1. Crab Nebula -
(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,
2.
(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,
3.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
4.
(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,
5.
(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 -
(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,
7. Ptolemy's Cluster -
(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 -
(Bright Nebula in Sagittarius, mag 5.8, size 90’ x 40’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:09:00
Comment: Another
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
9.
(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,
10.
(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,
11. Wild Duck Cluster -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
12.
(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 -
(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,
14.
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12,
16. Eagle Nebula -
(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 -
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
19.
(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 -
(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.
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
23.
(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 -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
25.
(Open Cluster in Sagittarius, mag 4.6, size 32’)
Observed: Aug 5, 2018 at 23:24:24
Comment:
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm, C80, Celestron Plössl 26mm
26.
(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 -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, KK Ortho 18mm
28.
(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.
(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,
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,
31. Andromeda Galaxy -
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
33. Pinwheel Galaxy -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80,
34.
(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,
35.
(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,
36. Pinwheel Cluster -
(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.
(Open Cluster in Auriga, mag 5.6, size 24')
Observed: Mar 16, 2018 at 22:09:46
Comment: My favorite of the three Auriga
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron "Halloween" Plössl 26mm
38. Starfish Cluster -
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12,
40.
(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.
(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,
42. Orion Nebula -
(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.
(Bright Nebula in Orion, mag 9.0, size 20’ x 15’)
Observed:
Comment: Quite dim in the 3” scopes, and steadily more present as
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: CP80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, ST80,
44. Beehive Cluster -
(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,
45. Pleiades -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R,
46.
(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 (
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R, Celestron Plössl 20mm
47.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127,
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,
49.
(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,
50.
(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,
51. Whirlpool Galaxy -
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AR127,
53.
(Globular Cluster in
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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
54.
(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.
(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.
(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,
57. Ring Nebula -
(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,
58.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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,
62.
(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 -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm
64. Black Eye Galaxy -
(Spiral Galaxy in
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.
(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.
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
67.
(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,
68.
(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,
69.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(Globular Cluster in Aquarius)
Observed: Aug 12, 2015
Comment: 2nd on M72. This glob is quite dim for a
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12,
73.
(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,
74.
(Spiral Galaxy in Pisces, mag 9.4, size 10.5" x 9.5", SB 14.2 mag/arcmin²)
Observed:
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.
(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 -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, Celestron “Halloween” Plössl 26mm, KK Ortho 18mm, Bresser 70° 15mm, AR102L,
77. Cetus A -
(Spiral Galaxy in Cetus, mag 8.9, size 7.1" x 6.0", SB 12.8 mag/arcmin²)
Observed:
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.
(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.
(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,
80.
(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 -
(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,
82. Cigar Galaxy -
(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
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Celestron C6-R,
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,
84.
(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.
(Spiral Galaxy in
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.
(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.
(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.
(Spiral Galaxy in
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,
89.
(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.
(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.
(Spiral Galaxy in
Observed: Jun 21, 2017, 00:05:10
Comment: Just stopping off to say hi to this old friend. Moving about an
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: AD12,
92.
(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.
(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,
94.
(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.
(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.
(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 -
(Planetary Nebula in Ursa Major, mag 9.8, size 202†x 196â€)
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,
98.
(Spiral Galaxy in
Observed: Apr 10, 2018 at 22:03:50
Comment: Holy crap this one was tough. I went through the KK 18mm, back to the
Location: Lowell, AR
Equipment: Premium 80, KK Ortho 18mm
99.
(Spiral Galaxy in
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.
(Spiral Galaxy in
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.
(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 -
(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.
(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,
104. Sombrero Galaxy -
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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,
109.
(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.
(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