My first view of Thor's Helmet was back in 2011 during the 2011 IISAC. It was suggested to me to chase it up that night, and it made such an impact I had to sketch it that night too,
Last Saturday night was my second view of it.
A change of circumstances on the morning of January 17 meant I could make a mad dash up to Katoomba Airfield that night. And I feel very, very fortunate to have had that chance. That evening presented the most extraordinary transparency I had seen for several years!
Curious thing though, while you may know it is a brilliant night, just how good it is sometimes does not totally sink in until you revisit an old friend you haven't seen for a long time. In this case it was Thor's Helmet.
You'll find a more extensive write up on this sketch in my blog, listed in my signature below.
By way of comparison, I've included the sketch I did of the Helmet back in 2011. The difference is striking. Same scope, but a 16mm Konig eyepiece for the first sketch. But the quality of the night ultimately made the difference.
Object: Thor's Helmet, NGC 2359
Scope: 17.5" push-pull Karee dob
Gear: 22mm LVW, 91X, OIII filter
Date: 18th January, 2015
Location: Katoomba Airfield, 2015
Media: White soft pastel, charcoal and white ink on A4 size black paper
Duration: approx. 1hr.