Now and then I will ask for some help on.... you guessed it..Things that aren't there... If you ask me, I'll tell you that these things simply don't exist... but I know better. Let's start with the Rosette Nebula, 10 inch reflector, f5 scope. Thousand Oaks OIII filter or the Sirius Optics Neb filter... and I'm beginning to think it's bigger than I've given it credit for. So let's go with a 26 or 32mm plossl. It's not there.... Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Things that aren't there......
Started by SteveF, 12/15/2002 03:35AM
Posted 12/15/2002 03:35AM
Opening Post
Posted 12/15/2002 06:28AM
#1
The Rosette (NGC 2237) is indeed huge -- roughly twice the diameter of the moon. Because it's so large, it can be a bit stubborn when larger scopes are pointed right at it.
The cluster NGC 2244, on the other hand, is relatively bright and has a distinctive, easy-to-identify shape. Some liken it to a ladder; others see a resemblance to the constellation Gemini. Once you've located 2244, you've found the "heart" of the Rosette. The brighter clumps and swatches of the Rosette are, for the most part, "outside" 2244's brighter stars; so pay attention to the area beyond the main cluster. Scan around it -- perhaps even try *without* filters.
From dark sites, under skies with good clarity, the Rosette is an easy binocular object. Many folks can see it with their unaided eyes (averted vision) -- again, that's from *dark* sites.
A search on "ngc 2237" and/or "ngc 2244" will yield many links to many images of the nebula and cluster. Some of these may help in "getting a feel" (becoming familiar) for the field.
It's there. Really. :-)
Best wishes and happy hunting.
-Dan
The cluster NGC 2244, on the other hand, is relatively bright and has a distinctive, easy-to-identify shape. Some liken it to a ladder; others see a resemblance to the constellation Gemini. Once you've located 2244, you've found the "heart" of the Rosette. The brighter clumps and swatches of the Rosette are, for the most part, "outside" 2244's brighter stars; so pay attention to the area beyond the main cluster. Scan around it -- perhaps even try *without* filters.
From dark sites, under skies with good clarity, the Rosette is an easy binocular object. Many folks can see it with their unaided eyes (averted vision) -- again, that's from *dark* sites.
A search on "ngc 2237" and/or "ngc 2244" will yield many links to many images of the nebula and cluster. Some of these may help in "getting a feel" (becoming familiar) for the field.
It's there. Really. :-)
Best wishes and happy hunting.
-Dan
Posted 12/15/2002 09:47AM
#2
What about your observing conditions? In order to see objects like the Rosette nebula, the Zeta Orionis nebulosity and NGC7000 the sky must be completely dark and transparent. Your chances of seeing anything is strongly reduced by
- scattered light from nearby populated areas
- ambient light
- thin cloud layer
- auroras
And very important: Your eyes must be dark-adapted. I always start my observing sessions with observation of planets and double stars and perhaps bright planetaries. After 20 - 45 minutes it's time to start looking for faint nebulae
If conditions are less than perfect, I often detect extended nebulosity by gently rocking my telescope (10 - 20' movements). This is a trick to enhance the small light gradients present.
- scattered light from nearby populated areas
- ambient light
- thin cloud layer
- auroras
And very important: Your eyes must be dark-adapted. I always start my observing sessions with observation of planets and double stars and perhaps bright planetaries. After 20 - 45 minutes it's time to start looking for faint nebulae
If conditions are less than perfect, I often detect extended nebulosity by gently rocking my telescope (10 - 20' movements). This is a trick to enhance the small light gradients present.
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