Quote:
Originally Posted by mental4astro
Bugger, I always miss out...
One more binocular target to add. An amazing collection of light and dark surrounds the grouping of M8, M20 and M21. Not only are these impressive on their own, but as a collective through binos, and amazingly extensive amount of dark nebulosity also fills the area. Gossamer-like curtains screen out areas of background star clouds, while dark, sinister fingers punch their way through the scene.
As Steffen also affirmed, a dark site is necessary to see these dark features. However, the dark nebulosity and dark pillars in Eta Carina can be easily seen from urban areas. An OIII filter is a help to tone down the light pollution sky glow. The dark pillars could be more challenging, but I have spotted them in an 8" scope from my home in Sydney without filters. If you don't have an OIII filter, try using different eyepieces to vary the contrast in the image produced.
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I was lookinv at the grouping of M8, M20, and M21 last night and it certainly a crowded area with lots of attractions. I see it was writtn up in the Bintel newspaper as well.