What is "easy pickins" advice/help

Just getting back into observing after a 5 month hiatus.. Great time viewing at 5K' Elev. (ORE. Star Party) late Aug. No "Go To" here, so learned Summer Goodies trial & error. So Was wondering what is within my grasp with my C8.
Remembering from last Winter, M-42 of course, M-81/82, M-31, Double Cluster in Perseus, M-27 dumbell, Albireo beautiful split double blue& Yellow. M-57 ring. If you can think of any other targets that you enjoy and would like to share, I would love to hear about them.. Am going to miss M-13, also the Wild Duck Cluster, too low.. first clear night here in Astoria OR. in about 6 weeks.. I am going out. regards, JM

John,

I feel your pain. I haven't been able to do any serious observing since the Indian Trail Springs party that followed OSP in September. But yesterday and last night were clear in Scappoose, so I was able to bag 5 Herschel IIs until it clouded up about 10:00.

BTW, with a C8 you should be able to see M34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, all of which are nice open clusters in the Auriga - Gemini area. That is, if the Northwest rain nebula ever clears!

Praying for Clear Skies,
Howard

Hi gentlemen, Well it was clear here in the Coast for 2 nites.. up until midnight, then that big Nebula you mentioned rolled in.. I found M-81 & 82.. (after they cleared the trees to the North of me.. Couldn't get a steady view of Saturn.. "seeing" I guess wasn't the best. using my new 6.3 f/R I was able to get the entire Double Cluster in Per. in my 35 Pan. M-42 looked as impressive as I remember it last winter.. what is the best bet for a filter to bring out the Nebulosity.. thanks for your imput, JM