Horsehead Nebula

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Also the best time to observe the Horsehead is when its directly overhead as your looking through the least atmosphere.
Personaly i think its to late now ,look for next year.
Good luck and Cheers Kev.

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

Thanks for the advice John. Your post explains why it is a tough or impossible target for some, but easier for others. I was with nightstalker (Graham) and glenc when we tried for it and Graham could see an area without much shape to it, whereas Glen has seen most of the HH's shape. I saw absolutely nothing. The Flame nebula seems to be similar. I have seen it much better on some nights than others. Transparency obviously plays a part. Thanks to Mark for the excellent chart. As Kev has said, it can wait until next year, there are much more interesting objects to see.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Also the best time to observe the Horsehead is when its directly overhead as your looking through the least atmosphere.
Personaly i think its to late now ,look for next year.
Good luck and Cheers Kev.

Hi Kev,

I am glad you raised this point because it is something I forgot to mention. An experienced observer takes it as a given that you don't even try for threshhold targets until they have attained very good elevation. However, many less experienced people try for some of these difficult targets whilst they are still down way too low.

Cheers,
John B

[erick (Eric)]

I now have my scope, and my H-Beta filter and the eyepieces and................ too late - I'll have to wait until next year! So be it!

[mozzie (Peter)]

read the replies since my post yesterday and no i dont think i seen it last night had a good hour on it then lost it to the trees.i know its not the ideal time to see it but the challenge is there and thats what i love this weekend will be even darker so you never know????????
there was some outline to the neb but weather it was the horsehead i dont know!!!!!!!!looking at maps i no which direction the head will be so lets try again

[Kevnool (Kev)]

I love adding things.
The more experienced will know but the inexperienced dont.
Take Zeta Orionis out of the field of view to get rid of the glare of that star then take a better look.
Then if you cant see IC434 then you got no show of seeing B33.
Cheers Kev.

[pgc hunter]

Originally Posted by mozzie

read the replies since my post yesterday and no i dont think i seen it last night had a good hour on it then lost it to the trees.i know its not the ideal time to see it but the challenge is there and thats what i love this weekend will be even darker so you never know????????
there was some outline to the neb but weather it was the horsehead i dont know!!!!!!!!looking at maps i no which direction the head will be so lets try again

It's too late to observe the HH anyhow. Ideally it should be near the meridian for your best chances, but now by the time it gets fully dark, and allowing time for dark adaption, Orion is virtually kissing the horizon.

[mozzie (Peter)]

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

It's too late to observe the HH anyhow. Ideally it should be near the meridian for your best chances, but now by the time it gets fully dark, and allowing time for dark adaption, Orion is virtually kissing the horizon.

but its still good fun trying and just bought the filter

[pgc hunter]

Originally Posted by mozzie

but its still good fun trying and just bought the filter

You're not going to get anywhere with Orion barely 15º above the horizon just as twilight ends.

[rlow (Richard)]

We manage to observe the Horsehead Nebula twice quite a few years ago under dark skies in Malaysia. The first time we were using the Teleport 10 with 40XL and H-beta filter. I observe the whole figure with direct vision, while two of my observing buddies managed to catch a glimpse using averted vision. Another buddy could not see it at all. The second time I observed the Horsehead was with a 11" f/5 Astrosky dob using a 40 XW and Ultrablock filter (I didn't have the H-beta filter). I manage to see it with averted vision.

[Dean]

I've seen it with my naked eye... I was looking at Orion neb and this horse ran across in front of me with its head in the exact right position. It was amazing with excellent contrast