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Fun Winter Objects

Started by Rod Kaufman, 12/30/2016 02:27AM
Posted 12/30/2016 02:27AM Opening Post
Finally got the scope outside of my house-- Mt Pinos was out of the question at 5 above zero.
Anyway, check out the "peanuts" a double-lobed planetary, NGC 2371-2, located in Gemini:
http://observing.skyhound.com/archives/feb/NGC_2371.html
Skyhound pegs it at mag 13 but the Observer's Guide has it at 11.3 and I think the latter is more accurate. A UHC or 0111 filter will help but I detected it without any filter in my 16" dob, despite high ambient lighting from my neighbor's holiday lights.
Another fun and interesting target in Orion is planetary nebula NGC 2022:
http://observing.skyhound.com/archives/jan/NGC_2022.html
The thing looks like a freaking egg in my scope. I got hungry looking at it!
While you're in Orion, look for the "eyes" in M78/NGC2068:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_78
You're not the only one looking up!
Happy holidays...
Posted 12/30/2016 03:04AM #1
Oh come on, as long as it is above 0, no problemo! wink

[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue grin
Amateur Imager
Posted 12/30/2016 05:11AM #2
Thanx for the tips! I sold off the 29-inch and haven't got the 36 running yet. But the 16-inch binos should be wonderful for such targets. I used to observe in all weather regardless... but gotten lazy and less dedicated. Tom

29-inch Dob in a dome
36-inch upgrade soon
LUNT 80/80 solar scope
FLI 6803 cam
APM 100mm APO Binos
JMI RB-16 Night Vision Binos
Zeiss 20x60 IS binos