MyCn 18 Bingo !!

[astroron (Ron)]

I observed MYCN18 on Saturday night with my 40.64cm Dob and again tonight.
On Saturday night the seeing was not to good ,even so the PN was easely seen, I then got Steve (gargoyle) to have a look in his 30cm, it was not so noticable as in the 40cm but with using Steve's (Quakka) image posted on this forum the PN was confirmed.
Tonight I spent some considerable time observing this object and in moments of good seeing was able to see some extensions away from the bright nuculus, using a 5mm Celestron X-CEL eyepiece. (365xmag).
If the seeing was rearly good I reckon I could possibly make out the rings
Clouds came over so called it a night.
The nights are getting cooler at last, with the temp 7.5degs

[Tamtarn]

Thanks for the report Ron

It will be interesting to know if you can define the rings in the 18" in better conditions.

I couldn't quite make them out in the 12" maybe it's not possible. I think I can bump the power up a bit more. Maybe in better conditions next time I'll try the Pentax 10mm XW barlowed not sure if the 7mmXW barlowed would be too high powered to try but I'll give it a go

It's a very small but interesting object hard for me to find in the 12" using sky maps. I haven't had another chance to look at it again. Looks like the weather is improving now. But of course now I have the pesky moon to contend with

Barb

[astroron (Ron)]

Barb, I was looking at MYCN18 last night with the just befor first quarter Moon,it was quite plain, using a high mag eye piece helps to darken the sky, and you can still see lots of deep sky object with the moon up.
I did not think the O111 filter made much difference in seeing the loops.
I think that with great conditions I could see the loops but I would need a 7mm eye piece or better.
We still have lots of time to see this object at a reasonable time for the next couple of months
What F ratio is your 12"? my scope is a 16" F4.5

[Tamtarn]

Yes Ron I'm looking forward to getting out again in good conditions.

Going on what you say, my best shot will be trying the Pentax XW 7mm.

I don't expect to see too much detail with the 12" but maybe with the right conditions and using the DGM NPB filter and studying it a while longer next time I may be able to get a little more detail.

Here's hoping

The 12" is f5 by the way

[Rodstar (Rod)]

I have tried to make this object out on a few occasions since this thread began, but without much success. The conditions have not been very conducive, and I am without an OIII filter at the moment. I will keep trying, and let you know.....

[astroron (Ron)]

Rod I think that you are seeing it but just like me not realising it, it just looks like a star but under high mag a little bit of shape becomes apparent.
I did not seem to get much benefit out of the O111 but maybe the larger aperture will make a difference Ron

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Thanks for the encouragement Ron. I will keep looking!

[Tamtarn]

The night I found it Rod I used the 27mm Pano to locate it, I wasn't sure if I had it so put the Nagler T4 17mm which has a 82 degree FOV and fantastic contrast giving a very dark background. So it was visible but still very tiny. It just looks like a small smudge with no apparent colour.

I then observed it with the Pentax 10XW which once again has great contrast and with the DGM NPB filter I could see it well with averted vision although still small.

I'm sure if your on the right spot using a lower power EP to start with use averted vision until something comes into the FOV that's a bit like a tiny smudge like a faint fuzzy galaxy even. Then bump the power up until it's more apparent.

I'm sure you'll get it eventually

I still haven't had a chance to see it again yet. The weather here is pretty bad at the moment.

Hope I can locate it again myself

Barb