Yet more proof that NGC 6992 is a fairly easy target, given favorable conditions (i.e. L.M. ~6.5 or better, plus reasonable dark adaptation)...
I'd previously seen the eastern arc of the Veil in a pair of Canon 8x32 roof-prism binoculars -- this was at 9000-ft altitude under a ~6.5-mag. Wyoming sky in 2001. By no means was the arc obvious or easily seen; my familiarity with the field certainly helped (I knew where to look). I got the impression, at the time, that an even-smaller binocular *would* indeed show the arc.
This past week, at the Nebraska Star Party, I tried the same experiment with another small binocular. Conditions were very similar -- ~6.5-mag. sky, good dark adaptation. This time, I used a pair of 8x25 Nikon roofs. Again, the view was modest -- a rich field of countless stars, though not very bright or dazzling. I chuckled after noting that, yes, the little Nikons did indeed manage NGC 6992 -- dim as it was. Though the nebula was very subtle, I wouldn't say it was at the threshold of visibility. I think there's more room before "threshold" occurs. If I had to ballpark, I'd think the eastern arc of the Veil *should* be visible in binoculars with sub-20mm apertures.
Next time I experiment, I'll try aperture masks on a few of my binoculars and see just "how low" I can go.
Cheers.
Dan
I'd previously seen the eastern arc of the Veil in a pair of Canon 8x32 roof-prism binoculars -- this was at 9000-ft altitude under a ~6.5-mag. Wyoming sky in 2001. By no means was the arc obvious or easily seen; my familiarity with the field certainly helped (I knew where to look). I got the impression, at the time, that an even-smaller binocular *would* indeed show the arc.
This past week, at the Nebraska Star Party, I tried the same experiment with another small binocular. Conditions were very similar -- ~6.5-mag. sky, good dark adaptation. This time, I used a pair of 8x25 Nikon roofs. Again, the view was modest -- a rich field of countless stars, though not very bright or dazzling. I chuckled after noting that, yes, the little Nikons did indeed manage NGC 6992 -- dim as it was. Though the nebula was very subtle, I wouldn't say it was at the threshold of visibility. I think there's more room before "threshold" occurs. If I had to ballpark, I'd think the eastern arc of the Veil *should* be visible in binoculars with sub-20mm apertures.
Next time I experiment, I'll try aperture masks on a few of my binoculars and see just "how low" I can go.
Cheers.
Dan