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September Observing Report
First light with Skyliner 250PX
My first opportunity to use my new 10" Dobsonian telescope. I knew that the just past full moon would hinder most deep sky observing. However I was still wowed by the added brightness and detail brought out by this powerful scope. I also noticed that using higher magnification eyepieces does not cause objects to look dimmer (like my refracter does). Orientation (while moving the tube) takes some getting used to with the two mirror's in the scope giving me a mirror-reversed image in the eyepiece. One notable object that really impressed me was M57 (the ring nebula) which was much brighter and clearer than I have ever seen.
Other objects viewed during the my first light...
Alberio double star - simply stunning at all magnifications with this scope
M13 - Hercules Cluster - Very impressive as expected (can't wait to look without the moon!)
M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy - Faint double smudge, but to be expected with the moon around
Double Cluster - much the same view as in the refracter (unexpectedly), again the moon played a part
2nd & 3rd sessions with the Skyliner
The most amazing viewing nights I have had to date; most especially the 3rd whereby there was a distinct improvement further on all objects. I could see the 'shape' of The Whirlpool Galaxy (no spiral arms though). Had wonderful views of various deep sky objects in Cygnus (Dumbbell, Ring nebula, M56 globular cluster). I also saw the blinking nebula for the first time and it really does dissapear when you stare at it then re-appear when you blink! I saw no fewer than 8 objects I have never seen before and many impressive double stars were also viewed.
All objects viewed during these sessions...
5 Double stars - Alberio, Almach, 61 Cygni, Gamma Delphi, Epsilon Lyrie (double double)
5 Gobular Clusters - M3, M13, M15, M56, M92
Double Cluster in Perseus
3 Galaxies - M31/M32/M110 (Andromeda), M51 (Whirlpool), M81/82 (Bodes),
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