I spent a good 20 minutes hunting for M51 last night, to no avail. (TV102 with a 32mm and 26mm plossl.) Is this considered a difficult object to find? Any tips.
M51 Where Are You
Started by davidcolton, 03/14/2004 04:58PM
Posted 03/14/2004 04:58PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/14/2004 05:28PM
#1
Are you familiar with the star dangling just "below" the end of the Big Dipper's handle? The end of the handle is marked by Alkaid, and the star below it is 24 Canes Venatici. Keeping those two stars in mind, try and get your bearings using the image at the bottom of this page:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/stellar/scenes/object_e/m51.htm
Light pollution, of course, will hinder M51's visibility. However, the galaxy's "core" should remain discernible (though likely dim and indistinct, if sky glow is significant). Start with a lower magnification and get familiar with the brighter field stars shown in the photo -- recognize the area where M51 *should* be -- and you should be able to find it.
Best wishes and luck.
-Dan
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/stellar/scenes/object_e/m51.htm
Light pollution, of course, will hinder M51's visibility. However, the galaxy's "core" should remain discernible (though likely dim and indistinct, if sky glow is significant). Start with a lower magnification and get familiar with the brighter field stars shown in the photo -- recognize the area where M51 *should* be -- and you should be able to find it.
Best wishes and luck.
-Dan
Funding Member
