Observing Running Man (NGC 1977)?

erick (Eric) · #1 03-12-2007, 10:18 PM

Last Saturday evening, I made a sustained effort to observe the Running Man. Am I being too optimistic with my equipment? I've just read "The running man shape appears easily in CCD images, but is much more difficult to detect visually. In fact nebulosity around these stars is not readily visible in 6"-8" scopes."

I did see the nebulosity on Saturday. I was sure I almost could see the shape at Snake Valley some weeks ago. I didn't have quite as dark skies on Saturday as there are at Snake Valley. I couldn't make out the shape. Any tricks/filters I should be using?

I was picking out the main dark lane in the Flame (NGC 2024) quite readily, once I moved Alnitak out of the FOV. BTW, I was splitting the double at Alnitak easily.

goober (Doug) · #2 04-12-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erick

BTW, I was splitting the double at Alnitak easily.

At what magnification, Eric? I've tried this a couple of times at 154x and haven't managed it.

erick (Eric) · #3 04-12-2007, 10:39 AM

I think I was using my 10mm Vixen so that's 120x. Different magnitudes, but it was a clear split. I'll pay more attention and record the parameters next time - hopefully this Friday night.

glenc (Glen) · #4 10-12-2007, 05:50 AM

I can see dark areas in N1973-5-7 with my 12" but have not seen the man himself. Filters probably won't help. The nebulosity can also be seen in 20x80s.

erick (Eric) · #5 10-12-2007, 11:04 AM

Re Alnitak - I didn't split it Friday night so now I'm confused. I have to keep better records! I'll try another night.

Re Running Man - I could make out some dark lanes, but not the figure clearly. Filters did not help. I'll keep trying.

Thanks guys.

goober (Doug) · #6 10-12-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erick

Re Alnitak - I didn't split it Friday night so now I'm confused. I have to keep better records! I'll try another night.

I know what you mean - if I don't go out with a plan, I'm all over the place

I had to go up to 270x to split Alnitak with my 4". There was a hint of it at 192x.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #7 10-12-2007, 03:03 PM

I could just make out the running man when we were looking at him last Friday night, Eric. Only just, but he can be seen.

erick (Eric) · #8 10-12-2007, 03:33 PM

Yes, I should have mentioned that Ken. I thought about it and said, nope, otherwise I will seem too hopeless an amateur!

And now you go and open your mouth and confirm that I am!

I'll get there - it's another challenge on my list now!