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2023-12-15

Condition: VG5

Location: Home, Spearfish: 44.49, -103.87

7:15PM

Target: M 31, Andromeda Galaxy

Const: Andromeda

RaDec: 00h42m +41°16

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x

Target: Jupiter

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x

Target: Saturn

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x

8:55PM

Target: M 42, Orion Nebula

Const: Orion

RaDec: 05h35m -05°23

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x, Orion Ultrablock

Now that Orion was well over the horizon, I went out to view the Orion Nebula for the first time in a while. This time I was able to use my Ultrablock filter. I feel like the Ultrablock helps expand the size of the nebula out a bit, and I feel I was able to get a little more definition in the structure.

9:09PM

Target: NGC 281

Const: Cassiopeia

RaDec: 00h52m +56°33

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x, Orion Ultrablock, AV

Image

The Ultrablock filter seems like it could be a requirement. I wasn't able to discern much (hardly a detection) without it. With the filter, the nebula still takes a decent amount of AV before it materializes, once it does, the view of it is pretty good. I can make out the "mouth" of Pacman. There are a few stars coming out of the mouth in a straight line which look like the "dots" that Pacman eats.

9:28PM

Target: NGC 7635, Bubble Nebula

Const: Cassiopeia

RaDec: 23h20m +61°12

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x, Orion Ultrablock, AV

Image

A bit difficult. Prolonged AV would allow a circular shape to pop in and out of view.

9:39PM

Target: NGC 457

Const: Cassiopeia

RaDec: 01h19m +58°16

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x

Image

Cool cluster! Has distinct shape with three "branches" of stars forming the shape of a triangle.

9:46PM

Target: NGC 663

Const: Cassiopeia

RaDec: 01h46m +61°12

Scope: AT102ED

Setting: 55x

Image

Once I set my eyes on the target, only a few of the brightest stars were apparent. In a matter of 5-10 seconds, some of the smaller stars gradually came into view in unison. Almost as if someone slowly turned up a dimmer switch.