd give it a whirl :lol:

Well done and congrats!
Mark

"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4 & AZ-EQ5 mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.

H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.

Oh yeah, and Solar Cycle 25 :D
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Re: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#11

Post by Bigzmey »


Excellent, Bryan! Reminds me that I have been neglecting my bino Messier. :)
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: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#12

Post by kt4hx »


Glad to see you finally go it all wrapped up. Some nice observations with the 80mm. I know from your location that is not an easy thing.
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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"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: Bladekeeper's Messier Logs

#13

Post by helicon »


Amazing success with a smaller aperture Bryan. Don't think I could pull it off here. My neighbor to the west has installed a motion detector light which turns on every time I insert an eyepiece into the scope practically. I'm negotiating with them to shut it off a couple of hours each night or put it on a timer so I can save my night vision. Still working on it. So that means I have to observe from my deck facing the east. I've made some progress with the 6" in replicating the observations made with the Z10 a few years back but so far I have seen less than 30 with it. Gotta keep working. Thanks for mentioning Led Zep, now I have Kashmir floating through my head. :lol:
-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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