Ic418

[barx1963]

IC418 is also known popularly as the Spirograph Nebula. I have observed this before in my 12" and really only saw it as a small faint fuzzy star, largely needed an OIII to pick it out.
But tonight in the 20", man what a difference! Central star is clear and bright. At 150x it is surrounded by a clear circular nebulosity that clearly is a lovely red colour. Colour is so rare in the skies, even when we do see it is faint except for a few PNs that are blue or blue green. To see red or crimson is just such a treat.

Malcolm

[astroron]

Thanks for the report Malcolm, IC 418 is one of my favourite PN's.
I am so glad to find someone else that sees the Red circle. :D
I am often told I am imagining things when I point out this colour to people.:(
I first saw this colour in my 8' SCT many years ago,it required high mag.
I find it no problem in the 16" in a 13mm eyepiece (140xmag)
Cheers:thumbsup:

[barx1963]

Thanks Ron
As I mentioned it was best at 150x in the 20". Higher power just washed it out, seeing and transparency were pretty crumby last night.
It was a big thrill!

Malcolm

[Paddy]

It sure is an intriguing object. I love the colour of this PN. Must look great in your 20" Malcolm!

[barx1963]

Thanks Paddy. It was a treat, I think I just lucked out with a patch of steady clear sky for a few minutes.

Cheers