Blue Planetary

[raymo]

I don't think anyone mentioned using a filter for viewing 3918, its just that
Alexander pointed out that an OIII would be useful for locating it.
raymo

[JoeBlow]

True. Though it should be noted the blinking technique should also work in Shaun's UHC, so no need to buy an OIII.

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Bojan, what scope were you using for that awesome photo?

[bojan]

Originally Posted by PSALM19.1

Bojan, what scope were you using for that awesome photo?

I am glad you like it
It was Rubinar 10/1000 with Zenit MC TKA-2 tele-extender, camera was Canon 60D.

[raymo]

I hope Bojan doesn't mind, but I thought this was a great chance to
demonstrate to any newbies following this thread, just what is out there. Bojan has shown you what 3918 looks like through a long lens; This is what it looks like through an 8" Newt at f/10 and cropped and considerably enlarged.
raymo

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Wow Raymo cool pic! Looks like part of our immune system (I'm a Nutritionist by qualification) now I definitely have to spot it...my scope is F6ish but same aperture...thanks mate!

[raymo]

I neglected to mention that to view it at the right size click on the
paperclip, not on the image itself.
raymo

[JoeBlow]

Nice pics, you can see similar structure visually with high magnification but at the cost of losing colour.

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Spent a bit of time Saturday night...still no BP...maybe it doesn't like Shellharbour Did, however, get to look at a fair bit of other DSO's...so was a good session...

[Saturnine (Jeff)]

Hi all
Have been following this thread with some curiosity and on the weekend, being that the skies were clear, put the 150mm refractor on the EQ6 and hunted down the Blue Planetary. Hadn't observed it for a year or two but still remembered the field stars around it, only took a few minutes to find it. A filter is really not necessary for it as it has a reasonably high surface brightness but it is small so about 100X mag, plus, is needed to help show it as a disc.
if you're still having trouble finding it and next Sat. evening is clear, come out with my fellow club members to our observing site out west of Kiama and I'd be happy to guide you to it. It is a lovely little pale blue planetary neb, can see it easily from the Gongs' northern suburbs with mag. 4 naked eye skies in the 150 mm scope.

Jeff

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Thanks for that Jeff! Will keep that in mind...I found the Sombraro last year quicker than this...once I hit on it, I'll never forget where it is!