Horsehead Nebula

[CChelle (Michelle)]

Hi everyone. I just ordered my first scope and it is due to arrive in about 3 weeks time.
I have been "reading up" in preparation and have come across some confusing information about the Horsehead Nebula. Some internet sites say you can't see this in a telescope, only in long exposure photos and others say that you can see it in a telescope.

I am getting a 10" dobsonian.\ and I live in a region with dark skies. Will this show me the Horsehead Nebula throught viewing through the scope? (When Orion comes back into our skies, of course).

[koputai (Jason)]

Hi Michelle,

Have a read of this previous thread on the topic, some quite good reading.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ehead+eyepiece

Cheers,
Jason.

[CChelle (Michelle)]

Thanks Jason

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Hi Michelle!
You only live up the road from me.
I'm afraid that you won't be able to see the horse head nebula through your scope. And honestly, it doesn't matter.
Right next to the horse head is the beautiful Flame Nebula, easily visible for you , as well as the Great Orion Nebula M42.
We should organise a get together soon. I'd love that.

[mozzie (Peter)]

hi michelle,
iv'e a 14" sct and seen it with a h/beta filter very faintly and spent several hours in the process,and man i was happy to see it i love the chase of some objects!!!!!!!

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Hi Michelle,

The horsehead is a very challenging object for visual observing and if you do get to see it you are likely to be happy to have seen it but not delighted with the faint dark patch you've just made out. But as JJJ points out there are a zillion other wonderful deep sky objects that will be fantastic through your scope. As long as you're ready for them not to be in colour and to trace their majesty in shades of scotopoc vision grey (although you will see beautiful colored stars & colour on planets)

Hope you have a great time with your new scope & look forward to some reports!

[Brian W (Brian)]

One night a ways back I just might have seen it in my 8" reflector but it may have been my very active imagination. However as the others have pointed out there is an awful lot of really neat 'stuff' you will see in your 10".

Brian

[CChelle (Michelle)]

Thank you everybody.