Quote:
Originally Posted by Shamrocker
Hi Suzy,
As a real beginner based about 6km east of Brisbane CBD and without the ability to get away to dark skies (young kids) - I was wondering how accessible the items on your list would be to me?
I have an 8" dob!
Thanks
Aidan
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Hi Aidan,
You will certainly be able to observe some of these targets from light polluted skies in an 8" scope. However, keep in mind that whilst you might still be able to see some targets under light polluted skies, the view will be "washed out" and lack contrast compared to the view from darker skies.
You will certainly be able to see some of the bright globular clusters, planetary nebula, open clusters and double stars. Most of the galaxies and some of the planetary nebula because they are dim extended objects and more diffuse, will be difficult to find in an 8" scope under light polluted skies.
If you are unable to jump in the car and drive for 30 to 60 minutes to get to decent skies, you might want to set yourself an observing program that isn't so affected by light pollution. For instance double stars, variable stars, moon, planets etc are not really affected by light pollution, so you may wish to focus more on those types of targets.
If you are interested I could put something together for you from my 600 target list that could be observed under urban skies and will keep you busy for a while
Cheers,
John B