Top Three Observational Targets

ausmensan (Simon) · #1 29-01-2008, 03:51 PM

Hiya,

I reasonably new, so this has probably been done many times previously....

However, what are your top three targets for observation. Perhaps to make it interesting, we can exclude M42, 47 Tuc and Omega Centauri?

Mine are:

The Sombrero Galaxy: NGC 4594 (an amazing sight)

Stargate: near M104 nice cluster/asterism? , and

Saturn, always a pleasure to view.

Any takers?

erick (Eric) · #2 29-01-2008, 03:53 PM

This one will always be in my list:-

NGC 4755 (Kappa Crucis - "The Jewel Box")

goober (Doug) · #3 29-01-2008, 04:00 PM

Eta Carinae and surrounds
NGC 253
Moon

§AB · #4 29-01-2008, 04:04 PM

-Running Chicken Nebula
-Cederblad 122
-Thors Helmet

While the Running Chicken and Ced 122 will never be showpieces, I love the challenge of teasing them from my light polluted skies and the sense of accomplishment when I do get them in sight.

As for Thor's Helmet.....unforgettable in an 18" scope from a dark sky.

edwardsdj (Doug) · #5 29-01-2008, 04:50 PM

The Tarantula nebula would be high on my list

Rodstar (Rod) · #6 29-01-2008, 06:44 PM

With the extra aperture, I enjoy picking out detail in the spiral arms of NGC 1365 and M83.

The Large Mag Cloud is a stunning target in any sized scope, and is right up there.

At the risk of breaking rules, I would also include Eta Carinae. Simply stunning.

AJames · #7 29-01-2008, 06:47 PM

For me

1) NGC 4755 - Jewel Box
2) Acrux - Alpha Crucis
3) He2-434 in Pavo - Neat far southern little lost planetary in the middle of nowhere.

Andrew

Phil · #8 29-01-2008, 08:27 PM

i love the jewel box to.
Alpha crucis great to look at to
Eta and wide field views of the milky way
Phil

Brian W (Brian) · #9 31-01-2008, 10:20 PM

The Sombrero Galaxy: NGC 4594 (an amazing sight)

Stargate: near M104 nice cluster/asterism? , and

Saturn, always a pleasure to view.

Any takers?

[/quote]

I am at 10 N.L. so these may not be in your sky but for me Andromeda ranks high, the Christmas Tree nebula and on the rare dark clear nights the Milky Way.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #10 31-01-2008, 10:28 PM

In order of favourite:

1. Fornax/Eridanus Galaxy Field
2. Doradus Galaxy Field
3. Virgo Cluster

Matty P (Matt) · #11 31-01-2008, 10:30 PM

For me,

The Tarantula Nebula - NGC 2070

47 Tuc - NGC 104

Saturn

Bobj · #12 01-02-2008, 06:32 AM

Hmmm, let's see...
M31
M22 and the Sagittarius star fields.
moon

WadeH (Wade) · #13 01-02-2008, 07:39 AM

Ok, my turn.

Omega centauri- NGC 5139
The Leo Triplet- M66, M65, NGC 3628
Saturn.