Limiting magnitude on a sct

Hi

Just wondering what level of magnitude should one expect to get down to (visually) in the light poluted skies of dublin with an 8' sct

Thanks

Normally around mag 14 in a dark sky however its hard to say because i dont know the extent of the light pollution there however on the plus side stellar objects should be easier to detect than fuzzies of the same mag. What are your observing targets?

Good luck and clear skies David

Hi

Just wondering what level of magnitude should one expect to get down to (visually) in the light poluted skies of dublin with an 8' sct Thanks

David,

The limiting stellar magnitude typically quoted for an 8-inch scope is 13.5, perhaps a bit better under really good skies. It's difficult to say what you'll reach under Dublin's light polluted skies, as it depends on where you are and how much dust or moistness is in the air reflecting light etc.

Deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae and the like are a different matter as the surface brightness is what counts, not necessarily quoted magnitudes.

I usually try a few well known objects first and how they look gives me some idea of what to try for after that.

Starlord

Well Was hoping to try for something deep sky like m51 or something which is below naked eye visibilty

David, It all depends on the extent of the local light pollution, but at the zenith, I typically can get to 13.5 on a good transparent night, but maybe at about only 11 really low down.

You should get M51 alright, just depends on where it is in the sky at the time your looking,

Keith..

David --

I think you're going to have trouble with M51 from Celbridge. In my 8" (from 15m north of Drogheda), I get two dim smudges, and I've got a *lot* less light pollution.

Keep in mind that with our damp air, the altitude has a dramatic effect on the light pollution. So if you wait until 4am or so (when M51 is approaching the zenith), your chances will be much better. In April, midnight will do.

Even better would be to go someplace dark. There's a dark spot on my light pollution map half-way between Kinnegad and Tyrrellspass, a bit south of the N4.

Good luck,
-- Jeff.