An exceptional PN: NGC 6572

[Gem (Grant)]

Hi all!
Just thought I'd share an object that really surprised me tonight: NGC 6572 in Ophiuchus. I had not observed it before (that I can recall), but it was a stunner. Very bright and very "planet" like - a classic "planetary nebula".
Its nice when a little known (to me anyway!) object throws up a surprise.

[Suzy]

Thanks Grant.

Just looked it up and it does look a nice interesting one- I'll be sure to add it to my next obs. list.

What structure and colour did you see?
You have been grabbing a bag full of those pn's!

[astroron (Ron)]

Sounds interesting Grant, will give it a whirl in the16" when the weather clears up by this weekend
Cheers

[Gem (Grant)]

Not much structure - but with impending cloud I only used low power. It was very "planetary". A tiny globe of blue. Pretty much like what you'd expect Neptune or Uranus to look like. Since it is small, it has a high surface brightness for its magnitude - making it a very easy target to find in light polluted skies. I would love to try again tonight (it is clear!!) with a higher power eyepiece.
I might get an OIII filter soon at the rate I am looking at PN!!
To clarify - "low power" was a 25mm plossl... so around x94 magnification. I'll pump it up tonight. I was a little rushed last night covering about 12 objects in the time before partial cloud made it too frustrating.
For those who are interested, the other objects I saw from suburban Canberra last night were: NGC 6530/M8, 70 Ophiuchus, NGC 6553 (mag 8.3 GC in Sag), NGC 6569 (mag 8.4 GC in Sag), NGC 6744 (mag 11 gal in Pavo), NGC 6751 (mag 11.9 PN in Aquila), NGC 6712 (mag 8 GC in Scutum, NGC 6584 (mag 7.9 GC in Telescopium) and M57 partially hidden by tree leaves and low to the horizon.

[Suzy]

Thanks for the great report Grant.

I can't wait for your observations on NGC 6572 with higher mag.- look forward to it!!
It is utterly windy and pouring with rain today here in Brissy.

[Gem (Grant)]

Well I up'ed the mag to medium! (I usually only take two eyepieces with me outside... no idea why but it is habit now).
So through the 15mm Celestron Axiom...
It appeared more green tonight. Definitely a bright green-blue in colour. It still has a globe appearance, but the edges aren't quite as sharp as a real planet would be. There is a slight elongation (like a mandarin in shape!). Not really a lot of detail but the colour and brightness make it well worth the effort. I have a long focal length (f/10), so I would recommend med to high power for those of shorter focal length.

Let me know how you go!

Ps I also observed six "new" (for me) globular clusters ranging from mag 8.6 to 9.9 in Sag, Del and Oph, plus Comet Garradd for the first time - so quite a productive night for a week night in the 'burbs.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by Gem

Hi all!
Just thought I'd share an object that really surprised me tonight: NGC 6572 in Ophiuchus. I had not observed it before (that I can recall), but it was a stunner. Very bright and very "planet" like - a classic "planetary nebula".
Its nice when a little known (to me anyway!) object throws up a surprise.

Hi Grant,

Did you happen to stumble on this one whilst working through my 600 target observing list ?

It has been one of my favourites for many years, hence it's inclusion in the list, but for whatever reason it doesn't seem to get much recognition elsewhere. In my opinion it is clearly a nicer planetary than several which made Mr Moore's Caldwell List

Cheers,
John B

[Gem (Grant)]

Yes, it was on the list! The list has been helpful in filling in some "gaps" in my observing. Having said that, I have also been viewing quite a few nice objects not on the list too - 'the skies the limit'!