Quote:
Originally Posted by ZeroID
Ron > DOH! of course they would  ... thinking about it after it makes sense obviously, thanks for the info.
Suzy > I'll put M77 on the list, and the others, thanks. 
Generally speaking, when I say I 'saw' the swirl of the galaxy it was only hints of lighter areas and a faint pinpoint of light at the core. No way could I see the whole galaxy and it was only discenible after about 20 minutes of dark adaptation and averted vision. Also giving the scope a wee nudge so it jiggled slightly seemed to show it, weird.
Wish I'd powered up the mount, even the 114 mm Newt currently sitting on it could have made a significant difference. Weather is looking good for tonight and the next few apparently although the temperatures are down around 6 degrees. I'll try and get it up and going while the weather holds and have another go while it's high in the sky at a reasonable time of night.
Also spotted Saturn and Omega Cent Glob. Moon was blinding even with the scope cap on. |
Brent, do you have dark and reasonably good conditions from where you observe? I'd sure love to hear your report on M83 thru your 10" if you do get a chance. Meanwhile, I'll keep persevering observing M83.
Though, Mental4Astro (Alexander) did make a good point recently. He pointed out that here in Eastern Australia we've had a ton of moisture in the air the last couple of years (loads of rain) and went on to say that galaxies have been of very poor quality to observe during this time. I've only just started observing galaxies in the last 6mths or so (with exception of M104 & M31) as I wanted to polish my skills on nebulae first, so I wouldn't know what to expect from them normally.