September Observing Report

After a very disapointing August, mid September has started to provide some clear spells. Finally a high pressure graces the UK over the weekend allowing me to get some observing and imaging under my belt.

On friday 19th, I spent some time imaging M13 (The Hercules Cluster). Being a bright deep sky object, I was able to take shortish exposures yet still bring out plenty of detail. This is the first image of a globular cluster I have taken through the 250px scope and am very pleased with the results. The Saturday night was even better with zero wind, the moon rising a bit later and crystal clear skies. Hints of the milky way were visible and I was able to split the 'double double' stars in Lyra for the first time this year. With that in mind, I knew that conditions were very good. I set up the Canon 70-300mm zoom lens to take shots of the Veil Nebula (a first for both the lens and target). While this was snapping away, I spent some time observing with the 250px. The highlight has to be seeing the Western complex of the Veil Nebula (using an OIII Filter). Absolutely brilliant to recognise this object first hand!