Embedded Files
Equipment
Equipment
Telescope:
Discovery 10″ (25 cm) DHQ Dobsonian reflector, f/5.6
Eyepieces & Magnification:
5mm Tele Vue Radian (284×)
7.5mm Plössl (190×)
9mm Tele Vue Nagler (158×)
12.5mm Plössl (114×)
22mm Tele Vue Nagler (64×)
40mm Optiluxe (36×)
2× Barlow lens (compatible with all above)
Typical Observing Conditions:
Roxbury, CT: Antoniadi II (excellent seeing), Bortle 3 (dark sky)
Fairfield, CT: Antoniadi III (good seeing), Bortle 5 (suburban sky)
Westport Observatory, CT: Antoniadi IV (fair seeing), Bortle 6–7 (urban-suburban transition)
Abell
Abell
Abell 39 (PK 47+42.1) – PN – Her m13.7v, 2.9′
Location: Roxbury, CT USA, 41.56 N, 73.26W, elev: 949′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.07.16 22:00 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F
Not visible with direct vision using an Orion Ultrablock filter at 64x or with an OIII at 158x. With filtered, averted vision at 64x, a very faint shell of even surface brightness was just visible. Using the OIII filter at 158x and averted vision, the disc was apparent but it still appeared faint with even surface brightness. Greg, Walt, Peter, and Mary observed it through my scope at both powers, filtered. Greg had it in his 18″ dob too and with averted vision, it appeared as a faint, round disc of fairly even surface brightness with sharp edges.
Barnard
Barnard
Barnard 142 – DN – Aql – 60′x30′
SA2000 chart 16
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.11 01:30 – 03:30 UT
This dark nebula is located just a little over a degree west of 50 Aquilae in a star rich area of the summer Milky Way. It extended east to west and was very opaque giving the impression that the area was mostly devoid of stars. The contrast between this area and the surrounding field which is teeming with stars is striking.
Barnard 143 – DN – Aql – 50′x39′
SA2000 chart 16
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.11 01:30 – 03:30 UT
This dark nebula is located near Barnard 142 about 1 1/2° west of 50 Aquilae and is a distinct dark patch in a heavily populated area of the Milky Way. This dark dust cloud is irregular shaped with dark lanes jutting out into the dense, surrounding star field to the west.
Harvard
Harvard
Harvard 20 – OC – Sge – 9′ – mv7.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
At 35x, the stars are of fairly similar magnitude with minor range in brightness, elongated in E-W position. The cluster is clearly detached from surrounding field. I counted 12 stars with 2 brightest stars in W and a circlet of stars to E. Three star chains extend from the circlet to the W. M71 is nearby, approx. 1/2 degree to SW. At 64x, this looks like a long upside down V shape very similar to a very narrow arrowhead. Eight bright stars form the V shape which is elongated E-W.
Perek-Kohoutek Catalogue
PK 64+5.1 – PN – Cyg – 08″ – m11.3v – CS 10.0v
19h 34.8m, +30° 31′
central star BD+30 3639 (HD 184738)
Uranometria 118/Sky Atlas 8/Millenium Star Atlas 1173
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
LM ~4.8, Seeing: Antoniadi IV, Bortle Class 7, Temp: ~68 F
Telescope: 18″ and 25″ Dobsonians
Eyepieces: 9mm Nagler T6, 12mm Nagler T4, 22mm Nagler T4
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT / 2002.07.05-06 22:30-01:00 EDT
Located in a densely populated area of the Summer Milky Way in Cygnus, PK 64+5.1 can be a challenging object to find. A short star hop from Albireo, it forms a triangle with 9 Cygni and 12 Cygni in a field teeming with stars.
When compared to nearby field stars at 92x in an 18″ Newtonian, this almost stellar-like object appeared as a bright, mag. 10, deep orange-red star with a small, faint, orange-tinged diffuse glow.
When the magnification was increased to 170x and 227x, a small disk of uniform brightness was clearly visible, however, its pale orange tinge was lost. It did not respond to the UHC or OIII filters at any power. According to other visual observers, this object responds favorably to an H-Beta filter.
The beautiful orange-red coloured central star in PK 64+5.1 is visible in small aperture telescopes, however, you will probably need an 8″ or larger aperture to resolve its shell.
PK 47+42.1 (Abell 39) – PN – Her m13.7v, 2.9′
Location: Roxbury, CT USA, 41.56 N, 73.26W, elev: 949′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.07.16 22:00 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F
Not visible with direct vision using an Orion Ultrablock filter at 64x or with an OIII at 158x. With filtered, averted vision at 64x, a very faint shell of even surface brightness was just visible. Using the OIII filter at 158x and averted vision, the disc was apparent but it still appeared faint with even surface brightness. Greg, Walt, Peter, and Mary observed it through my scope at both powers, filtered. Greg had it in his 18″ dob too and with averted vision, it appeared as a faint, round disc of fairly even surface brightness with sharp edges.
Sharpless
Sharpless
Sharpless 2-88 EN Vul 18′x6′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
At 35x w/Ultrablock appears mostly circular with bright star at SE edge. At 158x w/OIII bright, fairly uniform, surface brightness at center becoming fainter towards edges. Appears elongated N-S w/OIII at 256x
Stephenson
Stephenson 1 – OC – Lyr – 20″, m3.8v
SA2000 chart 8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.11 01:30 – 03:30 UT
At 35x, this cluster is detached from the surrounding field with a wide range of brightness in it stars. A triangle of bright stars frames the fainter members of this sparse, loose cluster.
The rich, brilliant blue and orange colors of its two brightest members drew my attention first as I found their color contrast beautiful. The third star of the triangle is a couple of magnitudes fainter and appeared whitish-blue to my eye. Inside the triangle, lies a chain of 4 stars oriented in a N-S position.
12 Lyrae is the bright, orange star which forms the SE corner of the triangle. 11 Lyrae is the blue star which sits in the NW corner. And the fainter, white star is located in the southern end of the cluster, forming the 3rd corner of the triangle.
Looked great at 64x too; 158x was too much power. I counted a dozen stars at 35x; 25 stars at 64x.
Stock
Stock
Stock 1 – OC – Vul – mv5.3 – 60′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.07.31 01:30 – 03:30 UT
Large, bright, and compact in the finder and 10×50 binoculars, this is a fine object in the telescope at low power. Detached from the surrounding star field, 35x revealed more than 30 stars of differing range in brightness. There are several nice groupings of stars with a chain of stars in the center.
Herschel 400
Herschel 400
NGC 205 – EG – And – mag 10.0
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08/21/00 11:00 PM EDT (03:00 UT)
At 64x, very faint, hazy, oval disk of nearly uniform brightness. Larger halo with averted vision. 128x did not provide additional detail.
NGC 457 – (E.T. cluster) OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09-20-00 9:30 PM EDT (01:30 UT)
At 64x, I can see why this is called the E.T. cluster. The 2 brightest stars form big eyes and the stars form a stick figure with an outstretched arm. This cluster is rich and compressed with stars varying in magnitude and color.
NGC 598 – Triangulum
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-2 21:30 – 22:30 EST (02:30 – 03:30 UT)
At 64x, large, dim, fuzzy halo. Sweeping outward from its central condensation, dark patches were noted in the overall dim, gray nebulosity. An overall haziness and mottling indicated where the arms were located, extending considerably outwards from the core. Very expansive.
NGC 663 – OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09/17/00 8:30 PM EDT (00:30 UT)
At 64x, there were 2 prominent star groupings. At the left of the field was the first grouping consisting of 5 bright stars forming a semi-circle with a bright star lying off to the right and downward from the 4th right-most star in the circle. The second grouping of bright stars lay to the right of the FOV and reminded me of the shape of Lyra.
NGC 1664 – OC – Aur – 8.10′, m7.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, a dozen stars bright stars were visible in this very loose open cluster. There was a scooper shaped asterism with 2 or 3 bright stars sitting in the bowl. There was an elongated “V” formation of bright stars to the SW.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
NGC 1664 – OC – Aur – 8.10′, m7.6
This cluster was loose and detached from the surrounding field with a dozen bright stars at 64x. It formed a scooper shaped asterism with a few bright stars located in the scooper’s bowl. I noticed an elongated boomerang shape of bright stars southwest of the cluster.
NGC 1788 – BN – Ori
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
Having located the field with 64x, I replaced the 22mm Nagler with a 7.5mm Plossl and at 190x, I noted a 10th magnitude star engulfed in a bright patch of nebulosity which appeared triangular in shape to my eye and more discernable with averted vision.
NGC 1907 – OC – Aur
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT (2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST)
Very compact open cluster is located just to the south of M38. It is especially rich in stars and dense towards the western portion of the cluster. Very round shape with stars varying in magnitude from 9 to 12. This beautiful cluster’s proximity to the more open and much closer M38 gives a perspective of the depth and dimension of Space.
NGC 1999 – BN – Ori
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
After centering M42 in the eyepiece and easily splitting Theta 0 and Theta 1 in the trapezium, I edged southward and located NGC 1999. At 190x, I noted a 10th magnitude star engulfed in a patch of nebulosity. At first glance, the patch was dim, but as I studied it longer, the nebulosity took on more life and became brighter, larger, and presented an annular shape similar to a planetary nebula.
NGC 2024 – BN – Ori – Flame Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
I found Zeta Ori in the Telrad and moved to the eyepiece. At 114x, I moved Zeta out of the field and sure enough, there was the nebulosity although it looked nothing like its famed flame shape. It looked more like an elongation of the brilliant glow generated by Zeta Orionis, a mag 1.8 star that competes for the attention of the observer.
NGC 2126 – OC – Aur – 6′, m10.2
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, the cluster contains members of a wide range of brightness. In the center there is a box shaped asterism with double star in top left corner of the box. It has a curving arc of 2 stars moving up from the double star. There is a bright field star to the West. On the Eastern side there are 2 bright field stars and one is a lovely golden color.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
NGC 2126 – OC – Aur – 6′, m10.2
At 64x, stars seemed to form a square shape in the center of the cluster. Two stars curve outwards from a double star that sits at one corner of the square. Towards the west lies a bright field star and along the Eastern edge is another pair of field stars: one is a beautiful golden color. The members of this cluster vary in their range of brightness.
NGC 2129 – OC – Gem – 7′, m6.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, Vertical line of 5 stars, there’s a cross asterism to the East. The members are of uneven brightness.
NGC 2158 – OC – Gem
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-20 22:30 – 23:00 EST (03:30 – 04:00 UT)
This lovely galactic cluster lies to the southwest of M35 and appears quite small in comparison and many magnitudes fainter than its brilliant Messier neighbor. At 64x, tiny, sparkling, pinpoints of light are situated closely together in a beautiful formation that is somewhat reminiscent of a globular cluster. Perhaps it has been the deprivation of viewing globular clusters during these long autumn and winter months that renders NGC 2158 somewhere in between an open cluster and a globular cluster to my eye. Or perhaps it is the contrast of its attention stealing neighbor, M35, whose distribution is more open, that produces this reaction in me. Interestingly, upon first glance, the cluster appeared circular in shape, however, with more scrutiny at 158x, I came to see the stars positioned in more of a triangular formation which I imagined looking almost comet-like in appearance. Feelings of the depth of space surfaced as I admired this object and thought about how it contrasted with M35. This object obviously lies much farther away than M35 and I wondered what it would look like if was closer. It would undoubtedly lose its charming globular cluster characteristic. And I imagine the stars would appear much more brilliant and colorful. Yes, I could even envision it competing gloriously with M35 for the attention of the observer and perhaps winning!
NGC 2264 – OC – Christmas Tree Cluster – Monoceros
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time:
This very loose open cluster consists of 20-30 stars with several bright stars forming the shape of a fir tree. Near the trunk of the tree is a small dipper shaped asterism. At the Northern end of the cluster, the bright star, 15 S Monocerotis, looked bluish-white in color, to my eye.
NGC 2281 – OC – Aur – 14′, m5.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this was a delightful surprise as it was the most heavily populated and tightest open cluster I observed tonight and a welcome change from the sparse clusters I’d been observing. There is a semi-circle formation of bright stars with a string of bright stars crossing diagonally through the middle, NW-SE. There’s quite a bit of dark area in between. On the Eastern edge there is a bright and beautiful kite asterism. There are multiple sets of double stars in the kite asterism area. I counted approximately 30 stars.
NGC 2301 – OC – Mon
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
(This object is on the *Starrynights shared observing list)
At 64x, this open cluster was a bright, large grouping of approximately 30 stars that formed an asterism of an airplane. A long winding chain of 8th, 9th, and 10th magnitude stars extended from the Northern end of the cluster to the Southern tip forming the wing span. The body of the plane consisted of the bright, dense core of bright stars located in the center of the cluster.
In close proximity to this cluster and complimenting it quite nicely, is a lovely tight, row of three 11th magnitude stars just to its North: H 148.1640, H148.1660, H148.2129. Nearby and to the West of the cluster, is a more spaciously separated row of three 7th magnitude stars – Hip32608, HIP32596, HIP 32572 – which contrasted very nicely with the 11th magnitude grouping.
NGC 2355 – OC – Gem – 9′, m9.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, very loose, cluster. There’s an “S” asterism, a long line of 6 bright stars strung N-S along western edge, and dark lanes running through the cluster.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
NGC 2355 – OC – Gem – 9′, m9.7
An “S” asterism and several dark lanes caught my attention at 64x. I counted 6 bright stars snaking their way through this loose cluster, running north to south, along the western edge. Very nice.
NGC 2392 – Gem – Clown or Eskimo Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-21 21:30 – 23:30 EST (2001-01-22 02:30 – 04:30 UT)
This planetary nebula is located in the same field as the double star 63 Geminorum. At 64x, it appeared as a blinking nebula. With direct vision, I noted a very bright, bluish star which brightened with averted vision with a small halo was detected. A closer look at 158x revealed a central star surrounded by a bright halo that was annular shaped and permeated outwards in a somewhat mottled, gray, hazy, glow. A bright star was located adjacent to the planetary in the 3:00 position.
NGC 2395 – OC – Gem – 12′, m8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, There is a box asterism to NE and a horizontal line of 3 stars to the West. I counted a dozen stars. Very loose cluster of fairly uniform brightness.
NGC 2403 – Gx – Cam
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-26 21:30 – 23:30 EST (02:30 – 04:30 UT)
At first glance using 64x, the galaxy appeared quite large, rectangular shaped, fairly faint, with the brightest portions stretching E-W. There were 3 stars superimposed on the halo which formed a line running E-W through the galaxy. Further examination at 190x revealed its oval shape of fairly even brightness near the core but becoming more irregular towards the edges. I suppose this is why it appeared rectangular at first glance. The well defined eastern and western edges of the galaxy decreased in brightness beginning near the boundaries defined by the bright superimposed stars. There was an uneven decrease in brightness along the southern and northern edges. I also noted a triangle of 3 stars directly above the western edge of the galaxy.
NGC 2419 – GC – Lyn – Intergalactic Wanderer
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
64x revealed a lineup of two 7th magnitude stars at a slight angle and to the West of this object. 158x revealed a hazy, glowing halo, however, this globular cluster is unresolvable. It is located at a remarkable distance of 300,000ly.
NGC 2422 – OC – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
This cluster was bright and loosely structured in an oblong shape at 64x. There were a few bright 5th, 6th, and 7th magnitude members towards the center of the cluster, sparkling more brilliantly than the stars of lesser magnitude that surrounded them. The placement of these stars emphasized the large range in magnitude in the cluster.
NGC 2438 -PN – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
This object lies in the northern part of the open cluster M46. It appeared as a ghostly circular wisp at 115x with an unfiltered view and it is easy to see how it could be missed if you weren’t specifically looking for it under these skies. When I moved the Ultrablock between my eye and the eyepiece, the planetary nebula popped into view. It was very well defined with sharp edges and seems to be fairly large. It was a smoky, grayish-white color and circular in shape. At 190x, with averted vision I suspected annularity due to a tinge of darkening within its edges. A central star was not noted.
NGC 2548 – OC – Hya
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
At 64x, this loosely populated open cluster consisted of few members of varying magnitudes that were arranged fairly uniformly by magnitude. The cluster, itself, appeared triangular in shape with a bright chain of stars running down the middle in a N-S direction which gave it a somewhat beveled, three dimensional appearance. There were several empty dark areas that were interweaved among the star chains which contributed to the cluster’s textured, dimensional appearance.
NGC 2903 – Gx – Leo – Mv9.0, 012.0′ x 5.6′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Large, bright, and oval positioned in a NE-SW orientation with direct vision, at 64x. A bright, elliptical, compact core with extended halo was revealed with direct vision at 158x and the nucleus appeared stellar in the bright core with averted vision, while the halo had a grainy texture.
NGC 3034 – Gal – UMa – Cigar Galaxy
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT (2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST)
At 64x, this irregular galaxy was located in the same FOV as M81. This elongated, oval, gray sliver extended in a SW-NE position. Very large, very bright, with diffuse halo and some mottling along the edges of the sliver.
NGC 3079 – Gx – UMa – 08.0′ x 1.5′, m10.9v, SB 13.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time:
2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
I was only able to see this galaxy with averted vision and even then, it appeared mostly stellar to my eye. A satellite went through the FOV as I was observing this galaxy.
NGC 3147 DRA Gx-Sb m11.3 4.7′X4.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 64x, small, faint, oval with bright center. 158x, well-defined bright core with diffuse halo.
NGC 3310 – Gx – UMa – 03.5′ x 3.2′, m10.8v, SB 13.3
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
This was very bright with direct vision. Located next to a bright amber field star to the South. Compact, circular core with large grainy halo. The galaxy looked circular with a slight elongation to in an E-W orientation.
NGC 3351 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, round core, with diffuse halo. Nucleus very bright, stellar.
NGC 3556 – Gx- UMa
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
M108 appeared dim, thin, and needle-shaped elongated E-W at 64x and at 284x with direct vision. Averted vision extended its size a bit more. Curious as to how this compared to M82, I quickly centered it in the eyepiece at 64x. In fact, M81 and M82 were in the same FOV at 64x. The difference in surface brightness between M108 and M82 was obvious at first glance. M82 was extraordinarily bright, large, had a core with fairly well defined edges and a diffuse halo, stunning. Is there an edge-on galaxy that rivals its beauty?
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 284x, with direct vision, the galaxy appeared dim and elongated with considerable brightening toward the center. The bright nuclear region was almost stellar in areas while the small, faint halo extended unevenly outward in an E-W direction. Averted vision extended the size of the halo a bit more. There was a bright star located to its E.
NGC 3379 – Gx – Leo – Mv9.3, 03.9′ x 3.9′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
At 64x, it has a pretty bright, compact, circular core that extends a bit in an ENE-WSW orientation. At 284x, the stellar core had sharp edges with a diffuse halo that eased outwards significantly from the core becoming fainter as it did so. NGC 3384 is in the same FOV to the NE.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
With direct vision at 64x, it appeared bright with a roundish core that extended in a ENE-WSW orientation. 158x with averted vision revealed a stellar nucleus, a condensed core with well defined edges, and a diffuse halo that grew gradually fainter as it eased outwards into the background.
NGC 3384 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
At 64x, this galaxy is in the same FOV as M105 which lies to its SW. Direct vision revealed a large, bright, oval-shaped, granular looking core. It was smaller in dimension than M105. At 284x, the core had a roundish shape with sharp, well defined edges elongated N-S which appeared mostly uniform in brightness. The halo was diffuse, extending outwards from the core.
NGC 3610 – Gx – UMa – 03.2′ x 3.2′, m10.8v, SB 13.2
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, this galaxy had a bright core with a stellar nucleus and a diffuse halo. It was elongated in a N-S orientation. There were 2 pretty, soft yellow, field stars to its west and southwest.
NGC 3613 – Gx – UMa – 03.4′ x 1.9′, m10.9v, SB 12.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
Visible with direct vision at 158x. Located in a field of 4 stars kind of forming a kind of square, not really rectangular, more like a square with uneven side. It is located between 2 of those stars along the western side of the square. Overall, it appears very diffuse, nebulous, and elliptical shaped. Closer scrutiny with averted vision revealed a bright stellar core surrounded by a grainy textured halo that extends SW-NE. A satellite passed through the FOV as I was observing this object.
NGC 3628 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-28 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
This galaxy was located in the neighborhood of NGC 3623 and NGC 3627. At 64x, it was significantly dimmer than its neighbors. The core was faint, thin, and needle shaped oriented E-W. Best seen with averted vision.
NGC 3631 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
I was not able to see it at all using direct vision at any power. And I was unable to detect it with averted vision at 64x. At 158x and with averted vision, I was just barely able to make it out. As my eyes adapted, I was eventually able to discern a very faint compact core with a small diffuse halo. Higher powers washed it out and were useless. I could not see it at 115x or 190x with the Plössls either.
NGC 3898 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this was visible with direct vision. It was nestled to the east and below the second star of a vertical line of 3 stars. At 158x, with averted vision, it appeared to have fairly uniform surface brightness and was elongated in a N-S orientation.
NGC 3953 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.1
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
This galaxy was visible with direct vision at 64x. It was best viewed at 158x which revealed a bright compact core that gradually became diffuse and extended outwards into an oval shape that was positioned in a NE-SW orientation.
NGC 3992 – Gx – UMa
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
At 64x, oval, elongated E-W with stars superimposed on the halo.
NGC 3998 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
This was visible with direct vision at 64x. It was located close to NGC 3898 and at 158x, its oval, grainy surface stretched N-S.
NGC 4026 – Gx – UMa – 04.6′ x 1.2′, m10.8v, SB 12.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this looked like a star at first glance, but further observation at 158x, revealed a small, compact, bright core with a long thin halo that extended significantly beyond the core in N-S orientation. Very easy and large at 158x.
NGC 4111 – Gx – CVn – Mv10.7, 04.4′ x 0.9′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Bright, large, and elongated in a NW-SE orientation at 64x with direct vision. Pushing the power up 158x, direct vision revealed a bright, oval core with sharp edges surrounded by a large, elliptical shaped halo. With averted vision, a stellar nucleus was detected. There is a pretty double star which lies NE of the galaxy. The contrast in magnitude of the two stars makes the double striking as the primary is a few magnitudes brighter than its companion.
NGC 4258 – Gx-SAB – UMa
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-15 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-14 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Enormous at 158x! Direct vision revealed a large, elongated, diffuse halo that extends considerably from the well defined core which appeared oval in shape. A well defined, bright, circular nucleus with sharp edges was well delineated inside the bright core. The core also had well defined edges which was an overall oval shape and had a grainy looking texture. Both the core and halo stretched in N-S orientation. The size of the galaxy appeared to grow with time spent observing it using direct and averted vision. A field star located to the S and another to the N form a line with the galaxy in the middle.
NGC 4303 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, pretty bright, large with stellar core and diffuse towards the edges.
NGC 4548 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, large, diffuse and roundish in shape.
NGC 4594 – Gx – Sombrero Galaxy – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
158x with direct vision revealed a large, elongated, well-defined, halo extending E-W. The halo is brilliant with the dust lane at the southern end. Several bright field stars were visible at 64x to the west.
NGC 4725 – OC – Sgr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, rich, loose cluster of irregular shape. Well resolved
NGC 5005 – Gx – CVn – Mv9.8, 05.8′ x 2.8′
25″ Dobsonian
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory Westport, CT, USA, suburban
This galaxy was large, bright, and oval positioned in a WSW-ENE orientation with direct vision, at 125x. A bright, elliptical, compact core with sharp edges and extended halo was revealed with direct vision. The nucleus appeared stellar in the bright core with averted vision, while the halo had a grainy texture.
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
NGC 5248 BOO Gx-Sc – m11.4v 6.8′X5.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Appears diffuse and oval of fairly even surface brightness at 158x.
NGC 5466 – GC – Boo – Mv9.0, 11′
18″ Dobsonian
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
This globular cluster was bright and circular with direct vision, at 90x. Direct vision at 200x resolved individual stars at the core whereas the halo appeared mottled with few outlier chains.
NGC 5466 BOO GC m9.1 11.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Diffuse and round at 158x with averted vision with stars unresolved in 10″ Dob.
NGC 5473 – GX – UMa – 2′.2 x 1′.7 m11.4v, SB 12.7
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Bright core with very small, compact, faint halo at 64x. 158x showed more of the halo but still fairly compact. A member of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5474 – GX – UMa – 6′.0 x 4′.9 m10.8v, SB 14.3
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
At 64x, small, diffuse, circular, faint tiny halo. Increasing the power to 158x did not reveal additional detail. A member of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5557 BOO gx-E1 m12.2 2.2′X2.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Bright core with diffuse, elongated halo in E-W orientation at 158x.
NGC 5676 BOO Gx-Sc m11.7 4.0′X1.7′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 64x, elongated in a N-S orientation and very small, very faint with slightly brighter core.
NGC 5689 BOO Gx-SBa m12.7 4.0′X1.1′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Very small, faint, diffuse, and slightly elongated at 64x and 158x.
NGC 5866 – Gx – Dra – 6.6′x3.2′, m9.9, SB 13.1
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Substitute for duplicate of M101.
Small of medium, overall surface brightness. It is brighter towards the center and has an oval, diffuse halo that is elongated in a NW-SE position.
NGC 5907 DRA Gx-Sb+ m11.4 12.8′X1.8′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 158x elongated N-S, with 2-3 bright knots in the halo region and bulging towards the center.
NGC 5982 DRA Gx-E3p m12.4 3.9′X2.1′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Bright, round, small halo with core that appeared stellar at 64x. At 158x, the halo appears a bit elongated with a bright, round core.
NGC 6144 – GC – SCO m9.1v – 9.3′
Location: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
Date/Time: 2004.07.09 22:00 EDT / 0200-0430 UT
At 115x, small, faint, condensed, of fairly even surface brightness. At 158x, fairly condensed with gradual brightening towards the center with a few stars resolved around its halo.
NGC 6171 – GC Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Small, bright core that was unresolvable and granular at any power.
NGC 6207 – Gx – Her – Mv11.30, 03.0′ x 1.1′
Aperture: 18″
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Westport, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
This galaxy was located near M13. Direct vision revealed a stellar core surrounded by a diffuse halo that extended in a NE-SW orientation.
NGC 6229 – GC – Her – Mv9.4, 04.5′
18″ Dobsonian
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Westport, CT, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
At 90x, it appeared compact with a bright nonstellar core and grainy halo. 200x did not resolve individual stars at the core.
NGC 6229 HER GC m9.4 4.5′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Bright, small core at 64x. Individual stars unresolved at 158x too.
NGC 6342 – GC – Her – Mag 6.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.15.00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
This globular cluster was small with a distinct core. Unable to resolve individual stars. Although a bit brighter at the core, the halo was fuzzy.
NGC 6369 PN Oph “Little Ghost”
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-09-01 21:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2001-09-02 01:00 – 02:30 UT
At low powers this PN appeared slightly elongated, however at higher power an irregular shaped annularity was noted, although I was unable to discern the central star at 284x w/OIII with averted vision. The halo appeared to be of irregular surface brightness with the brightest component lying towards the Northern edge.
NGC 6451 – OC – SCO – m8.2v – 7.0′
Location: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
Date/Time: 2004.07.09 22:00 EDT / 0200-0430 UT
At 64x, appears fairly compressed and triangular shaped with dark region preceeding. 115x resolves more stars and a dark lane runs through the cluster in a N-S orientation.
NGC 6514 – BN – Sgr – Trifid Nebula
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Westport, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Bright, circular in shape with 3 dark lanes at 64x. Brighter towards the center and diffuse at the edges. A dozen stars are discernable in the nebula.
NGC 6633 – OC – Oph – 27′, mv4.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.04 02:00 – 03:30 UT
Very sparse, not well concentrated but quite bright at 35x. The stars are brightest towards the southern and western ends of the cluster. I counted 2 dozen stars at 35x. Increasing the power to 64x did not improve the view.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 40x, this is a small, loose, irregular OC comprised of a few dozen stars elongated and spread out unevenly in SW-NE orientation. 64x draws out more stars which draw the eye in curving patterns. One brighter grouping of stars curves up towards the South like a pointer.
NGC 6543 DRA PN m8.3 22″X16″
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Diffuse halo and central star visible with direct vision at 158x. Appeared to have a greenish tint with OIII filter.
NGC 6712 GC Sct
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 158x, this globular cluster was pretty faint, fuzzy, and granular in texture with some brightening towards the core. Unable to resolve it down to stars.
NGC 6755 AQL OC m7.5 15.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, irregular shaped cluster of approx. 40 stars. Somewhat compressed near the center around the 2 brightest stars. Not well detached from the surrounding field and NGC 6756 is a half degree to the North in the same field at low power. Four stars form a bright, large, square-ish shape towards the SE edge of cluster. There is an interesting looking arc of 4-5 bright stars towards the West and there’s also a nice triplet lined up to NW.
NGC 6756 AQL OC m10.6 4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
This cluster is small and bright with with a dozen bright stars in an irregular shape at 64x. Not well detached from the surrounding star field with NGC 6755 within the same 1 degree field. It is somewhat compressed towards the center with small clusterings of stars forming a curving chain.
NGC 6781 AQL PN m11.8 111″X109″
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
This looked like a fuzzy star at 64x with direct vision. Using averted vision at the same power, the halo expands greatly. At 158x with OIII filter and direct vision, a star is involved with the annular shaped halo. The surface brightness of the ring is uneven with a bright knot along its Southern edge.
NGC 6802 – Collinder 399 – Brocchi’s Cluster / The Coathanger OC Vul
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 10-03-00 9:00 – 11:30 PM EDT (01:00 – 3:30 UT)
This open cluster looked exactly like the photos when viewed through my 7×50 finderscope. I was not able to view it in it’s entirety through my lowest power eyepiece at 64x. To be revisited.
NGC 6802 – Collinder 399 – Brocchi’s Cluster / The Coathanger OC Vul
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 35x, 4 bright stars form a curving hook at the top of the “Coathanger” with 6 bright stars lined up E-W forming its base. North of the bottom of the hanger is a small bright curve of stars forming a semi-circle. The coathanger asterism looked best through my 7×50 finderscope.
NGC 6823 – OC – Vul – 12′, mv7.1
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
At 35x, this large open cluster elongated in an E-W orientation. Does not have central concentration and is detached from the surrounding field. Stars range in brightness with the brightest stars forming a figure 8. A line of bright stars forms a NW-SE slash thru the middle of the FOV. At 64x, the western portion has several bright stars widely scattered about. Towards the eastern portion is a grouping of stars, it’s more concentrated here with pairs and small groupings of stars clustered together. North and South of this are dark areas. I preferred the view at 35x. The dark areas I noticed near 6823 turned out to be the dark clouds of emission nebula NGC 6820. I did not notice the bright areas of the emission nebula.
NGC 6826 PN Blinking Planetary Cyg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-24 21:00 – 22:00 EDT / 2001-08-25 01:00 – 02:00 UT
At 35x w/Ultrablock, a blue central star with a small, round, bright, halo which blinked out with direct vision was noted. At 84x both unfiltered and w/OIII, the bright circular disk was visible. At 158x w/OIII, the bluish halo appeared slightly elongated in a SE-NW orientation. Using a 2x barlow with a 7.5mm Plossl, the halo appeared to become diffuse along the periphery of its outer edges while the inner area of the bright elliptical halo still appeared uniformly illuminated. The blinking effect was noted with direct vision at all powers except with 7.5mm.
NGC 6830 – OC – Vul – 12′, mv7.9
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
This cluster is detached from the surrounding field and consists of stars of varying magnitudes. At 64x, the brightest stars of the cluster’s weak concentration consists of a cross or X asterism. Five bright stars form a N-S line with 4 bright stars intersecting in an E-W line. A long, wide curve of bright stars forms a semi-circle to the SE of the X asterism.
At 35x, the cross asterism looks fuzzy with 6 bright stars intersecting one another, the arc of stars to the SE is readily apparent. 4 stars curve E-W in an outlier chain below the X asterism.
158x really draws out detail in the X asterism with 8 stars in NW-SE orientation and 6 intersecting. I counted about 25 stars at this magnification. Best view was at 64x.
NGC 6834 CYG OC m7.8 5.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x small, condensed, 5-10 faint stars. 158x resolves 20+ stars.
NGC 6853 – Dumbbell – PN – Vulpecula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-10-20 01:00 UT (9:00 PM EDT)
Without the Ultrablock, the size and brightness of the Dumbbell Nebula was significant at 129x but was lacking in definition and had an overall fuzzy, circular shape. With the UltraBlock, it tapered toward the middle and widened at both ends.
NGC 6866 CYG OC m7.6 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, 20-25 stars visible but not well detached from rich Milky Way star field. Two small chains of brighter stars form a V.
NGC 6882 VUL OC m8.1 18.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, it appeared small, bright, and irregular shaped, of varying range in magnitude. A clustering of 3 bright stars grabbed my attention first before moving on to look at the fainter stars. This cluster is located adjacent to NGC 6885 and was not well detached. It was difficult to determine where one cluster ended and the other began due to the way the stars are scattered about.
NGC 6885 VUL OC m5.7 7.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, this cluster was large and bright with a bright blue star near the center. There were many fainter stars surrounding it. The cluster is only slightly compressed and not well detached from NGC 6882. It is better detached along the western and northern edges. I estimated around 50+ stars.
NGC 6940 VUL OC m6.3 31.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Everyone agreed that this was the highlight of the evening for the Herschel objects we observed. It was large, rich, compressed, and detached from surrounding star field at 64x. I estimated that there were nearly 100 stars. The cluster was beautiful, appearing as a large sprinkling of stars of mostly similar magnitude contrasting against the black background of Space. Stars appeared somewhat clustered along wide star chains running E-W through the center of the cluster, demarcated by dark lanes.
NGC 6905 – PN – Blue Flash Nebula – Del
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 64x w/Ultrablock, this rich blue nebula has well defined edges, quite large, quite bright, and oblong in shape. At 158x w/OIII, it lost its nearly uniform bright appearance and now looked unevenly illuminated with the Eastern portion being brightest and the W edges became less defined and mottled. I began to think my eye was playing a trick on me and popped in the 5mm w/OIII for a better look. At this higher power, I definitely noticed a dark protrusion a little more than midway through the western portion of the nebula with mottling throughout the fainter W edge. At 64x w/Ultrablock, I noted a bright star to the S of the nebula and another to its N nearly exactly opposite the star flanking its southern side. A third star is visible W of the nebula. At 158x and 284x, the 3 stars form a triangle and if you draw an imaginary line that connects these 3 stars, the nebula is sitting on one of lines in between 2 of them.
NGC 6910 – OC – Cyg m7.4v – 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.07.11 22:00 EDT / 0200-0300 UT
At 64x, the stars in this cluster vary in their range of brightness. The majority are faint with only a few bright stars sprinkled around the cluster. The cluster is fairly well detached from the surrounding field and somewhat compressed. There is a bright Y-shaped asterism that stands out among the fainter members. A bright star is located at bottom of the Y with another one closer to the V portion.
NGC 6934 DEL GC m8.9 2′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, small, round, bright core with direct vision expands in size with averted vision. At 158x, the core and halo are better defined with some mottling; most likely stars that were just at the threshold of resolution with averted vision.
NGC 7000 Cyg DN – North American nebula
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Observed holding UHC filter to binocs, nearby pelican nebula also visible.
NGC 7006 DEL GC m10.6 2.8′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, small, fuzzy with bright core; individual stars unresolved. At 158x, slightly irregular shaped and with averted vision somewhat elongated in a N-S orientation.
NGC 7008 CYG PN m12 86″X69″
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Visible at 64x without filter with averted vision: irregular shaped. At 158x visible directly and with OIII filter the oval shape is more defined and mottled.
NGC 7044 CYG OC m12 3.5′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Faint, compressed with few stars and fairly detached, at 64x. 8-10 stars resolved at 158x.
NGC 7062 CYG OC m8.3 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Fairly well detached from field with brighter 2-star groupings at 64x forming an irregular ring shape. Averted vision at 158x resolves more faint stars.
NGC 7209 LAC OC m6.7 25.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, this cluster was large, bright, irregular shaped, moderately compressed and fairly well detached from the surrounding star field. Although the many brighter stars caught my attention first, there are many fainter members populating this cluster too. I counted 40+ stars forming star chains, circlets, with a few dark areas interspersed through the cluster rendering it interesting to explore. There is a very pretty bright yellow star located to the NW.
NGC 7243 LAC OC m6.4 21.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Large, bright, irregular shaped, poorly compressed, and not well detached from the surrounding star field at 64x. I counted 20-25 stars of fairly similar magnitude: the majority are bright with only a few fainter stars.
NGC 7296 LAC OC m9.7 4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, bright, small, detached, and not condensed. I counted a dozen star with the cluster members ranging in magnitude. There is a bright yellow star to E.
NGC 7217 PEG GX 11 3.8′X3.3′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Bright, large, with diffuse halo extended E-W. The core is roundish and brightens towards the center where it is nearly stellar at 158x. There is a bright field star to the E.
NGC 7331 PEG GX 10.4 11.4′X4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 158x, the core is bright with stellar nucleus and extensive halo stretching N-S. 2 bright stars are located to the East.
NGC 7448 PEG GX 12 2.7′X1.1′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Appears pretty faint, diffuse, and oval of fairly even surface brightness at 158x.
NGC 7479 PEG GX 11.7 4.4′X3.4′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 158x, diffuse, faint, and elongated with fairly even surface brightness oriented N-S.
NGC 7662 PN And “Blue Snowball
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002-09-09 22:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2002-09-10 02:00 – 02:30 UT
64x revealed a bright, blue ball of even surface brightness and well-defined edges. Using an UltraBlock filter enhanced the blue tones but did not draw out additional detail.
The outer edges showed some brightening and its shape was subtly less symmetrical using averted vision at 158x with an O-III filter. With direct vision it was turquoise and round in shape.
Oblong and elongated SE-NW, dimming towards the center was suspected using averted vision at 256x w/O-III. Aquamarine with direct vision, shades of green dominated the blues.
Color was lost at 512x w/OIII and averted vision and a slightly darker center was suspected due to dimming that looked unevenly illuminated and mottled. Pale hues of blue and green were just barely visible with filtered direct vision.
New General Catalogue / NGC
NGC 205 – EG – And – mag 10.0
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08/21/00 11:00 PM EDT (03:00 UT)
At 64x, very faint, hazy, oval disk of nearly uniform brightness. Larger halo with averted vision. 128x did not provide additional detail. One of two companion galaxies of the Andromeda galaxy, M31.
NGC 221 / M32 – EG – And – mag 8.2
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08/21/00 11:00 PM EDT (03:00 UT)
Bright, compact core with fuzzy, diffuse halo edges. It appeared more circular than elliptical at 64x with slight N-S elongation. One of two companion galaxies of the Andromeda galaxy, M31.
NGC 224 / M31 – And – The Great Andromeda Galaxy
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-10-20 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
Visible by unaided eye. 128x revealed a very bright core nestled in a field of haze. I suspected that it was extending beyond my FOV so I moved the telescope and a very bright, circular M32 popped into view. At 64x, the bright, soft oval of M31 was flanked on either side by M110 and M32 in the same FOV. The edges of M31 were better delineated with averted vision and it’s elliptical nature became more apparent.
NGC 457 – (E.T. or Owl cluster) OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09-20-00 9:30 PM EDT (01:30 UT)
Lying 2 degrees to the south-southeast of Delta Cassiopeiae, this cluster is rich, bright, large and compressed with stars varying in magnitude and color. Yellow supergiant Phi Cassiopeiae shines brightest at 5th magnitude forming a wide double with a blue companion. Two chains of stars extend to the east and southwest with several doubles scattered throughout. At 64x, I can see why this is referred to as the E.T. cluster. The 2 brightest stars are the eyes with two star chains forming a stick figure whose outstretched arm contains a deep orange M-class red giant.
NGC 581 / M103 – OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000.09.17 02:00 – 03:30 UT
Seeing: 6/10
At 64x, detached, triangular shaped, few stars of varying range in brightness.
NGC 598 / M33 – Triangulum
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-2 21:30 – 22:30 EST (02:30 – 03:30 UT)
At 64x, large, dim, fuzzy halo. Sweeping outward from its central condensation, dark patches were noted in an overall dim, gray nebulosity. A hazy mottling indicated where the arms were located, extending considerably outwards from the core. Expansive.
NGC 628 / M74 – Gx – Psc
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-09-17 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 EST
At 64x, faint, diffuse, and circular shaped.
NGC 650 / M76 – Little Dumbbell – PN – Perseus
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 10/20/00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
From gamma And over to mu And over to 51 And over to M76, the Little Dumbbell in Perseus. At 129x I noticed a dark lane near the center with white-ish wisps to either side. I attached the UltraBlock filter which defined its structure more clearly. It looked like an irregularly shaped rectangle with mottled blotches of darkness running across and through one end. The brighter edge appeared to have a star embedded in the top corner when viewed using averted vision. The two smaller hazy patches on either side of the rectangle looked like small satellites separated from the rectangle by dark area.
NGC 663 – OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09/17/00 8:30 PM EDT (00:30 UT)
At 64x, there were 2 prominent star groupings. At the left of the field was the first grouping consisting of 5 bright stars forming a semi-circle with a bright star lying off to the right and downward from the 4th right-most star in the circle. The second grouping of bright stars lay to the right of the FOV and reminded me of the shape of Lyra.
NGC 1039 / M34 – OC – Per – 5.2m – 35′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-09-17 22:30 (03:30 UT)
At 64x, detached, loose, bright cluster of stars in a sparse star field. Located between Algol and Almach.
NGC 1068 / M77 – Gal – Cet
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-20/21 20:45 – 22:30 EST (01:45 – 03:30 UT)
When I first glanced at this at 64x, it looked like a faint, hazy, grainy textured smudge. I put in the 9mm for a closer look but I preferred the view with the 22mm due to poor seeing conditions. The arms extending from the core gave the galaxy a slightly elongated structure, yet, it retained more of a circular than oval shape.
NGC 1491 – BN – Per
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
At 114x this object was distinctively wedge shaped with noticeable edges. It was small, fuzzy, whitish-gray, and triangular-shaped reminiscent of a comet! Unsurprisingly, luminosity degraded moving outwards from the nucleus.
NGC 1788 – BN – Ori
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
Having located the field with 64x, I replaced the 22mm Nagler with a 7.5mm Plossl and at 190x, I noted a 10th magnitude star engulfed in a bright patch of nebulosity which appeared triangular in shape to my eye and more discernable with averted vision.
NGC 1664 – OC – Aur – 8.10′, m7.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, a dozen stars bright stars were visible in this very loose open cluster. There was a scooper shaped asterism with 2 or 3 bright stars sitting in the bowl. There was an elongated “V” formation of bright stars to the SW.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
NGC 1664 – OC – Aur – 8.10′, m7.6
This cluster was loose and detached from the surrounding field with a dozen bright stars at 64x. It formed a scooper shaped asterism with a few bright stars located in the scooper’s bowl. I noticed an elongated boomerang shape of bright stars southwest of the cluster.
NGC 1778 – OC – Aur – 6′, m7.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this group had members of varying brightness with 9 bright stars and 6 faint ones. There was a curved chain of bright stars with the bottom of the curve oriented towards the North. There is a triangle of stars to the South.
NGC 1893 – OC – Aur – 12′, m7.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST (2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT)
At 64x, this very bright open cluster is strewn with few stars that form a prominent V-shape. Initially, I was expecting an obvious delineation of well-defined and localized nebulosity, however, upon more scrutiny, it appeared as though the entire area was bathed in the soft nebulosity of IC 410. There is a lovely, brilliant yellow star positioned NE of the cluster whose color is quite striking.
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, the group is very loose with a wide “U’ shaped asterism towards the South. There are also 2 bright stars in a vertical line to the South. There’s a rectangular formation of 7 stars to the North. Small triangle of stars to the West which is very pretty. The triangle is very small and tight.
NGC 1904 / M79 – GC – Lep
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
Distinctively visible at 64x as a small, fuzzy, gray, circular object. Pushing the power to 114x and again to 158x enlarged the view without additional resolution. The view deteriorated and became blurry using the 5mm Radian for 284x and was best viewed at 190x with a 7.5mm Sirius Plössl which accentuated the halo and enabled resolution of the outermost stars and those in laying in its periphery. The center was quite bright and I was able to discern some mottling which looked like fine dark spikes interjected haphazardly into its edges which I attributed, at the time, to the dark lanes laying between chains of stars.
NGC 1907 – OC – Aur
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT (2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST)
Very compact open cluster is located just to the south of M38. It is especially rich in stars and dense towards the western portion of the cluster. Very round shape with stars varying in magnitude from 9 to 12. This beautiful cluster’s proximity to the more open and much closer M38 gives a perspective of the depth and dimension of Space.
NGC 1912 / M38 – OC – Auriga
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-11-07/08 21:00 EST (02:00 UT)
Like M37, this cluster contained a lot more stars than M36 – about twice as many but it is much smaller than M37. At 64x, this cluster was very pretty but, to my eye, 129x really drew out an asterism of an old-fashioned keyhole formed by its brightest stars. Dark lanes were embedded in the portion of the asterism where one would place the key. The very center contained some bright stars which reminded me of being in a dark hallway, and seeing the light emanating from the keyhole.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
Bright and irregularly populated with dark lanes and bright star chains. The southern portion is more densely populated than the north. There is a bright chain of stars that points towards the North.
NGC 1952 / M1 – SNR – Tau
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
With the unfiltered view at 64x, I saw a large, bright, whitish, oblong and irregularly shaped ghostly, wispy, glow interspersed with dark area protruding ever so minutely into its edges. The Ultrablock helped to brightened the object but did not make a significant difference tonight. 158x did not provide additional detail.
NGC 1976 / M42 – BN – Orion
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-11-21/21 21:00 – 23:30 EST (02:00 – 04:30 UT)
The nebula was bright and enormous, becoming darker and better defined with the Orion Ultrablock filter attached. It looks like a huge “wing” that eventually narrows into a point. At 64x, it nearly occupied the 1 degree FOV. In the central region of the nebula, the Trapezium, 4 stars were visible. Barlowed at 129x, the stars were better resolved and swimming in misty pools of nebulae.
NGC 1981 – OC – And
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-28/29 21:00 – 22:00 EST (02:00 – 03:00 UT)
This loose grouping of stars contained 3 very bright stars towards the East. To their West is Sigma Orionis which is a very pretty quadruple star system. The bright white primary star has 3 fainter companion stars which looked white with a hint of blue to my eye. The 4 stars are of a range in magnitudes which make it so beautiful to observe. There is also a very pretty lineup of three stars nearby to the West of Sigma Orionis.
NGC 1982 / M43 – EN – Orion
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09-29-00 5:00 AM EDT
Bright, mostly roundish with somewhat of a comma shape to it. Stars superimposed. Dark region.
NGC 1999 – BN – Ori
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
After centering M42 in the eyepiece and easily splitting Theta 0 and Theta 1 in the trapezium, I edged southward and located NGC 1999. At 190x, I noted a 10th magnitude star engulfed in a patch of nebulosity. At first glance, the patch was dim, but as I studied it longer, the nebulosity took on more life and became brighter, larger, and presented an annular shape similar to a planetary nebula.
NGC 2024 – BN – Ori – Flame Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
I found Zeta Ori in the Telrad and moved to the eyepiece. At 114x, I moved Zeta out of the field and sure enough, there was the nebulosity although it looked nothing like its famed flame shape. It looked more like an elongation of the brilliant glow generated by Zeta Orionis, a mag 1.8 star that competes for the attention of the observer.
NGC 2068 / M78 – BN – Orion
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-11-21/21 21:00 – 23:30 EST (02:00 – 04:30 UT)
I located M78 above Orion’s belt and at 64x, the nebula was bright and for the most part round. One side was brighter with more definition and stars while the opposite side eventually faded into the surrounding star field. There were a few bright stars nearby.
NGC 2099 / M36 – Auriga
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-11-07/08 21:00 EST (02:00 UT)
My first impression at 64x was that of an octopus asterism. I counted approx. 40 stars which appeared grouped in chains. There was a predominant oval formation of stars which I saw as the head of the octopus with chains of stars combined with dark lanes which flowed outward forming its legs. 129x drew out the dark lanes and the asterism morphed into a spider with spindly legs and large body.
NGC 2099 / M37 – Auriga
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-11-07/08 21:00 EST (02:00 UT)
At 64x, the contrast between the quantity of stars just viewed in M36 with the volume of stars in this one was notable. Containing approximately 2-3 times the number of stars I saw in M36, their density was what made the most impression on me. At 129x, this cluster was even more pleasing to view with the color of the bright star near the center enhancing its appeal. Dark lanes are visible flowing through scores of beautiful, twinkling pinpoints of light.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
M37 – OC – Aur – 24′, m5.6
One of my favorites. Diamonds on black velvet, salt and pepper. A large grouping of stars of primarily uniform brightness sparkling against a black background with a lovely colored bright star near the center.
NGC 2126 – OC – Aur – 6′, m10.2
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, the cluster contains members of a wide range of brightness. In the center there is a box shaped asterism with double star in top left corner of the box. It has a curving arc of 2 stars moving up from the double star. There is a bright field star to the West. On the Eastern side there are 2 bright field stars and one is a lovely golden color.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
NGC 2126 – OC – Aur – 6′, m10.2
At 64x, stars seemed to form a square shape in the center of the cluster. Two stars curve outwards from a double star that sits at one corner of the square. Towards the west lies a bright field star and along the Eastern edge is another pair of field stars: one is a beautiful golden color. The members of this cluster vary in their range of brightness.
NGC 2129 – OC – Gem – 7′, m6.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, Vertical line of 5 stars, there’s a cross asterism to the East. The members are of uneven brightness.
NGC 2158 – OC – Gem
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-20 22:30 – 23:00 EST (03:30 – 04:00 UT)
This lovely galactic cluster lies to the southwest of M35 and appears quite small in comparison and many magnitudes fainter than its brilliant Messier neighbor. At 64x, tiny, sparkling, pinpoints of light are situated closely together in a beautiful formation that is somewhat reminiscent of a globular cluster. Perhaps it has been the deprivation of viewing globular clusters during these long autumn and winter months that renders NGC 2158 somewhere in between an open cluster and a globular cluster to my eye. Or perhaps it is the contrast of its attention stealing neighbor, M35, whose distribution is more open, that produces this reaction in me. Interestingly, upon first glance, the cluster appeared circular in shape, however, with more scrutiny at 158x, I came to see the stars positioned in more of a triangular formation which I imagined looking almost comet-like in appearance. Feelings of the depth of space surfaced as I admired this object and thought about how it contrasted with M35. This object obviously lies much farther away than M35 and I wondered what it would look like if was closer. It would undoubtedly lose its charming globular cluster characteristic. And I imagine the stars would appear much more brilliant and colorful. Yes, I could even envision it competing gloriously with M35 for the attention of the observer and perhaps winning!
NGC 2168 / M35 – OC – Gem
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-20 22:30 – 23:00 EST (03:30 – 04:00 UT)
At 64x, approximately 75 members were resolved which appeared fairly evenly spaced within the cluster. This pretty bright, evenly populated galactic cluster consists of members with minor ranges in magnitude. There is a dark lane running E-W through the cluster. Several 7th and 8th magnitude stars drew out a wide letter V shaped asterism. The pointed base of the V begins in the Western portion of the cluster while two bright stars mark the top of each side of the V in the northeastern edge of the cluster. Rounded star chains appeared to be draped across the top of the V in a whimsical wavy pattern giving the asterism an overall floral shape to my eye. Lying to the southwest is NGC 2158. Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
NGC 2168 / M35 – OC – Gem
Fairly evenly populated at 64x, approx. 75 stars with small range in magnitude. Although a dark lane runs E-W through the cluster. There is a U-shaped asterism formed by several 7th and 8th magnitude stars. Strewn along the top of the U are curving star chains. NGC 2158 is located to the southwest.
NGC 2175 – OC – Ori – m6.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this is a loose cluster with a backwards “J” asterism; a horizontal line of 3 stars at the eastern edge of this cluster. The members have varying degrees in brightness; not uniform.
NGC 2264 – OC – Mon - Christmas Tree Cluster
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001.01.26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
This very loose open cluster consists of 20-30 stars with several bright stars forming the shape of a fir tree. Near the trunk of the tree is a small dipper shaped asterism. At the Northern end of the cluster, the bright star, 15 S Monocerotis, looked bluish-white in color, to my eye.
NGC 2261 – BN – Mon – Hubble’s variable nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
I located the variable star, R Monocerotis with the Telrad and moved to the eyepiece. At 158x, I was delighted to see the bright, fuzzy, wedge shaped object. This comet shaped object is composed of a star which mimics the nucleus of a comet while the nebula fans northward similar to a comet’s tail.
NGC 2281 – OC – Aur – 14′, m5.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this was a delightful surprise as it was the most heavily populated and tightest open cluster I observed tonight and a welcome change from the sparse clusters I’d been observing. There is a semi-circle formation of bright stars with a string of bright stars crossing diagonally through the middle, NW-SE. There’s quite a bit of dark area in between. On the Eastern edge there is a bright and beautiful kite asterism. There are multiple sets of double stars in the kite asterism area. I counted approximately 30 stars.
NGC 2287 / M41 – CMa – OC
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-18/19 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
There were several bright groupings of stars in chains that appeared to radiate outward from the center. The very center of the star cluster was densely populated and contained a concentration of several bright stars. Flowing outward from this core were multiple star chains that were curved in shape. Occasional dark lanes were randomly interspersed among the star chains. This combination of components produced a very pleasing pattern of alternating dark lanes and star chains which, at 64x, reminded me of a child’s pinwheel. I estimated a count of approximately 60 stars with several high magnitude stars clumped together in double and multiple star groupings.
NGC 2301 – OC – Mon
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
At 64x, this open cluster was a bright, large grouping of approximately 30 stars that formed an asterism of an airplane. A long winding chain of 8th, 9th, and 10th magnitude stars extended from the Northern end of the cluster to the Southern tip forming the wing span. The body of the plane consisted of the bright, dense core of bright stars located in the center of the cluster.
In close proximity to this cluster and complimenting it quite nicely, is a lovely tight, row of three 11th magnitude stars just to its North: H 148.1640, H148.1660, H148.2129. Nearby and to the West of the cluster, is a more spaciously separated row of three 7th magnitude stars – Hip32608, HIP32596, HIP 32572 – which contrasted very nicely with the 11th magnitude grouping.
NGC 2323 / M50 – OC – Mon
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-20/21 20:45 – 22:30 EST (01:45 – 03:30 UT)
I counted a half dozen mag. 8 stars among approximately 40 or so fairly bright stars in this cluster. There is a very large, U-shaped, chain of bright stars at the NW edge of this open cluster. It reminded me of a champagne glass. The top of the glass faces the Northwest straight-on. Several bright stars run West to East from the top of the glass forming its stem – these stars lie in the center of the star cluster. A few stars float inside the top of this “champagne glass” like fizzy bubbles of champagne!
NGC 2355 – OC – Gem – 9′, m9.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, very loose, cluster. There’s an “S” asterism, a long line of 6 bright stars strung N-S along western edge, and dark lanes running through the cluster.
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.04.16 00:30 – 02:00 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.3, 40′s F
NGC 2355 – OC – Gem – 9′, m9.7
An “S” asterism and several dark lanes caught my attention at 64x. I counted 6 bright stars snaking their way through this loose cluster, running north to south, along the western edge. Very nice.
NGC 2392 – Gem – Clown or Eskimo Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-21 21:30 – 23:30 EST (2001-01-22 02:30 – 04:30 UT)
In the same field as the double star 63 Geminorum. At 64x, this planetary nebula mimicked a very bright, bluish star with a small halo around it. A closer look at 158x revealed a central star surrounded by a bright halo that permeated outwards in a somewhat mottled, gray, hazy, glow. A bright star was located adjacent to the planetary in the 3:00 position.
NGC 2392 – Gem – Clown or Eskimo Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-21 21:30 – 23:30 EST (2001-01-22 02:30 – 04:30 UT)
This planetary nebula is located in the same field as the double star 63 Geminorum. At 64x, it appeared as a blinking nebula. With direct vision, I noted a very bright, bluish star which brightened with averted vision with a small halo was detected. A closer look at 158x revealed a central star surrounded by a bright halo that was annular shaped and permeated outwards in a somewhat mottled, gray, hazy, glow.
NGC 2395 – OC – Gem – 12′, m8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.17 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, There is a box asterism to NE and a horizontal line of 3 stars to the West. I counted a dozen stars. Very loose cluster of fairly uniform brightness.
NGC 2403 – Gx – Cam
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-26 21:30 – 23:30 EST (02:30 – 04:30 UT)
At first glance using 64x, the galaxy appeared quite large, rectangular shaped, fairly faint, with the brightest portions stretching E-W. There were 3 stars superimposed on the halo which formed a line running E-W through the galaxy. Further examination at 190x revealed its oval shape of fairly even brightness near the core but becoming more irregular towards the edges. I suppose this is why it appeared rectangular at first glance. The well defined eastern and western edges of the galaxy decreased in brightness beginning near the boundaries defined by the bright superimposed stars. There was an uneven decrease in brightness along the southern and northern edges. I also noted a triangle of 3 stars directly above the western edge of the galaxy.
NGC 2419 – GC – Lyn – Intergalactic Wanderer
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
64x revealed a lineup of two 7th magnitude stars at a slight angle and to the West of this object. 158x revealed a hazy, glowing halo, however, this globular cluster is unresolvable. It is located at a remarkable distance of 300,000 ly.
NGC 2422 / M47 – OC – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
This cluster was bright and loosely structured in an oblong shape which was very pretty to behold at 64x. There were a few bright 5th, 6th, and 7th magnitude members towards the center of the cluster, sparkling more brilliantly than the stars of lesser magnitude that surrounded them. The placement of these stars emphasized the large range in magnitude in the cluster and was interesting to note, yet, not as pleasing to me as was the more consistent pattern I observed in M46.
NGC 2437 / M46 – OC – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
64x revealed a lovely, densely populated open cluster consisting of many scores of stars. The members of the cluster appeared to be positioned in close proximity to one another with minor ranges in magnitude. The shape of the cluster is roughly that of a circle with few dark lanes and star chains deviating from the even uniformity of the group. Overall, the cluster looks like diamond dust exquisitely glittering in its ebony showcase.
NGC 2438 -PN – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-26 02:00 – 03:30 UT (2001-01-25 21:00 – 22:30 EST)
This object lies in the northern part of the open cluster M46. It appeared as a ghostly circular wisp at 115x with an unfiltered view and it is easy to see how it could be missed if you weren’t specifically looking for it under these skies. When I moved the Ultrablock between my eye and the eyepiece, the planetary nebula popped into view. It was very well defined with sharp edges and seems to be fairly large. It was a smoky, grayish-white color and circular in shape. At 190x, with averted vision I suspected annularity due to a tinge of darkening within its edges. A central star was not noted.
NGC 2447 / M93 – OC – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
At 64x, the cluster is bright and angular shaped with dark wedges created by a lack of stars in the NW and SW portions of the cluster. It is elongated in a NW-SW direction with the clustering of stars coming to a point in the N, E, S, and W corners thus giving it a fleshed-out X shape like a butterfly! It is located in a rich star field.
NGC 2548 / M48 – OC – Hya
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
At 64x, this loosely populated open cluster consisted of few members of varying magnitudes that were arranged fairly uniformly by magnitude. The cluster, itself, appeared triangular in shape with a bright chain of stars running down the middle in a N-S direction which gave it a somewhat beveled, three dimensional appearance. There were several empty dark areas that were interweaved among the star chains which contributed to the cluster’s textured, dimensional appearance.
NGC 2632 / M44 – Cnc – OC – Beehive Cluster
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-18/19 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30)
Overall, this cluster is loosely grouped and large, spilling out beyond my 1 degree FOV. I counted approximately 50 stars and noted one very colorful golden, more yellowish than orange, star: 39 Cancri which was coupled with a brilliant white SAO 80336. I noted an asterism that roughly mimicked Cepheus. Forming the slightly distorted square of the base of the house were: SAO 98030, SAO 98032, SAO 98021, and Epsilon 41 Cancri. Forming the triangular roof of the house were SAO 98021 and Epsilon 41 Cancri which marked the top of the square and the base of the triangle. H1395.2711 and SAO 98010 formed the tip of the triangle.
NGC 2437 / M46 – OC – Pup
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
64x revealed a lovely, densely populated open cluster consisting of many scores of stars. The members of the cluster appeared to be positioned in close proximity to one another with minor ranges in magnitude. The shape of the cluster is roughly that of a circle with few dark lanes and star chains deviating from the even uniformity of the group. Overall, the cluster looks like diamond dust exquisitely glittering in its ebony showcase.
NGC 2682 / M67 – OC – Can
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-24 02:00 – 04:30 UT (2001-01-23 21:00 – 23:30 EST)
At 64x, I noted a chain of stars in the shape of a very wide letter U. A bright chain of stars ran from the Western end of the cluster and continues towards the E with an eventual curve towards the South. It then continues southward for a while before gentling curving back up towards the West again. This cluster is very bright and large with a nice range of magnitudes and lots of star chains.
NGC 2903 – Gx – Leo – Mv9.0, 012.0′ x 5.6′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Large, bright, and oval positioned in a NE-SW orientation with direct vision, at 64x. A bright, elliptical, compact core with extended halo was revealed with direct vision at 158x and the nucleus appeared stellar in the bright core with averted vision, while the halo had a grainy texture.
NGC 3031 / M81 – Gal – UMa – Bode’s Galaxy
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT (2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST)
At 64x, this spiral galaxy was located in the same FOV as M82. Reminiscent of M31, it appeared as a very large, very bright, fuzzy patch with a bright core and diffuse halo. It appears mostly circular in shape but with some elongation stretching a bit in a N-S direction giving it an oval shape. The granularity of the halo ebbed outwards in all directions with uneven and decreasing brightness from the bright central core.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 7.23.00 10:00 PM ET
Faint at 64x. I located M81 which appeared as a slightly elongated, fuzzy oval. It appeared best with the Barlow at 128x. The nucleus appeared slightly brighter than the rest of the halo. I was unable to resolve the arms of the spiral.
NGC 3034 / M82 – Gal – UMa – Cigar Galaxy
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-01-23 00:30 – 02:30 UT (2001-01-22 19:30 – 21:30 EST)
At 64x, this irregular galaxy was located in the same FOV as M81. This elongated, oval, gray sliver extended in a SW-NE position. Very large, very bright, with diffuse halo and some mottling along the edges of the sliver.
NGC 3079 – Gx – UMa – 08.0′ x 1.5′, m10.9v, SB 13.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
I was only able to see this galaxy with averted vision and even then, it appeared mostly stellar to my eye. A satellite went through the FOV as I was observing this galaxy.
NGC 3147 DRA Gx-Sb m11.3 4.7′X4.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rRoxbury, CT, ural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 64x, small, faint, oval with bright center. 158x, well-defined bright core with diffuse halo.
NGC 3310 – Gx – UMa – 03.5′ x 3.2′, m10.8v, SB 13.3
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
This was very bright with direct vision. Located next to a bright amber field star to the South. Compact, circular core with large grainy halo. The galaxy looked circular with a slight elongation to in an E-W orientation.
NGC 3351 / M95 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, round core, with diffuse halo. Nucleus very bright, stellar.
NGC 3556 / M108 – Gx- UMa
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
M108 appeared dim, thin, and needle-shaped elongated E-W at 64x and at 284x with direct vision. Averted vision extended its size a bit more. Curious as to how this compared to M82, I quickly centered it in the eyepiece at 64x. In fact, M81 and M82 were in the same FOV at 64x. The difference in surface brightness between M108 and M82 was obvious at first glance. M82 was extraordinarily bright, large, had a core with fairly well defined edges and a diffuse halo, stunning. Is there an edge-on galaxy that rivals its beauty?
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 284x, with direct vision, the galaxy appeared dim and elongated with considerable brightening toward the center. The bright nuclear region was almost stellar in areas while the small, faint halo extended unevenly outward in an E-W direction. Averted vision extended the size of the halo a bit more. There was a bright star located to its E.
NGC 3368 / M96 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, large, core with stellar nucleus. Diffuse halo is extended NW-SE.
NGC 3379 / M105 – Gx – Leo – Mv9.3, 03.9′ x 3.9′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
At 64x, it has a pretty bright, compact, circular core that extends a bit in an ENE-WSW orientation. At 284x, the stellar core had sharp edges with a diffuse halo that eased outwards significantly from the core becoming fainter as it did so. NGC 3384 is in the same FOV to the NE.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
With direct vision at 64x, it appeared bright with a roundish core that extended in a ENE-WSW orientation. 158x with averted vision revealed a stellar nucleus, a condensed core with well defined edges, and a diffuse halo that grew gradually fainter as it eased outwards into the background.
NGC 3384 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
At 64x, this galaxy is in the same FOV as M105 which lies to its SW. Direct vision revealed a large, bright, oval-shaped, granular looking core. It was smaller in dimension than M105. At 284x, the core had a roundish shape with sharp, well defined edges elongated N-S which appeared mostly uniform in brightness. The halo was diffuse, extending outwards from the core.
NGC 3587 / M97 – Owl Nebula – PN – UMa
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-03-15 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-03-14 21:00 – 23:00 EST
The nebula was quite large, bright, and circular without a filter at 64x. With the unfiltered view at 284x, I noticed the dark area of the eyes but I was not able to discern additional detail in that area. I attached the OIII and the eyes were still just barely detectable. In fact, I did not see the eyes as the authors of various books describe them with a luminous bar separating them or the object divided into 4 components. That was not my experience. What I saw, was a hint of a difference in the *uniformity* of the luminosity of nebula in the area where the eyes are reported to be; just barely discernable with careful observation. As I looked more intently, the bluish-green nebula blinked out and I found myself looking at a star. I think that the nebula actually hides more than one star and perhaps the star I saw was one of brighter magnitude in that area, although maybe it was the mag 14 central star. The filtered view was best.
NGC 3610 – Gx – UMa – 03.2′ x 3.2′, m10.8v, SB 13.2
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, this galaxy had a bright core with a stellar nucleus and a diffuse halo. It was elongated in a N-S orientation. There were 2 pretty, soft yellow, field stars to its west and southwest.
NGC 3613 – Gx – UMa – 03.4′ x 1.9′, m10.9v, SB 12.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
Visible with direct vision at 158x. Located in a field of 4 stars kind of forming a kind of square, not really rectangular, more like a square with uneven side. It is located between 2 of those stars along the western side of the square. Overall, it appears very diffuse, nebulous, and elliptical shaped. Closer scrutiny with averted vision revealed a bright stellar core surrounded by a grainy textured halo that extends SW-NE. A satellite passed through the FOV as I was observing this object.
NGC 3628 – Gx – Leo
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-28 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
This galaxy was located in the neighborhood of NGC 3623 and NGC 3627. At 64x, it was significantly dimmer than its neighbors. The core was faint, thin, and needle shaped oriented E-W. Best seen with averted vision.
NGC 3623 / M65 – Gx – Leo – Mv9.3, 08.7′ x 2.2′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Direct vision at 64x, revealed a bright, condensed core. Direct vision at 158x revealed a nonstellar core that was slightly elongated in a N-S orientation with averted vision. A diffuse and somewhat unevenly mottled halo extended from the well defined core edges until it eventually faded in with the background. NGC 3627 which was in the same FOV at 64x.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-28 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
The galaxy was noticeable with direct vision at 64x. It is pretty bright with a compact core, although not as large as NGC 3627 which was in the same FOV. At 284x, the nonstellar, core had a roundish shape, that was elongated N-S. While the core had sharp edges, the halo was diffuse and eased outwards significantly from the core becoming fainter.
NGC 3627 / M66 – Gx – Leo – Mv8.8, 08.2′ x 3.9′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Direct vision at 64x revealed a bright core with halo. At 158x, the core was condensed, nonstellar with sharply defined edges elongated in a N-S orientation. The halo appeared diffuse and mottled with uneven brightening and extended a good bit outwards from the core. NGC 3623 was in the same FOV.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-28 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
At 64x with direct vision revealed a large, bright, granular core. A smaller, bright, NGC 3623 was in the same FOV. At 284x, the core had a roundish shape with sharp, well defined edges elongated N-S. The halo was diffuse, also extending outwards significantly from the core with variations in brightness around the circumference. The arms were not resolvable yet the characteristics seen in the halo gave a sense of their presence.
NGC 3631 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
I was not able to see it at all using direct vision at any power. And I was unable to detect it with averted vision at 64x. At 158x and with averted vision, I was just barely able to make it out. As my eyes adapted, I was eventually able to discern a very faint compact core with a small diffuse halo. Higher powers washed it out and were useless. I could not see it at 115x or 190x with the Plössls either.
NGC 3718 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
This galaxy was not visible at 64x, however at 158x, it was visible with averted vision. It appeared granular and diffuse, very faint, and was elongated in a NE-SW orientation. It was lost at higher power with the 7.5mm and 5mm eyepieces. I was not able to see it at 115x with the 12.5mm Plossl either.
NGC 3898 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.8
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this was visible with direct vision. It was nestled to the east and below the second star of a vertical line of 3 stars. At 158x, with averted vision, it appeared to have fairly uniform surface brightness and was elongated in a N-S orientation.
NGC 3953 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.1
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
This galaxy was visible with direct vision at 64x. It was best viewed at 158x which revealed a bright compact core that gradually became diffuse and extended outwards into an oval shape that was positioned in a NE-SW orientation.
NGC 3992 / M109 – Gx – UMa
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
At 64x, oval, elongated E-W with stars superimposed on the halo.
NGC 3998 – Gx – UMa – Mv 10.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.12 01:00 – 03:00 UT
This was visible with direct vision at 64x. It was located close to NGC 3898 and at 158x, its oval, grainy surface stretched N-S.
NGC 4026 – Gx – UMa – 04.6′ x 1.2′, m10.8v, SB 12.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, this looked like a star at first glance, but further observation at 158x, revealed a small, compact, bright core with a long thin halo that extended significantly beyond the core in N-S orientation. Very easy and large at 158x.
NGC 4100 – Gx – UMa – 05.1′ x 1.8′, m11.2v, SB 13.4
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.04.16 01:30 – 03:00 UT
This was very difficult; visible at 158x with averted vision only. It was very faint, very small, and diffuse. There’s a triangle of 3 bright stars to the East.
NGC 4111 – Gx – CVn – Mv10.7, 04.4′ x 0.9′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
Bright, large, and elongated in a NW-SE orientation at 64x with direct vision. Pushing the power up 158x, direct vision revealed a bright, oval core with sharp edges surrounded by a large, elliptical shaped halo. With averted vision, a stellar nucleus was detected. There is a pretty double star which lies NE of the galaxy. The contrast in magnitude of the two stars makes the double striking as the primary is a few magnitudes brighter than its companion.
NGC 4192 / M98 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Large, diffuse, elongated halo extending NW-SE. Bright, irregular, mottled nucleus.
NGC 4254 / M99 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, large and elongated halo that is oriented in an E-W position. The core is very bright and roundish.
NGC 4258 / M106 Gx-SAB – UMa
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-15 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-14 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Enormous at 158x! Direct vision revealed a large, elongated, diffuse halo that extends considerably from the well defined core which appeared oval in shape. A well defined, bright, circular nucleus with sharp edges was well delineated inside the bright core. The core also had well defined edges which was an overall oval shape and had a grainy looking texture. Both the core and halo stretched in N-S orientation. The size of the galaxy appeared to grow with time spent observing it using direct and averted vision. A field star located to the S and another to the N form a line with the galaxy in the middle.
NGC 4303 / M61 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, pretty bright, large with stellar core and diffuse towards the edges.
NGC 4321 / M100 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, large, diffuse, elongated N-S.
NGC 4374 / M84 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
A well defined, uniformly round nucleus with sharp edges at 158x. Pretty large, pretty bright with a condensed granular core.
NGC 4382 / M85 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, large, diffuse, and circular in shape.
NGC 4388 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 64x this edge-on is bright extending E-W. Better at 158x, thin and needle shaped with well-defined edges.
NGC 4406 / M86 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
Similar to M84 in size and brightness at 158x. Circular, fuzzy patch with a grainy-textured, compact core that diffuses evenly outwards.
NGC 4472 / M49 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
Bright, elliptical in shape, extending N-S with compact core and diffuse halo.
NGC 4486 / M87 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At high power, bright, circular, large, diffuse.
NGC 4501 / M88 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, large, diffuse, elongated N-S.
NGC 4548 / M91 – Gx – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, large, diffuse and roundish in shape.
NGC 4552 / M89 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At high power, bright, circular with large, diffuse, oval halo.
NGC 4569 / M90 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At high power, bright, oval nucleus with diffuse, elongated N-S halo.
NGC 4579 / M58 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 64x, bright, roundish in shape, extending NE-SW. Condensed, bright core at 158x.
NGC 4590 / M68 – GC – Hya
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
At high power, large, rich, compressed, roundish, bright, resolved to core.
NGC 4594 / M104 – Gx – Sombrero Galaxy – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
158x with direct vision revealed a large, elongated, well-defined, halo extending E-W. The halo is brilliant with the dust lane at the southern end. Several bright field stars were visible at 64x to the west.
NGC 4621 / M59 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, quite bright, round core with oval, diffuse halo extending NW-SE.
NGC 4649 / M60 – Gx – Vir
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
At 158x, pretty bright, round, large of fairly even surface brightness.
IC 4725 / M25 – OC – Sgr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, rich, loose cluster of irregular shape. Well resolved
NGC 4736 / M94 – Gx-SA – CVn
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Beautiful and brilliant at 158x! The core was quite bright, uniformly circular, and fairly large with an extremely bright nucleus. The large, diffuse halo eased outwards significantly from the brilliant core and was elongated NW – SE. The round nucleus had sharp, well defined edges which appeared mostly uniform in brightness. There are 2 fairly bright field stars: one to its S and the other to the W.
NGC 4826 / M64 – Gx – Com – Black-Eye Galaxy
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright, oval with bright nucleus and diffuse halo at 158x. Elongated E-W.
NGC 5005 – Gx – CVn – Mv9.8, 05.8′ x 2.8′
25″ Dobsonian
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
This galaxy was large, bright, and oval positioned in a WSW-ENE orientation with direct vision, at 125x. A bright, elliptical, compact core with sharp edges and extended halo was revealed with direct vision. The nucleus appeared stellar in the bright core with averted vision, while the halo had a grainy texture.
NGC 5024 / M53 – GC – Com
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very condensed, small, bright, evenly circular core with few stars resolvable in the halo. The population of stars that were visible in the halo were fairly uniformly spaced and faded evenly as they extended outwards from the core. It looked best at 158x. I noted a very bright outlier star to the S and two very bright field stars located to the E.
NGC 5055 / M63 – Gx-SA – CVn (The Sunflower Galaxy)
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
A star is superimposed on the bright, compact core at 158x with direct vision. The diffuse halo was fairly large, extended W-E and becoming brighter as it approached the core and bright nucleus. Averted vision extended the size of the halo a bit. To its E lies an acute triangle of bright stars and to its W is a solitary bright mag 8.5 star.
NGC 5194 / M51 – Gx-SA – CVn – Mv8.4, 08.2′ x 6.9′ (Whirlpool Galaxy)
NGC 5195 – Gx-IO – CVn – Mv9.6, 06.4′ x 4.6′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
In the same FOV at 64x with direct vision, both galaxies were bright and easy. Each displayed a bright core elongated in a N-S orientation with grainy halos. At 158x, both were in the same FOV and with averted vision, NGC 5194 had a stellar nucleus, bright core and mottled halo. I did not detect the bridge to NGC 5195 which was bright and oval shaped.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 64x, both galaxies filled the FOV forming a beautiful pair with NGC 5195 positioned North of NGC 5194. The core of NGC 5194 was round, pretty large, pretty bright and condensed with a distinctively brighter nucleus. At 158x, the halo had a grainy texture. To its South lay smaller NGC 5195 which appeared circular in shape. It gradually brightened towards the middle, with a small, bright, round core and brighter nucleus.
NGC 5236 / M83 – Gx – Hya
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.05.06 01:00 – 05:30 UT / 2002.05.05 21:00 EDT
At medium power, bright round core extending NE-SW with mottled halo containing brighter arms. High power resolves some mottling into knots of bright areas.
NGC 5248 BOO Gx-Sc – m11.4v 6.8′X5.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Appears diffuse and oval of fairly even surface brightness at 158x.
NGC 5272 / M3 – GC – CVn
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-14 01:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 158x, this beautiful globular cluster is very bright and large with stars resolved all the way to the core. There were a few prominent chains of stars spiraling out Eastward and there was also a curve of outlier stars to the W. The core had a slight N-S elongation. 190x further resolved the center and 284x drew out even more individual stars at the core. I enjoyed the view best at 158x because it enabled me to view the radiating, curving outlier star chains, as well as, the brilliant individual stars of the nucleus. The outliers were lost at higher magnification although it enabled me to study the core in more detail.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Very bright and large at 158x with stars resolved all the way to the compact core. Prominent star chains curved eastward and one more to the W. The core had a slight N-S elongation. Outliers lost at higher magnification.
NGC 5422 – GX – UMa – 3′.9 x 0′.9 m11.8v, SB 12.1
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
A small core with elongated halo at 64x became more evident at 158x extending NW-SE with a prominent, bright, stellar nucleus in the core with elongated diffuse halo. A member of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5457 / M101 – GX – UMa – 26.0′x26.0’8.10′, m7.9, SB 14.8
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
At 64x, very large, elongated E-W with a small bright nucleus and 2 stars superimposed upon the oval halo. HII regions and spiral structure evident with mottling in the arms. Several small galaxies were visible within an 1º field and there were more small galaxies in the vicinity than were plotted on my SA2000. 158x revealed more knots and patches of textured brightening: two of the most prominent were located S of the nucleus with a third just N of it. With deeper star charts, this will be a fun area to revisit again.
NGC 5466 – GC – Boo – Mv9.0, 11′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
18″ Dobsonian
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
This globular cluster was bright and circular with direct vision, at 90x. Direct vision at 200x resolved individual stars at the core whereas the halo appeared mottled with few outlier chains.
NGC 5466 BOO GC m9.1 11.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Diffuse and round at 158x with averted vision with stars unresolved in 10″ Dob.
NGC 5473 – GX – UMa – 2′.2 x 1′.7 m11.4v, SB 12.7
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Bright core with very small, compact, faint halo at 64x. 158x showed more of the halo but still fairly compact. A member of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5474 – GX – UMa – 6′.0 x 4′.9 m10.8v, SB 14.3
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
At 64x, small, diffuse, circular, faint tiny halo. Increasing the power to 158x did not reveal additional detail. A member of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5485 – GX – UMa – 2′.7 x 2′.1 m11.4v, SB 13.1
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Both at 64x and 158x: small, circular bright core with slightly elongated N-S halo. At 158x, to the N, I noticed a small, stellar galaxy that was not plotted on SA2000. In looking at Starry Night Pro, it was probably NGC 5486. Members of the M101 Galaxy group.
NGC 5557 BOO gx-E1 m12.2 2.2′X2.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Bright core with diffuse, elongated halo in E-W orientation at 158x.
NGC 5676 BOO Gx-Sc m11.7 4.0′X1.7′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 64x, elongated in a N-S orientation and very small, very faint with slightly brighter core.
NGC 5689 BOO Gx-SBa m12.7 4.0′X1.1′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Very small, faint, diffuse, and slightly elongated at 64x and 158x.
NGC 5904 / M5 – GC – SerCp
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, large, compact, densely populated core. The halo expands considerably outward with the stars fairly uniformly spaced as they radiate out, culminating in curving, spiral chains at 158x.
NGC 5866 / M102 – Gx – Dra – 6.6′x3.2′, m9.9, SB 13.1
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Date/Time: 2004.06.20 02:00 – 03:30 UT / 2004.06.19 22:00 EDT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Bortle Class 3, LM ~6.5, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Substitute for duplicate of M101.
Small of medium, overall surface brightness. It is brighter towards the center and has an oval, diffuse halo that is elongated in a NW-SE position.
NGC 5907 DRA Gx-Sb+ m11.4 12.8′X1.8′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
At 158x elongated N-S, with 2-3 bright knots in the halo region and bulging towards the center.
NGC 5982 DRA Gx-E3p m12.4 3.9′X2.1′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Bright, round, small halo with core that appeared stellar at 64x. At 158x, the halo appears a bit elongated with a bright, round core.
NGC 6093 / M80 – GC – Sco
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
This bright and notably circular globular was small in comparison to M4. It is quite condensed with an almost grainy texture. There is a bright star to the NE. Best at 158x.
NGC 6121 / M4 – GC – Sco
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
This beautiful globular cluster is very bright, large, and loosely populated with stars resolved all the way to the core. Spiraling outwards are chains of curving, glittering stars. I preferred the view at 158x.
NGC 6144 – GC – SCO m9.1v – 9.3′
Location: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
Date/Time: 2004.07.09 22:00 EDT / 0200-0430 UT
At 115x, small, faint, condensed, of fairly even surface brightness. At 158x, fairly condensed with gradual brightening towards the center with a few stars resolved around its halo.
NGC 6171 / M107 – GC Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Small, bright core that was unresolvable and granular at any power.
NGC 6205 / M13 – GC – Her – Mag 5.9
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-02-28 21:00 – 22:30 EST (02:00 – 03:30 UT)
Large, bright, circular, with individual stars easily resolvable at the densely populated core at 64x. Curved chains of stars flowed outwards from the core with averted vision resolving additional stars in the periphery. There were a few prominent chains of stars spiraling eastwards with a curve of outlier stars to the south. 158x drew out even more individual stars at the core. Best at 158x enabling views of the radiating, curving outlier star chains, as well as, the brilliant individual stars of the nucleus. Outliers were lost at higher magnification.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.15.00 9:00 PM ET
Bright core, easily resolved individual stars. Long, curved chains of stars flowed outwards from the core. Averted vision resolved additional stars towards the periphery.
NGC 6207 – Gx – Her – Mv11.30, 03.0′ x 1.1′
18″ Dobsonian
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
This galaxy was located near M13. Direct vision revealed a stellar core surrounded by a diffuse halo that extended in a NE-SW orientation.
NGC 6210 PN Her
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 64x w/OIII filter the central star appeared a brilliant turquoise blue star. At 284x w/Ultrablock, the star was a brilliant, rich blue shade. Regardless of filter, the star was bathed in nebulosity which extended outwards significantly with averted vision. Annularity was not noted.
NGC 6218 / M12 – GC – Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 158x, large, cluster with a compact, bright core that appeared densely populated. Its halo is loosely populated and appeared slightly elongated in a N-S position.
NGC 6229 – GC – Her – Mv9.4, 04.5′
18″ Dobsonian
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
At 90x, it appeared compact with a bright nonstellar core and grainy halo. 200x did not resolve individual stars at the core.
NGC 6229 HER GC m9.4 4.5′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Bright, small core at 64x. Individual stars unresolved at 158x too.
NGC 6254 / M10 – GC – Oph – Mag 6.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, compact, core that appeared densely and evenly populated.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.15.00 9:00 PM ET
This globular cluster was fairly bright and circular with the nucleus a bit brighter than the edges. Granular, fuzzy disk-like appearance; not able to resolve individual stars.
NGC 6266 / M62 – GC Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 64x, very bright, large, with stars resolved. Somewhat circular with bright area towards SE region.
NGC 6273 / M19 GC – Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, dense, compact core, with elongated halo in a N-S orientation at 158x.
NGC 6333 / M9 – GC – Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, round, compact core, fuzzy, not resolved at 64x.
NGC 6342 / M92 – GC – Her – Mag 6.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.15.00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
This globular cluster was small with a distinct core. Unable to resolve individual stars. Although a bit brighter at the core, the halo was fuzzy.
NGC 6369 PN Oph “Little Ghost”
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-09-01 21:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2001-09-02 01:00 – 02:30 UT
At low powers this PN appeared slightly elongated, however at higher power an irregular shaped annularity was noted, although I was unable to discern the central star at 284x w/OIII with averted vision. The halo appeared to be of irregular surface brightness with the brightest component lying towards the Northern edge.
NGC 6402 / M14 – GC Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-14 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-13 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
At 64x, small, somewhat circular with bright core in sparse field. Individual stars not resolvable.
NGC 6405 / M6 – OC – Sco – Butterfly Cluster
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-07-13 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-07-12 22:00 – 24:00 EDT
Bright, large, rich, and loose cluster with the butterfly asterism apparent at low power.
NGC 6451 – OC – SCO – m8.2v – 7.0′
Location: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, CT
Date/Time: 2004.07.09 22:00 EDT / 0200-0430 UT
At 64x, appears fairly compressed and triangular shaped with dark region preceeding. 115x resolves more stars and a dark lane runs through the cluster in a N-S orientation.
NGC 6453 – GC – Sco – m10.08v – 21.5′
Location: Roxbury, CT USA, 41.56 N, 73.26W, elev: 949′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.07.16 22:00 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F
Located along the western edge of M7, very faint, very small and condensed with averted vision at 64x and 158x in my 10″ dob. Observed in Greg’s 18″ with direct vision, it appears condensed and slightly irregular shaped and with averted vision it was elongated, grainy.
NGC 6475 / M7 – OC – Sco
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Detached, bright, condensed, and irregular shaped with stars ranging in brightness.
NGC 6494/ M23 – OC – Sgr – m6.0
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, loose, bright, roundish, detached cluster.
NGC 6514 / M20 – BN – Sgr – Trifid Nebula
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Bright, circular in shape with 3 dark lanes at 64x. Brighter towards the center and diffuse at the edges. A dozen stars are discernable in the nebula.
NGC 6531 / M21 – OC – Sgr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, bright, small, detached cluster at 64x. Somewhat uniformly distributed.
NGC 6523 / M8 – Sgr – Diffuse Nebula – Lagoon Nebula
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Bright, large, and irregularly shaped with stars superimposed upon the nebula. A dark lane runs through the cluster in a NW-SW orientation. There is an open cluster, NGC 6530, embedded along its eastern edge.
NGC 6543 DRA PN m8.3 22″X16″
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, Roxbury, CT, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.07.15 22:00 – 2400 EDT / 0200-0400 UT
Diffuse halo and central star visible with direct vision at 158x. Appeared to have a greenish tint with OIII filter.
NGC 6572 PN Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-09-01 21:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2001-09-02 01:00 – 02:30 UT
Since I was already in Oph, I decided to revisit this PN, and at 64x this bright greenish-blue PN popped out w/Ultrablock in place. There is a bright field star nearby to the SW. While moving the scope, I noticed another bluish-green planetary in the neighborhood; I wonder which one it was? At higher powers it seemed to be slightly elongated in an SE-NW orientation. The halo blinked off with direct vision and with averted vision has an oval, bright, fairly uniform luminous halo. The halo seemed to be nested in a second halo which was grainy textured and becoming diffuse towards the edges.
NGC 6572 – PN – Oph
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 64x w/Ultrablock, it appeared a bright, rich, turquoise color with a halo that extends further outwards a bit w/averted vision. The PN appears stellar for the most part at this power with direct vision. At 158x w/OIII, the nebulosity is visible with averted vision as a small greenish-blue halo.
NGC 6611 / M16 – Serpens Cauda – Eagle Nebula
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
At 64x, irregularly shaped with diffuse edges and stars superimposed.
NGC 6613 / M18 – OC – Sgr – Black Swan
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Sparse, irregularly shaped cluster with few stars, and dark regions. Not condensed, not detached from the field.
NGC 6618 / M17 – EN – Sgr – Swan or Omega Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 02:00 – 04:00 UT
At 64x, Large and bright, shaped like a somewhat rounded letter “Z”. A few stars were superimposed upon the nebula. More definition was discernable with the UltraBlock filter.
NGC 6626 / M28 – GC – Sgr – mag 8.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.19.00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
Small, circular, compact looking, fuzzy disk with a bright core and seated in a field of Milky Way stars.
NGC 6633 – OC – Oph – 27′, mv4.6
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.04 02:00 – 03:30 UT
Very sparse, not well concentrated but quite bright at 35x. The stars are brightest towards the southern and western ends of the cluster. I counted 2 dozen stars at 35x. Increasing the power to 64x did not improve the view.
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 40x, this is a small, loose, irregular OC comprised of a few dozen stars elongated and spread out unevenly in SW-NE orientation. 64x draws out more stars which draw the eye in curving patterns. One brighter grouping of stars curves up towards the South like a pointer.
NGC 6637 / M69 – GC – Sgr
Location: Westport (Rolnick) Observatory, Westport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
At 64x, round, bright, not resolved, medium compressed.
NGC 6656 / M22 – GC – Sgr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, loose, bright cluster at 64x with many stars discernable. In a rich field.
NGC 6681 / M70 – GC – Sgr
Location: Rolnick Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
At 64x, large, round, bright with a chain of stars extending northward.
NGC 6694 / M26 – OC – Sct
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
Detached, at 64x, irregular, extending N-S with few bright stars.
NGC 6705 / M11 – OC – Scutum – mag 5.8 – Wild Duck Cluster
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 02:00 – 04:00 UT
At 64x, detached and delta shaped with dark region. Stars are of a fairly even range in brightness with a bright star near the center.
NGC 6712 GC Sct
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 158x, this globular cluster was pretty faint, fuzzy, and granular in texture with some brightening towards the core. Unable to resolve it down to stars.
NGC 6720 / M57 – PN – Lyr – Mag 9.7
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.15.00 9:00 PM ET
The Ring Nebula (planetary) appeared as a beautiful, annular, nebulous cloud that was slightly elongated E-W. It had well defined, sharp edges but the brightness of the nebulosity of the ring was not uniform. The Ultrablock further resolved the sharpness of the edges of the ring.
NGC 6720 / M57 – PN – Lyr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-06-09 21:00 – 23:00 EDT / 2001-06-10 01:00 – 03:00 UT
Unevenly bright, annular and slightly elongated E-W with well defined, sharp edges at 64x. Smoky, grayish-white color. Best viewed at 158x with the OIII filter.
NGC 6755 AQL OC m7.5 15.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, irregular shaped cluster of approx. 40 stars. Somewhat compressed near the center around the 2 brightest stars. Not well detached from the surrounding field and NGC 6756 is a half degree to the North in the same field at low power. Four stars form a bright, large, square-ish shape towards the SE edge of cluster. There is an interesting looking arc of 4-5 bright stars towards the West and there’s also a nice triplet lined up to NW.
NGC 6756 AQL OC m10.6 4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
This cluster is small and bright with with a dozen bright stars in an irregular shape at 64x. Not well detached from the surrounding star field with NGC 6755 within the same 1 degree field. It is somewhat compressed towards the center with small clusterings of stars forming a curving chain.
NGC 6765 – PN – Lyr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-21 21:00 – 23:30 EDT / 2001-08-22 01:00 – 03:30 UT
At 64x w/Ultrablock appeared, brilliant, stellar, and bluish. At 158x w/OIII and averted vision, the nebula appeared disk shaped, becoming diffuse and grayish as it extends outwards; it disappeared with direct vision. There’s a double to the SE.
NGC 6779/ M56 – GC – Lyr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09/16/00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
I located M56 about midway between Albireo and Sulafat. It was fun to revisit this beautiful star cluster which looked like a fairly uniform, small, fuzzy disk at 64x. Upon closer inspection at 129x, the core was brighter and individual stars were resolvable spiralling outward around the periphery.
NGC 6781 AQL PN m11.8 111″X109″
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
This looked like a fuzzy star at 64x with direct vision. Using averted vision at the same power, the halo expands greatly. At 158x with OIII filter and direct vision, a star is involved with the annular shaped halo. The surface brightness of the ring is uneven with a bright knot along its Southern edge.
NGC 6802 – Collinder 399 – Brocchi’s Cluster / The Coathanger OC Vul
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time:
10-03-00 9:00 – 11:30 PM EDT (01:00 – 3:30 UT)
This open cluster looked exactly like the photos when viewed through my 7×50 finderscope. I was not able to view it in it’s entirety through my lowest power eyepiece at 64x. To be revisited.
NGC 6802 – Collinder 399 – Brocchi’s Cluster / The Coathanger OC Vul
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 35x, 4 bright stars form a curving hook at the top of the “Coathanger” with 6 bright stars lined up E-W forming its base. North of the bottom of the hanger is a small bright curve of stars forming a semi-circle. The coathanger asterism looked best through my 7×50 finderscope.
NGC 6803 – PN – Aql
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-21 21:00 – 23:30 EDT / 2001-08-22 01:00 – 03:30 UT
At 284x w/OIII, appeared stellar and a brilliant, rich, turquoise blue with both direct and averted vision. A double star is located nearby.
NGC 6804 – PN – Aql
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-21 21:00 – 23:30 EDT / 2001-08-22 01:00 – 03:30 UT
At 64x w/Ultrablock appeared blue and stellar with direct vision initially. At 284x w/OIII and averted vision, it appeared bluish-green with a wispy hint of oval nebulosity. With direct vision it rounded out and was fairly evenly illuminated and lost its extended definition.
NGC 6809 / M54 – GC – Sgr – mag 8.5
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 08.19.00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
A small, circular globular with the nucleus brighter than the edges.
NGC 6809 / M55 – GC – Sgr
Location: Rolnick Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Round, loose, bright, large, resolved. Star chain extends outwards from the northern edge.
NGC 6813 EN 3′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
At 35x w/Ultrablock is small rectangular shaped, expanding a bit with averted vision. At 158x w/OIII there appears to be a star embeded in it with another star adjacent on its NW edge. With direct vision, is of uniform surface brightness but no longer so rectangular in shape and is more irregular shaped at this power.
NGC 6820 – BNe – Vul – 39′x30′
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
The dark areas I noticed near 6823 turned out to be the dark clouds of this emission nebula. I did not notice the bright areas of the emission nebula.
NGC 6823 – OC – Vul – 12′, mv7.1
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
At 35x, this large open cluster elongated in an E-W orientation. Does not have central concentration and is detached from the surrounding field. Stars range in brightness with the brightest stars forming a figure 8. A line of bright stars forms a NW-SE slash thru the middle of the FOV. At 64x, the western portion has several bright stars widely scattered about. Towards the eastern portion is a grouping of stars, it’s more concentrated here with pairs and small groupings of stars clustered together. North and South of this are dark areas. I preferred the view at 35x. The dark areas I noticed near 6823 turned out to be the dark clouds of emission nebula NGC 6820. I did not notice the bright areas of the emission nebula.
NGC 6826 PN Blinking Planetary Cyg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-24 21:00 – 22:00 EDT / 2001-08-25 01:00 – 02:00 UT
At 35x w/Ultrablock, a blue central star with a small, round, bright, halo which blinked out with direct vision was noted. At 84x both unfiltered and w/OIII, the bright circular disk was visible. At 158x w/OIII, the bluish halo appeared slightly elongated in a SE-NW orientation. Using a 2x barlow with a 7.5mm Plossl, the halo appeared to become diffuse along the periphery of its outer edges while the inner area of the bright elliptical halo still appeared uniformly illuminated. The blinking effect was noted with direct vision at all powers except with 7.5mm.
NGC 6830 – OC – Vul – 12′, mv7.9
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002.08.09 01:30 – 05:00 UT
This cluster is detached from the surrounding field and consists of stars of varying magnitudes. At 64x, the brightest stars of the cluster’s weak concentration consists of a cross or X asterism. Five bright stars form a N-S line with 4 bright stars intersecting in an E-W line. A long, wide curve of bright stars forms a semi-circle to the SE of the X asterism.
At 35x, the cross asterism looks fuzzy with 6 bright stars intersecting one another, the arc of stars to the SE is readily apparent. 4 stars curve E-W in an outlier chain below the X asterism.
158x really draws out detail in the X asterism with 8 stars in NW-SE orientation and 6 intersecting. I counted about 25 stars at this magnification. Best view was at 64x.
NGC 6834 CYG OC m7.8 5.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x small, condensed, 5-10 faint stars. 158x resolves 20+ stars.
NGC 6838 / M71 – GC – Sagitta
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09/16/00 9:00 PM EDT (01:00 UT)
Between Gamma Sagittae and Delta Sagittae. And just like Consolmagno described, it truly did looked like it could be a very loose globular cluster or a very tight open cluster. I noticed irregular groupings of stars without the brilliant central core one tends to see with a globular. Stars were easily resolvable in this cluster. Irregular shape.
NGC 6853 / M27 – Dumbbell – PN – Vulpecula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-10-20 01:00 UT (9:00 PM EDT)
Without the Ultrablock, the size and brightness of the Dumbbell Nebula was significant at 129x but was lacking in definition and had an overall fuzzy, circular shape. With the UltraBlock, it tapered toward the middle and widened at both ends.
NGC 6864 / M75 – GC – Sgr
Location: Rolnick Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Compressed, faint with bright round, core, stars unresolved.
NGC 6866 CYG OC m7.6 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, 20-25 stars visible but not well detached from rich Milky Way star field. Two small chains of brighter stars form a V.
NGC 6882 VUL OC m8.1 18.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, it appeared small, bright, and irregular shaped, of varying range in magnitude. A clustering of 3 bright stars grabbed my attention first before moving on to look at the fainter stars. This cluster is located adjacent to NGC 6885 and was not well detached. It was difficult to determine where one cluster ended and the other began due to the way the stars are scattered about.
NGC 6885 VUL OC m5.7 7.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, this cluster was large and bright with a bright blue star near the center. There were many fainter stars surrounding it. The cluster is only slightly compressed and not well detached from NGC 6882. It is better detached along the western and northern edges. I estimated around 50+ stars.
NGC 6891 PN Del
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-09-01 21:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2001-09-02 01:00 – 02:30 UT
At low power with direct vision it appeared small, bright, and stellar with a rich blue color at both 35x and 64x with the Ultrablock in place. At 158x and 190x with/OIII and direct vision, a grayish-blue disk is visible surrounding the brighter central star component. W/averted vision and filtered, it looks very bright and slightly oval shaped with well defined edges of fairly consistent surface brightness. I’m undecided whether I was seeing the central star or a small knot located at the center of the nebula that had a very high surface brightness…to be revisited again when the moon is not interfering.
NGC 6905 – PN – Blue Flash Nebula – Del
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 64x w/Ultrablock, this rich blue nebula has well defined edges, quite large, quite bright, and oblong in shape. At 158x w/OIII, it lost its nearly uniform bright appearance and now looked unevenly illuminated with the Eastern portion being brightest and the W edges became less defined and mottled. I began to think my eye was playing a trick on me and popped in the 5mm w/OIII for a better look. At this higher power, I definitely noticed a dark protrusion a little more than midway through the western portion of the nebula with mottling throughout the fainter W edge. At 64x w/Ultrablock, I noted a bright star to the S of the nebula and another to its N nearly exactly opposite the star flanking its southern side. A third star is visible W of the nebula. At 158x and 284x, the 3 stars form a triangle and if you draw an imaginary line that connects these 3 stars, the nebula is sitting on one of lines in between 2 of them.
NGC 6910 – OC – Cyg m7.4v – 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Date/Time: 2004.07.11 22:00 EDT / 0200-0300 UT
At 64x, the stars in this cluster vary in their range of brightness. The majority are faint with only a few bright stars sprinkled around the cluster. The cluster is fairly well detached from the surrounding field and somewhat compressed. There is a bright Y-shaped asterism that stands out among the fainter members. A bright star is located at bottom of the Y with another one closer to the V portion.
NGC 6913 / M29 OC Cyg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-22 21:00 – 23:45 EDT / 2001-08-23 01:00 – 03:45 UT
At 35x, I noted a cross-shaped asterism formed by several bright stars. The cross was enveloped in a clustering of many fainter stars that surrounded it.
NGC 6934 DEL GC m8.9 2′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, small, round, bright core with direct vision expands in size with averted vision. At 158x, the core and halo are better defined with some mottling; most likely stars that were just at the threshold of resolution with averted vision.
NGC 6940 VUL OC m6.3 31.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 8/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: 2004.08.09 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Everyone agreed that this was the highlight of the evening for the Herschel objects we observed. It was large, rich, compressed, and detached from surrounding star field at 64x. I estimated that there were nearly 100 stars. The cluster was beautiful, appearing as a large sprinkling of stars of mostly similar magnitude contrasting against the black background of Space. Stars appeared somewhat clustered along wide star chains running E-W through the center of the cluster, demarcated by dark lanes.
NGC 6981 / M72 – GC – Aqr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-09-17 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 EST
At high power, bright, large, compact cluster with denser, bright core. Stars unresolved.
NGC 6994 / M73 – asterism – Aqr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-09-17 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 EST
At 64x, few stars forming a V-shape/triangle.
Cyg – NGC 6992-95 – Veil Nebula
Cyg – NGC 6960 – Filamentary Nebula
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 10-03-00 9:00 – 11:30 PM EDT (01:00 – 3:30 UT)
At 64x the nebulae where elongated, wispy, strands much larger than my 1 degree FOV and easily visible with the UltraBlock filter in place as a delicate, lacey network of gray, ghostly filaments. Other than grayish-white, additional color was not apparent.
NGC 7000 Cyg DN – North American nebula
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Observed holding UHC filter to binocs, nearby pelican nebula also visible.
NGC 7006 DEL GC m10.6 2.8′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
At 64x, small, fuzzy with bright core; individual stars unresolved. At 158x, slightly irregular shaped and with averted vision somewhat elongated in a N-S orientation.
NGC 7008 CYG PN m12 86″X69″
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Visible at 64x without filter with averted vision: irregular shaped. At 158x visible directly and with OIII filter the oval shape is more defined and mottled.
NGC 7027 – PN – Cyg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-21 21:00 – 23:30 EDT / 2001-08-22 01:00 – 03:30 UT
Large, beautiful, bright, deep blue color with direct vision at 158 w/OIII. Appears rectangular and elongated in an E-W orientation. There are three stars lined up with the planetary it in a winding pattern, 1 on one side and 2 on the other.
NGC 7044 CYG OC m12 3.5′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Faint, compressed with few stars and fairly detached, at 64x. 8-10 stars resolved at 158x.
NGC 7048 – PN – Cyg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-08-21 21:00 – 23:30 EDT / 2001-08-22 01:00 – 03:30 UT
Appeared blue at 284x w/OIII with direct vision and bluish-gray at 158x w/OIII. Ghostly, glowing, spherical object with 2 stars located to the E.
NGC 7062 CYG OC m8.3 7.0′
Location: 42N, 73W, elev. 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Transparency: 6/10 degrading to 1/10, 60ºs F, wind=lgt
Date/Time: 2004.07.20/21 22:00 – 0100 EDT / 0200-0500 UT
Fairly well detached from field with brighter 2-star groupings at 64x forming an irregular ring shape. Averted vision at 158x resolves more faint stars.
NGC 7078 / M15 – GC – Peg
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09/17/00 8:30 PM EDT (00:30 UT)
At 64x, this dense globular was bright at the core and had a faint halo with few individual stars resolvable.
NGC 7089 / M2 – GC – Aqr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-09-17 02:00 – 04:00 UT / 2001-04-13 21:00 EST
At 64x, small, bright, compact cluster with dense core. Stars resolved to core.
NGC 7092 / M39 – OC – Cyg
Location: Rolnick Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Large with few bright stars and little compression; irregularly shaped. Not well detached, no concentration of stars.
NGC 7099 / M30 – GC – Sgr
Location: Rolnick Observatory, Wesport, CT, USA, suburban
Seeing: Antoniadi III, Bortle Class 7
Date/Time: 2002.07.06 02:30 – 05:00 UT
Compressed, bright and large with small core towards NE. There are 2 star chains extending northward.
NGC 7209 LAC OC m6.7 25.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, this cluster was large, bright, irregular shaped, moderately compressed and fairly well detached from the surrounding star field. Although the many brighter stars caught my attention first, there are many fainter members populating this cluster too. I counted 40+ stars forming star chains, circlets, with a few dark areas interspersed through the cluster rendering it interesting to explore. There is a very pretty bright yellow star located to the NW.
NGC 7243 LAC OC m6.4 21.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Large, bright, irregular shaped, poorly compressed, and not well detached from the surrounding star field at 64x. I counted 20-25 stars of fairly similar magnitude: the majority are bright with only a few fainter stars.
NGC 7296 LAC OC m9.7 4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 64x, bright, small, detached, and not condensed. I counted a dozen star with the cluster members ranging in magnitude. There is a bright yellow star to E.
NGC 7217 PEG GX 11 3.8′X3.3′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Bright, large, with diffuse halo extended E-W. The core is roundish and brightens towards the center where it is nearly stellar at 158x. There is a bright field star to the E.
NGC 7331 PEG GX 10.4 11.4′X4.0′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 158x, the core is bright with stellar nucleus and extensive halo stretching N-S. 2 bright stars are located to the East.
NGC 7448 PEG GX 12 2.7′X1.1′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
Appears pretty faint, diffuse, and oval of fairly even surface brightness at 158x.
NGC 7479 PEG GX 11.7 4.4′X3.4′
Location: 41.55 N -73.20 W, elev: 800′, rural
Seeing: Antoniadi II, Transparency: 6/10 (10 best)
Date/Time: Date/Time: 2004.08.08 21:30 EDT / 0230-0430 UT
At 158x, diffuse, faint, and elongated with fairly even surface brightness oriented N-S.
NGC 7654 / M52 – OC – Cas
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-12-2 21:30 – 22:30 EST (02:30 – 03:30 UT)
Scores of stars in a rich star field. There were several bright stars: one had a soft yellow tone stood out from the others.
NGC 7662 PN And “Blue Snowball
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2002-09-09 22:00 – 22:30 EDT / 2002-09-10 02:00 – 02:30 UT
64x revealed a bright, blue ball of even surface brightness and well-defined edges. Using an UltraBlock filter enhanced the blue tones but did not draw out additional detail.
The outer edges showed some brightening and its shape was subtly less symmetrical using averted vision at 158x with an O-III filter. With direct vision it was turquoise and round in shape.
Oblong and elongated SE-NW, dimming towards the center was suspected using averted vision at 256x w/O-III. Aquamarine with direct vision, shades of green dominated the blues.
Color was lost at 512x w/OIII and averted vision and a slightly darker center was suspected due to dimming that looked unevenly illuminated and mottled. Pale hues of blue and green were just barely visible with filtered direct vision.
NGC — / M24 – Star cloud – Sgr
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2000-08-19 01:00 – 03:00 UT / 21:00 – 23:00 EDT
At 64x, very large, rich, dense cluster of stars. Fairly even surface brightness.
NGC — / M45 – Pleiades – OC- Taurus
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 09-29-00 5:00 AM EDT
At 64x, bluish nebulosity was apparent around the stars which became more apparent at 129x and then at 284x.
WNC4 – M40 – UMa – Dbl
Location: 41.141º N, 73.264º W, Fairfield, CT, USA, suburban
Date/Time: 2001-04-13 21:00 – 22:30 ET
mag – 9.0, 9.3, sep: 50″, P.A. 85
64x revealed a wide pair of bright white stars of equal magnitude. There is a bright field star to the SW.
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