January observing challenge object selection

[orestis]

hi everyone,

I think we should have a list of object types ,the object and a description/finder chart eg.

Open cluster- Ngc 2516: Is called The Diamond Cluster because of its stellar clarity. The cluster itself is easily visible with the naked eye from dark skies but binoculars will yield a much better view. The Diamond Cluster contains two beautiful 5th magnitude red giants and three double stars. A small telescope would be required to split the double stars. It contains about 100 stars that appear about the same size as a full moon.It is located about 2 1/2 degrees from the mag 2 star Epsilon carinae star which is part of the false cross.

What objects do you want in this months challenge?

I think we should have about 6 objects but of different types eg. planetary,emission,reflection,galax ies,oc,gc and the rest.

My 6 objects are-1.oc-ngc 2516
2.galaxy-fornax cluster
3.emmision nebula-m42 orion nebula
4.double star- Rigel
5.gc-47 tucanae
6.pleiades

Thank you to anyones input,
orestis
ps-we will add descriptions in the actual challenge thread

[pgc hunter]

Sab's January challenge objects:

Galaxy: IC 335
A nice little Spindle located just north of the Fornax cluster. Blue Magnitude is 12.9. Can you see it's strongly elongated shape?

Nebula: Sh 2-296 (IC 2177)
The Seagull Nebula in Canis Major. Requires dark skies and preferably a scope/EP combo yielding atleast 1 degrees true field of view. Best seen with short focal length/richfield scopes at low power.

Cluster: NGC 121
A tiny, faint globular belonging to the SMC. Mag 11.2, and located about 30' northeast of 47 Tuc.

[michaellxv (Michael)]

A range of targets is good also think about a range of difficulties so that everyone can be challenged. Is this a dark sky challenge or a light polluted backyard challenge

at least 1 object suited to beginners
at least 1 object that will challenge experienced observers
at least 1 object suited to small telescopes - we don't all have big 6" dobs
the rest ranging somewhere in between
optional a binocular challenge or a naked eye challenge

Not much time left in January. Some nominations in no particular order.

Mars polar cap
trapezium in M42
k Puppis

Probably need the more experience members to nominate the hard stuff.

[orestis]

Thanks michael and sab for objects,

sab-Wow you got some pretty faint stuff there i think it will be quite a challenge for the us with the small scopes.

Michael- i like the idea of the mars polar ice cap as i tried yesterday and it was so blurry i couldn't see a thing.

Its starting to get late in january so any last inputs must be done by this friday.moon might be a problem but we can always have objects on the moon.

regards Orestis

[M54 (Molly)]

I'd be happy with your six orestis.
3, 4 and 6 I can find easily.
47 tuc might be a bit of a challenge from my backyard (trees).
ngc 2516 I may be able to locate.
The Fornax cluster will probably prove extremely hard for me.

But that's what the word CHALLENGE means, doesn't it?

I like Michaels idea of a mix of targets according to scope size/experience.

Sab I think your suggestions are a little beyond my present capabilities.

[Benno18 (Ben)]

Well this has livened things up. Already looking forward to the weekend to get the scope out and have a look for a few of the above objects.
Do like Michael's idea the best.
Maybe a thred for the upcoming month as well so ideas of objects can be left. Final objects picked a few days in advance of the end of the month.

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

Pretty good selection of objects. Since the lists have appeared we have had clouds appear!

I bet Sab is out in his back yard, huffing and puffing, blowing all that crap Victorian cloud up our way!! Hope I get the chance to see some, plus the rest of Puppis.

[orestis]

Hi all,

Thank you for your input i'll use the nominated objects to make an observing challenge in the thread named January observing challenge.

Michael-i'll use your idea its great

Molly-What sized scope do you have?i'll put in hard ones and moderate and easy levels.

Ben-i think we should start making selections for the next month now.

Paul-Oh dear yes clouds our worst enemy .Well at least you'll have next month.


regards orestis

[pgc hunter]

Originally Posted by Lismore Bloke

Pretty good selection of objects. Since the lists have appeared we have had clouds appear!

I bet Sab is out in his back yard, huffing and puffing, blowing all that crap Victorian cloud up our way!! Hope I get the chance to see some, plus the rest of Puppis.

Haha the correct term however is *Melbourne Cloud*....the northern half of Vic is one of the sunniest places in the entire country in summer!

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

I stand corrected.