How deep can one go in light polluted area?Posted By Bill Possel |
Dave
I observe all the time from my backyard in a suburban area.
I live in suburban Detroit and wondering what the limiting magnitude will be for observing deep sky objects with a 14" scope? Will surface brightness be a bigger factor than the overall brightness?
Here are a few factors that determine apparent brightness. How high in the sky is the object? Objects closer to zenith look much better than near the light-polluted horizon. Also, I found using a high magnification (around 200x) improves the view of DSOs. You won't see the structure in galaxies like you would at a dark site but you can tell its there.
I am basically trying to figure out how to look at an objects rated magnituge and size and determine if it is within my scopes ability to see it.
So I think the answer is "It depends!" Try looking at galaxies in Leo Minor or Ursa Major since they are well above the horizon now. Try pushing up the magnification.
Good luck!
Bill
I observe all the time from my backyard in a suburban area.
I live in suburban Detroit and wondering what the limiting magnitude will be for observing deep sky objects with a 14" scope? Will surface brightness be a bigger factor than the overall brightness?
Here are a few factors that determine apparent brightness. How high in the sky is the object? Objects closer to zenith look much better than near the light-polluted horizon. Also, I found using a high magnification (around 200x) improves the view of DSOs. You won't see the structure in galaxies like you would at a dark site but you can tell its there.
I am basically trying to figure out how to look at an objects rated magnituge and size and determine if it is within my scopes ability to see it.
So I think the answer is "It depends!" Try looking at galaxies in Leo Minor or Ursa Major since they are well above the horizon now. Try pushing up the magnification.
Good luck!
Bill
