October Challenge Object (NB) - M16 (Eagle Nebula)

[iceman]

Hi all.

We'd love you to take part in the October Observing and Imaging Challenge (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=69,241,0,0,1,0). Please post your reports and sketches in the Observational Astronomy forum, and your images in the Deep Sky Imaging forum.

Please ensure all images/sketches obey the posting guidelines when you attach them.

While it would be nice if the report, sketch or image were taken in the month of October, it's not essential so feel free to post older reports and images if you're unable to take some new ones.

We look forward to seeing your contributions!

[Robby]

Hi Mike,
Just a small correction here... M16 actually refers to the open cluster surronding the eagle nebula. The nebula itself is actually clasified IC4703...
http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m016.html
I know this is real predantic... but I got hammered with this fact last time I showed my image collection to a astro group!!!... :doh:

PS.. Loverly images of Mars lately! I am very impressed. Just haven't had much time to post lately, or image lately!

Take care.

[Robby]

Anyway here's a starter for the thread. Taken a wee while ago, so it may not be within the rules of the challenge...
Cheers

[iceman]

Yeh I know Robby, the writeup refers to both. It's most commonly known as M16 so that's what I used.

[dhumpie]

Late this time. Anyway like they say better late than never. I have observed this object many times and I have had the best views at low power with all my fast scopes (and my 15x70's). The nebula filter (my Lumicon UHC) greatly enhances this object. I tend to agree with O'Meara that it looks more like casper the lil' ghost rather than an eagle but as they say different people see different things. The nebulosity is a little bit harder without a filter but the cluster is prettier without it. I have made a sketch but I don't think I have scanned it yet. Will upload when I do.

Darren

[xrekcor]

Excellent Robby, and a great start :thumbsup:

regards,CS