Witch Head Nebula

[ngcles]

Hi Glen,

I don't have DTU, but using Megastar with Real Sky images (DSS) I agree.

Attached is a Megastar map with DSS overlay of the best bit of the brightest "edge" of IC 2118, and another of IC 434 (B33).

Caveat: Not all DSS plates have the same exposure times so there is no definitive way to compare one plate with another. But ...

Just eyeing them on the screen and comparing the "maximum contrast" points, I'd say the brightest bits of IC 434 are maybe 20% brighter than the best bits of IC 2118 -- but please bear in mind they come from different plates so ... (refer to caveat).

That is why I reckon it is probably best, if possible, to compare another object on the same image/plate. The third image I've attached shows some of IC 2118 on the DSS _and_ the MCG galaxy -1-13-49 I've been comparing it to. In this image again, they are on a par or maybe the galaxy actually wins out slightly?

Which leads to the conclusion that even the best bits of IC 2118 have a SB magnitude about +15.0 to +15.5 mags /sq arc-min.

Very, very, very tough to see!


Best,

Les D

(PS the IC 434 image is in the next post in a moment ...)

(PPS the IC 434 PDF file is too big to upload -- so you'll have to accept my 20% brighter conclusion ...)

[glenc (Glen)]

The second image is good for comparing the nebula with nearby galaxies.

[glenc (Glen)]

Saw N1752 setting last night. My observatory wall was in the way and blocked half my aperture.

[AlexN]

Awesome news Glen! Theres hope for you finding the witchhead yet! Conditions last night were very favorable in my opinion.

[glenc (Glen)]

I saw part of the Witch Head Nebula tonight, the part around RA 5h 5.8m and dec -6d 58m.
It was easier than I expected using a 12" Dob and a 21mm EP at 70X with a 65' field.
Here is an image by Bert (avandonk): http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...8&d=1162147898
Also saw the galaxies NGC 1720 and 1726.

[AlexN]

Congrats Glen!! You must be stoked!

I was trying to take advantage of the first clear night we've had in ages, unfortunately, the wind picked up where the cloud left off.. No images produced

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Also Glen observed the witchs head ( IC 2118 ) tonight with 16" and 26mm meade 5000 eyepiece....stunning and quite easy to find........cheers Kev.

[glenc (Glen)]

Had another look last night and saw all of the northern half of IC2118 with the 12" Dob.

[ngcles]

Hi All,

Congrats guys on you success with IC 2118 -- obviously a testament to the quality of your your dark skies and observing skills. Well done!



Best,

Les D

[glenc (Glen)]

I have light pollution from Casino in the SW, Lismore in the E, Brisbane (150km away) and the Gold Coast in the N/NE.
But it's still better than the sky most of you see. I find that rocking a scope helps with faint, low SB objects because the eye detects movement.

[glenc (Glen)]

William Herschel found the Witch Head on 20/12/1786 with his 18.5" reflector. He numbered it V 38 and wrote "Strongly suspected nebulosity of v. great extent. Not less than 2d 11m of PD [north-south], and 26' of RA in time."
I am not sure why it is now called IC 2118 because it was called NGC 1909.