Rosette Nebula

Scorpius51 (John) · #1 13-12-2012, 09:34 PM

Has anyone viewed the Rosette Nebula in Monoceros? According to 'The Night Sky Observers Guide Vol. 1', it is possible to view it through 10x50 bins. In a 8"/10" scope at x50, it is described as bright. I tried last night with a 10" Dob, but couldn't make it out. It is possible that high level cloud may have reduced transparency, and was low in alt at 15 degrees at the time.

Cheers
John

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #2 14-12-2012, 01:13 AM

It's so big and spread out that it has a pretty low surface brightness. I know that in my 8" f/6 dob I can get roughly 1/4 of it in my 25mm eyepiece (x48). It's barely there, more like a wispy undulation in the background brightness. An OIII filter helps a little. I don't recall ever seeing it in binos, though.

Scorpius51 (John) · #3 14-12-2012, 10:56 AM

Thanks Jacquie, I believe you are correct. It is an extended & dim nebula. I guess the description of it being bright refers more to the associated open cluster of stars near its 'core'.

mental4astro (Alexander) · #4 14-12-2012, 11:09 AM

I've seen it in 10x50 binos, out at a dark site though. Soft round "doughnut" glow, feebly competing with the brighter cluster.

Neat in a rich field scope it is a challenge to make out, & an OIII filter is just about a must. I saw it once through my 17.5" at 66x with an OIII, WOW! Looked just as in photos with all the mottling and dark pillars, though not as bright but still stunning detail.

Here's a link to a sketch of it by Scott Mellish:

http://www.asod.info/?p=2144

Mental.