Woops, Eze, I overlooked your "without counting open clusters".
OK, here is a challenge. It can be done with 12x60s if you are patient and let your eyes "see". Look for a faint red star (DY Crucis) near Beta Crucis (Mimosa). Initially you might have to move Mimosa just out of the field of view to remove its glare. Check the charts so you know where DY Crucis is relative to Mimosa. Stare directly at the star when you locate it and your eyes will slowly see the colour better.
Here:-
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ead.php?t=2397
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=27083
Apologies, glenc, for hijacking the thread
Eric
