Hi, I just got my N-11, so the night sky is a wonderful place. Quick question from a first time 'big' scope user - what kind of detail can I expect to get when visually observing DSOs? So far, I'm only getting the 'faint fuzzies'. I'm thinking (hoping) my Atlanta suburb light pollution is killing me, but wondering what the possibilities are from a dark sky site. I don't expect the colors of imaging, of course, but was hoping for some shape definition from spirals, etc. Any info is greatly appreciated. Shawn Filbey
DSO viewing
Started by sfilbey, 03/21/2004 03:01PM
Posted 03/21/2004 03:01PM
Opening Post
Posted 03/21/2004 07:54PM
#1
Shawn,
I have own a N11 and the DSO views with it have exceeded my expectations. The brighter galaxies (M31, M33, M51, M82 to name a few) starts to show some structure, but for the most part are still faint fuzzies. Seeing condition and light pollution definitely factors in here also. For example two weeks ago I was looking at M51 and could just make out the core of it and it's companion. The seeing conditions were not very good. This past Friday, the seeing was much better and I could make out some structure in these same objects. One other thing that factors in is experience observing and patience at the eyepiece. The later I am still learning to do, instead of looking at an object for 30 seconds and moving on to the next. Of course, getting to some darker skies will make these views even better.
The N11 are right at the treshold of allowing structure in galaxies and deeply resolving globular clusters and faint planetary nebulae.
Just my .02
Hope it helped,
Pernel
I have own a N11 and the DSO views with it have exceeded my expectations. The brighter galaxies (M31, M33, M51, M82 to name a few) starts to show some structure, but for the most part are still faint fuzzies. Seeing condition and light pollution definitely factors in here also. For example two weeks ago I was looking at M51 and could just make out the core of it and it's companion. The seeing conditions were not very good. This past Friday, the seeing was much better and I could make out some structure in these same objects. One other thing that factors in is experience observing and patience at the eyepiece. The later I am still learning to do, instead of looking at an object for 30 seconds and moving on to the next. Of course, getting to some darker skies will make these views even better.
The N11 are right at the treshold of allowing structure in galaxies and deeply resolving globular clusters and faint planetary nebulae.
Just my .02
Hope it helped,
Pernel
Funding Member
