ring nebula

Phizzy (Phill) · #1 15-08-2009, 09:41 AM

Hi All
a couple of nights ago I was observing the ring nebula (M57) in Lyra and at the time small/thin rain clouds were passing between the object and my telescope (skywatcher collapsable 8" DOB). As the view was slightly obscured the nebula seemed to increase in brightness by 10x.... I mean it really 'neoned'

Any ideas why?
Phill

DavidU (Dave) · #2 15-08-2009, 10:30 AM

Maybe a rare moment of almost perfect seeing.

MrB (Simon) · #3 15-08-2009, 04:18 PM

Pure conjecture here, but what are the chances that the thin cloud was infact high level cloud and that extra light from M57 was refracted thru ice crystals into the telescope?
Kinda like the ring you sometimes see around the moon when thin cloud moves through?

pgc hunter · #4 15-08-2009, 06:08 PM

I suspect that the layer of cloud moved off the nebula while he was viewing allowing all its light to hit the eye.

mozzie (Peter) · #5 15-08-2009, 06:27 PM

i was observing ring neb last night seeing was excellent wish the high cloud had brightened the neb for me what a sight still nice to look at hopefully astrofest is clear and fine 4 sleeps to go
mozzie

pgc hunter · #6 15-08-2009, 06:29 PM

There is no way high cloud would have a brightening effect on any object, let alone a faint PNe.

ngcles · #7 15-08-2009, 07:45 PM

Hi Phil & All,

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgc hunter

I suspect that the layer of cloud moved off the nebula while he was viewing allowing all its light to hit the eye.

Not only is this the best explanation, it is the only explanation ... unless the laws of physics are on the blink again

Occam's razor my friend ... Occam's razor.

Best,

Les D