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The most southern planetary in the sky?
Hi
last night I went for the most southern planetary in the sky (that I know of anyway). On Star Atlas pro no other PN is closer to the SCP than this one.
NGC 3195
6x5 mins ISO400. UV/IR filter, Baader MPCC coma corrector, modded 350D, 10 inch f5.6 newtonian
It was odd seeing the scope pointing almost right along the polar axis. Imaging stuff this close to the SCP means polar alingment is more critical than ever. Because I guide off axis the tiniest misalingment means fielf rotation and trailed stars. I dont think collimation is 100% either as Id had the mirror out for cleaning and didnt do a full star collimation afterwards.
I guess the advantage of an object like this is that we can image it anytime in the year, even at its lowest its not too bad for southern observers. Seeing only average, the guidestar occasionally blurring, then steadying.
Scott
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