Less than perfect conditions tonight re transparency & light adaptation (damn computers!), but I ventured outside this evening to see if I could spot Pal 8 in the 4.5" reflector (using 21mm ep). It's there alright, but never more than a very dim, small roundish glow - very difficult when I first went out (no surprise!) but more clear later. Not easy like Pal 9, but nowhere near as difficult as Pal 7.
Seeing I was out there, had a go at a few others, E3, Rup 106 & Pal 12. E3 & Rup 106 were quite low, and unfavourably placed with respect to the town lights. Nothing at Rup 106 position, but a hint of something at E3, enough to encourage me to have a go under more favourable conditions. Tried Pal 12 just for the reason I have a shot showing some density & central brightening
. Found the exact position and saw what appeared to be the little triangle of stars near it, but hadn't realised just how very, very tiny & faint this little triangle is. There was the vaguest hint of something there at times, but nothing I'd remotely call a sighting. Suspect higher power (only using 43x) and a
lot more light needed! Anyway, it was an interesting hour or so!
Cheers -