At last...M66 with 15x70 Binos in Town!

[Davekyn (David)]

At last, I pulled of a respectable viewing session. With all the fuss over Lulin and Saturn these past few days, I noticed M66 for the 1st time listed on my Iphone StarMap program. I tried pulling it off with my 12" Dob from a dark site; however because I was caught up concentrating on other things, I simply could not find it as I gap hazardly attempted this gave up.

Then I later came across Glens post about his Obs with a pair of 20X80s...spured on, I decided to take my 15X70s to work, and when the opurtunity arose, I slipped out to give M66 a go.

What a difference it makes when you know where to look. I took my time somewhat more farmiliar with LEO & Saturns position. Check the star paterns and counted all the apropriate stars. Once I knew I was
in the right spot, I summened up all the powers of averted vission as well as a few blinks + darting my eyes here and there. I was over the moon, to discover what appeared to be my first DSO galaxy. It was not bright...But I could make out some shape

This took place in mild to strong light polution, which is another reason I'm stoked about it. I'll never underestimate the binos again.

[glenc (Glen)]

Well done Dave, where did you observe from?

[Davekyn (David)]

Thanks Glen,
On the edge of the Toowoomba CBD...I was observing out the back of some units where I was on the night shift. I'm a disabililty support worker. There were also some fairly strong street lights about as well as the CBD glare. I can't wait to try it with my dob next. Time for some ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs now.

[dannat (Daniel)]

great work Dave, binos are very satisfying

[erick (Eric)]

Keep looking in that area Dave, and you should see this (in dark skies):-

http://www.astronomyphotos.com/LeoTriplet.htm