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View Full Version here: : M57 the first time ever

GeoffW1
04-08-2007, 11:36 PM
I just can't say how exciting this was for me. I have read about this object and looked at it in photos for years, and always promised myself it would be an early observing goal once I got my paws on a decent telescope.

Tonight I realised it was accessible, with average seeing from my Sydney backyard, so I dialled it in to my Argo Navis, hunted about a bit with a 8mm Orion Stratus, and there it was. Wow. Adding an Astronomik UHC filter assisted somewhat, and it made me wonder if a OIII filter would be even better.

It looked better with the 8mm than through a 4mm Vixen, and I think I have read here that it is advisable not to try for too much power with nebulae. After a bit with averted vision I could see the central void quite well, but I don't think I picked up the central star. Just my fevered imagination.
astronut
05-08-2007, 08:18 AM
Hi Geoff,
There's nothing like finding that object that you've seen in images and books in front of your own eyes and through your scope.
A 0111 filter will improve the view, but not by a whole lot.
There are many delights like this waiting for you, so get back out there!!:lol:
jjjnettie
05-08-2007, 09:03 AM
It's one object that you keep coming back to. It can take as much magnification as the seeing will allow.
Congratulations on finally viewing it.
Ric
10-08-2007, 03:28 PM
Congrats Geoff on the visual capture, It's always a great feeling to see a DSO for the first time.

I'm still waiting for my first viewing of this and the Andromeda galaxy. I always been in the wrong location or there is something in the way like a house or a tree

Cheers
NQLD_Newby
13-08-2007, 02:03 PM
Hi Geoff,

I too recently saw this object for the first time. I suspect your views were quite a bit more detailed than mine, but I understand your excitement. Congrats.
Tannehill
13-08-2007, 05:03 PM
The showcase planetary for us nothern hemisphere dudes. It is neat....I see new stuff in that each time I look.....

We will trade it to you Aussies for either 47tuc or Omega Centauri, and throw in 1/2 of the Veil for no extra charge.

You cover all shipping charges, of course....

Scott