Besides the darn galaxy? Okay I have a new LX10 8 inch. I have played around for a few nights getting the feel of this scope and tonight went for my first galaxy. I was able to find the location by star hopping and using Halo Northern sky and the tyc stars. I am about 99% sure I was in the right place. verified by several star patterns. There are three stars right by M66. one looks by halo to actually be in M66. these three stars are all 11 mag stars. they were dim, but I could see them. But M66 at mag 8.6 I could not see at all. I tried averted vision, I tried nudging the scope, nothing. I do live in very light skys (right by DFW airport, between Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Irving) But like I said, I could see 11 mag stars. Oh and a 40mm EP. Any help would be greatly appriciated.
What am I missing?
Started by parrst, 05/06/2004 05:08AM
Posted 05/06/2004 05:08AM
Opening Post
Posted 05/06/2004 11:24AM
#1
Indeed Bob, Eurvin is right... you have a Light Pollution problem... (as most of us do)
Galaxies are VERY faint, and even though a Galaxy could be of Magnitude 11, remember that its light is spread out across a much wider field, not concentrated on a spot like with a star. You'll need darker skies to locate most of the galaxies, if not all of them.
From your location, I would probably see Star Clusters, Doubles, Moon & Planets, and maybe some planetary nebulas which are normally small & bright...
You might be able to see certain brighter galaxies, but you'll need really clear skies (no haze) to see them.
Clear skies!
Ivan
Galaxies are VERY faint, and even though a Galaxy could be of Magnitude 11, remember that its light is spread out across a much wider field, not concentrated on a spot like with a star. You'll need darker skies to locate most of the galaxies, if not all of them.
From your location, I would probably see Star Clusters, Doubles, Moon & Planets, and maybe some planetary nebulas which are normally small & bright...
You might be able to see certain brighter galaxies, but you'll need really clear skies (no haze) to see them.
Clear skies!
Ivan
Ivan Gastaldo 8)
Coconut Creek, FL
Ivan's Observatory
Lat 26N 16' 48" Long 80W 10' 48"
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CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky - Moderator
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Posted 05/06/2004 07:22PM
#2
It is very hard to find Galaxies in a lighted area like a town with an 8" SCT. My NS8GPS has the same problem.
Floyd
Floyd
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Amateur Imager
Posted 05/06/2004 07:40PM
#3
You had LOTS of strikes against you, and M66 would not be a great choice for first galaxy anyway.
Right now the pair of M81/M82 are probably the best, brightest galaxies currently available. Try those next dark night. Of course many other objects will be easier than galaxies, but Spring is galaxy season.
Right now the pair of M81/M82 are probably the best, brightest galaxies currently available. Try those next dark night. Of course many other objects will be easier than galaxies, but Spring is galaxy season.
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