Recommended DSO targets

[kosborn (Kevin)]

Hi all,

I now have a battery to power my mount and laptop. I even have a spare battery for my very noisy DSLR. I have a nice 550mm focal length f/5.5 refractor and a forecast that suggests I might get clear skies this weekend. There is a waning moon that will stay below the horizon for most of Saturday night so I'm planning a trip out of town for some good dark skies. With all that in mind, I was wondering what others would choose as targets for this time of year...

Kevin

[LewisM]

Running Chicken Nebula (Lambda Centauris)

Not too late for M42, Rosette, or Fox Fur

Eta Carina is still prime

M8 rises late but not too late

Same with Rho Ophiicus

[Jeff]

My suggestions:

Early in evening ~ 2 hours of Eta Carina Nebula.

Then pick one of the following for the remainder of the night:
m65 Leo Triplet
m104 Sombrero Galaxy
m83 Southern Pinwheel Galaxy
6188 Fighting Dragons of Ara

Have fun.

Cheers,
Jeff

[kosborn (Kevin)]

Thanks both of you. A couple of those I've already collected some data on but plenty of others to choose from. Provided the clouds stay away there won't be much sleep for me..

Kevin

[xelasnave]

I dont have my goto working and I cant find M83.
I would have thought it easy but???
So gave the 8 inch a run on eta but the mount needs a pull down.
I have made everything to tight.
But was good to have a run in the qube and just cover it up semi permanet like.

Alex

[kosborn (Kevin)]

Originally Posted by xelasnave

I dont have my goto working and I cant find M83.
I would have thought it easy but???

I think M83 will definitely be a target this weekend (if the clouds stay away).

Kevin

[xelasnave]

I think someone has moved it ☺
Alex