Newbie Log of the sights
Hi all, been posting in the beginners forums but starting to use my little 114 f8 EQM Newt and search out some of the sights. Located in Auckland, NZ I'm lucky enough to have a light sheilded area in my back yard with a flat concrete base to set up on. Gives me good views of the Sth Eastern to Sth Western skies with some views to the North West and North. I'll trim a few trees soon and improve that range. I have a 12mm Plossl and 20 mm GSO Wideview with a 2 x Barlow giving me reasonable range to use.
I have a 10" Truss Dob started in the workshop but in the meantime I am starting to find my way round the skies. Finding that it's relatively easy to identify the Constellations by naked eye ( thanks to Stellarium ) but gets dang confusing when all them extra stars appear in the eyepiece !!!
So working my way out from the Crux, an easy reference over last week or two have observed the following. Been a bit cold but thermal top, gloves and a cap help.
Mimosa and the Jewel Box nearby and the Southern Pleiades.
Within the Crux or nearby:
NGC 4349, using averted vision.
NGC 4439, central Crux area
NGC 4337,
Further afeild
NGC 5316
M7, magnificent show in 20mm, scary with the Barlow.
Think I've spotted few others but have been unable to identify them positvely. Going to use the monthly list to find more as it gives such useful hints. I'm prechecking with 10 x 50 bins to point me into a region before I aim the scope.
I have been logging these against an NGC listing but not sure about the ratings of 'seeing' and 'transparency' and how they are qualified.
In the meantime I'm learning heaps and enjoying the night air. Wait till I complete the 10". The backyard works amazingly well despite the LP but I have several darksites available within a half hours drive and the Legnum wagon will hande a 10" in the back easily.
And the weather has been very cooperative lately ...amazing !
Clear Skies !!
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