Impromptu Session

Hey all,

Decided at the last minute to go up to the sugar loaf last night with a friend. Basically wanted to get some messier objects in. And also have a look at Orion. Managed to see M1, M35, M36 and M38. Also had a good look at orion and the nebula. Oh, oh and Jupiter of course.

I knew the moon would be up high, wrecking everything. EVERYTHING. It's just the guy at the party that is good for one thing (maybe pouring drinks/providing great detail on craters and such) but kills all other fun and frolics. Still had a look at though, because you kinda have to. And my mate loves looking at it anyway. As I step away from the eyepiece after looking at it, dazed and bit confused, all night vision gone completely, I hate myself for always coming back for more. Anyway, silly, silly moon- with its stabilizing gravitational pull and it's ocean tides trick.

Enough ranting- was actually a really enjoyable session. Looking forward to getting out again.

Oh. If anyone thinks I'm being too mean to our close companion- I'm sorry. It really is a lovely piece of dead orbiting rock.

Sean

It seems only 12" and larger scopes can spot M1 these nights.

Aubrey.

Hi Aubrey. Yes, believe it or not its actually the first time I've seen M1. I went looking for it last year to no avail. It was ridiculously hard to spot that night. A lot of luck i assume. And all through averted vision. And to be honest, a bit of a let dowm

Sean

Hey, Sean (Random Pillars).

I was down in County Kildare last Friday night 16th January 2015, and someone suggested I seek out M1 the Crab Nebula.
I pointed the 158mm apochromatic refractor at Zeta Tauri, and instantly saw the elusive Crab Nebula at a mere 40X. I roared "I have it"! The double star STF 742 was right next to it which I split at 112X. I was very impressed with the nebula at 112X. It was large with its strange shape, but very distinctive. So I don't need a 12" Newtonian after all. The simple problem for my home in Ranelagh is light pollution. And, of course, we cannot have the bright moon in the sky.

Aubrey.

Great job Aubrey. You've made me want to give it another go. Of course, i don't have near the quality of scope you have, so that may also make the difference! Maybe M1 is one of those sights which proves quality design/optics do trump brute force aperture?

Thanks Aubrey. Ill give it another go as soon as i can.

Sean