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SUCCESSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
After 8 or more years of trying to observe this dim sucker of a target in telescopes smaller than 25" I have finally succeeded.
Second to Andrew I have probably observed this target visually more than anyone else. I had previously only ever been able to observe it visually in telescopes of 25" aperture and larger. I had tried a couple of times in Andrew's 20"/F5 and while he was able to see it, I wasn't. I have also tried a few times in my own 18"/F4.5 without success. I have an ability to see deeper than most but I think Andrew must have a 20mm pupil dilation to see as deep as he does. Regardless of telescope size and observer skill, it requires good optics, good eyepieces, clear transparent skies, very dark skies, excellent dark adaption and high target altitude above the horizon.
At the most recent Ozsky event which finished last Friday (formerly Deepest South Texas Star Safari) I was able to observe it last Wednesday evening in James Pierces 16"/F4 SDM. The skies were very good and transparent and the target was located at zenith. It goes without saying that the telescope is outstanding as are all of Peter Read's creations. Andrew, myself and James Pierce all observed it in the 16" scope. Several others on the field were able to observe it in one of the 25"/F5 Obsessions. Visually, it appears more triangular in shape than circular due to the lower brightness of a couple of the outer sections.
Cheers,
John B
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