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Post by mikeyrea on Dec 23, 2014 22:35:01 GMT
Hi Just joined the forum and thought I'd write a few lines to say hello! A few years ago a picked up a 2nd hand 200P & EQ5 and have been constantly fascinated by the celestial vista ever since. Well, weather permitting anyway. This autumn I've managed to complete my set of planets with Neptune, so am feeling pretty pleased with myself (you know what they say about the simple being easily pleased)! I live the edge of Portstewart, with street lights backing onto the garden, so usually try and get out of town for some decent spotting. Saw the sky at night and the next thing will be having a look for the Horsehead, Flame & California Nebulas. The Orion nebula is magnificant with the UHC filter on Lets hope we get some nice clear skys!
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Post by stevie on Dec 24, 2014 0:57:30 GMT
Welcome to the forum, great to have you on board.
There's a couple of guys up your way who go out observing as often as they can.
We are also planning a couple of public observing sessions up north in the spring, so keep your eye on the forum for more details
That's three interesting, and challenging, targets you have mentioned there. The Flame is not too difficult, although it is rather drowned out by the brightness of nearby Alnitak. The California, although huge, is quite difficult. I saw it once at Bragan using a UHC filter, but it was more of a very slight brightening in the field of view in the eyepiece rather than a direct observation. The Horsehead is difficult to see because it is tiny and also because it is a dark nebula which is only seen against brighter background nebulosity. Again, Alnitak also makes it difficult.
Dark skies are required for all three, but, best of luck in your search, and let us know how you get on.
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Post by mikeyrea on Dec 24, 2014 13:06:04 GMT
Cheers Stevie - these nebula looked nice and big on TSAN! I think I remember looking for the Horsehead before, but gave up with no avail and had a look at the moon instead (I can usually find this pretty easily).
Can't believe I missed the Aurora last night! Got the beep but haven't seen it on 'yellow' before. When it stared to rain that sealed it! Nice photos on the web today!
I'd love to joint in if you were having a public observing session - bet those aren't too easy to organize with our weather!
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