Observations - 20/02/20

flt158 wrote: You will love Ursa Major, Darren.
Do give it your best shot when the skies clear.
You might consider observing Alula Australis (Xi Ursae Majoris).

That star in Andromeda must be the faintest. Its carbon designation is Case 717 and its magnitude was +13.2. It was an extremely clear and pitch black night with no Moon and no wind. I could only see the orange star by inverted vision, i.e, the star would disappear when I looked at it directly. I don't expect to see 13.5 magnitude stars any time soon.

But I am thrilled to own this scope and I don't covet amateurs who have larger scopes.

Hi Aubrey, 

Very many thanks for for answering those questions. 13.2 - that is low! Just goes to show what your scope can do. Having had the privilege of looking through it on a few different occasions now, it is a magnificent instrument. The colours are so rich and crisp, and that focuser... Wow! 

Clear skies, 

Darren. 

lunartic wrote: Ursa Major is galaxy country.  Working my way through the Herschel 400 I have already observed many galaxies in Ursa Major and I still have 29 to go.  There is also the Owl Nebula and numerous double stars.
BTW, I am not a fan of galaxies.
Paul

Hi Paul, 

Please pardon my ignorance here; but how many Galaxies are in Ursa Major? 

The only time I've spent in Ursa Major was trying locate M81, 82, and 101. And to my shame, I couldn't find one! 

Hopefully, this time round I'll have better success. 

Clear skies, and best of luck with the rest of this Herschel 400. 

Darren. 

There are more than 50 within the reach of a medium sized telescope, 46 are in the Herschel list.  I am sure there are hundreds more that require larger scopes.

Hi Paul, 

Very many thanks for answering my question. I was astonished to read that there are more than 50 within reach of a medium sized scope...amazing stuff!

Clear skies, 

Darren.