I remove the globular cluster head. It has been over a month of observation in the Sierra Baza and yet I keep thinking about it. The experience of trying to go into the inside I was impressed, the quality of the sky accompanied by much and certainly favored the observation give many fruits.
thing that haunts me is to remember those dark areas that I observed in him. I've seen plenty of photographs of the cluster, some impressive inside well resolved but no trace of those huge dark alleys I saw. Perhaps because the picture builds up all in one "filling" each hole until the whole interior cluster (adding stars from all levels of depth) but the eye does not accumulate as the camera and those more distant and weaker magnitudes are not visible allowing you to see that there are "regions" or dark gaps between the lanes of stars if visible.
I wrote in the Chronicle commented:
"With 8 mm also well-liked star alignments, in fact attracted our attention on the central area a couple of alignments parallel star, intense, would be the equivalent of Jupiter's equatorial bands, but in the center of the cluster. There was a third below but more diffuse and was lost among the background stars. Of the two most noticeable one was more intense and wider and the other thinner, or less density of stars. Interestingly at the end of this last "banda" (to the left side of the picture as he looked) revealed a clump of stars, as if it had been broken or separated from the band. It was fascinating details he could see. While watching all these bands and alignments with canes Weird warned me of something that stood out in the periphery of the image, at about 11 o'clock . An empty region of stars apparently left a black hole extending outward like a river of darkness . The whole image was full of stars and alignments except in the area, with indirect vision highlighted an elongated stain dark or mysterious vacuum. "
When I wrote this very strong emotion felt by the new experience was a new vision of an old friend. I remember when I saw the black region as a river of darkness I asked if they were imagining things or if he was there in sight. A colleague confirmed immediately and I thought ... Does anyone else have seen this gap of darkness? ... This is the sketch I made in graphite:
I have read many times visual depictions of this cluster but none of this detail is described dark river, and yet was so clear ... The difference with other observations is that this increases decided to use more than usual, to the maximum allowed me the night, taking the edge image.
The surprise came a few days after this observation the hand of David Levy. Reading his book "Sky Guide" indicates a comment on this cluster: " Some nineteenth-century observers reported several dark stripes running through this cluster, and not always appear in modern photography. However, Alister Ling Canadian observer claims to have seen those same bands with a telescope of 40 cm . ... I was speechless.
came to my mind the image of the interior of the cluster, with two parallel alignments of stars, crystal-clear, some more decorating the whole and between them ... perhaps by contrast seemed to accompany ... dark regions. And the black river meandering. Maybe because I had enough time to eye and eyesight was getting tired but if I had taken a break and then had taken up the details you may have detected more dark bands in the area, because I assure you that there was more stuff there but I was difficult to describe because it is at the limit of quasi-imagination. Is that when you have too much time looking at a faint object the brain may ultimately clear details because of tiredness and lack of oxygen, so you have to take breaks visually. Now I think it was the imagination that sent me these messages, but my brain really peeped some details touched the line and chose to ignore them to avoid false positives due to fatigue ... big mistake! ... I regret not having spent another half hour to the cluster, you can not go forward to see many things. Note to self: "I remember that there is no such program yourself a short list of items and dedicate them all night ... the time it takes" ... (a voice answered me in the head): "if I know, but acknowledge that the final sin ... is what you get for being so long without leaving ... "
sigh and think the excitement of a new output overwhelms me from feet to head.
Even with the fatigue of the previous night the body I can not stop thinking about everything I could observe with the telescope, and that the night would not even good. Today gave completely clear skies and clean of dust. I reviewed the objects signed up and thought about new candidates.
The night was so wonderful that I spent some time taking pictures of large field Fernando put the Samyang while about the team photo and Paco aligned the mount, that although he gave some war finally got under control. 23h A good upright Scorpio was ready to cross the meridian and give way to autumn constellations. The sky was incredible. The Milky Way could be seen at dusk with ease.
Venus, Mars and Saturn were in the west line, closest to the horizon was Venus who was just above Regulus, after Mars with its orange color and more separated Saturn, I could not help peeking before they go down more. To the right of assembly was Ursa Major, totally vertical, with Alkaid in style. I directed the telescope M51. What is always splendid galaxy! With little s increases is very bright and appreciate both galaxies with no problem. With further increases to fill the field reaches the eyepiece (8mm) and are both galaxies and the bridge that joins them. As the Hercules area was too close to the peak I chose to enjoy the most comfortable regions of the galactic center. I went to M4 again now that it was still high to enjoy the "Wall" again. As magnificent as I remembered. Contemplating globular clusters this telescope is indescribable.
I stopped to look back across the sky, was rabidly curd and the Milky Way stars so bright to dark alleys drawings and profiles every corner in detail. What a sight! I was captivated watching the bent neck. To the east loomed as part of Pegasus: a triangle of stars formed by Matar, Sadala Scheat and Bari. I was so obscure that part of the sky that I did not think, I aimed to kill.
Great Galaxy NGC7331 Pegasus and NGC7335, NGC7337 and NGC7340
This star is superb as an indicator to locate the galaxy NGC 7331 and Stephan's Quintet. Through finder this star, along with three others, forms a curious-shaped asterism "Y" is a guide to find the way to NGC 7331. One of the two short branches of the "Y" is longer than the other, follow the path based on that leg and a line extending more than about 4 ° from Killing (from the star indicated above, HIP112032). This is one of the galaxies discovered by William Herschel, it is curious that Messier did not include in its catalog, despite being very bright. Once located and placed the eye centered 8mm. There was emphasizing with its brilliant nucleus and its huge body large spindle-shaped elongated. By focusing on his body I noticed that the warning button "sticks work and sent the information" was on. On one side of the galaxy were some scattered rounded spots between some field stars. These "spots" were clearly visible, at least two of them without effort, a third was evident with averted vision and was as large as the others. Curiously, the visual impact of NGC7331 at first ate all the attention but precisely because of its massive structure and its brightness will capture attention in a way that lets you work without wanting poles: that's when these tiny galaxies jump to view. Perhaps if they were in a region poorest and isolated would be more difficult to locate and highlight. According to the catalog, are NGC 7335 (visual magnitude 13.6), NGC 7337 (visual magnitude 14.6) and NGC 7340 (visual magnitude 13.9). In the field was also NGC 7336 but it was almost stellar appearance (it was very small) was probably one of the stars that I interpreted as such. Never before had seen, was one of the surprises of the night.
Stephane Quintet.
Search this famous group of galaxies is very easy on the basis of NGC 7331. If we have the great galaxy in the center of the field and smaller satellites above on your right (as is shown in the eye) will see that the body of NGC 7331 is almost vertical. Parts of the galaxy along its vertical axis up about 30 'to find an isosceles triangle of stars mag 10 and 11. To the left of this triangle (we moved about 20 'of arc) appears an open ring of stars (like the constellation of Hercules) and inside find a crowded oval nebulosity. Stephan's Quintet. the absence of a large galaxy that captures our attention so that our staffs are caught early they are very dull at first, discrete and costs against the contrasting background but once they are detected perfectly. I watched with the eye of 8mm. This is the first time I see them easily, at least four of them nebulosity, NGC 7319, NGC 7320 and NGC 7318 A and B (these two actually seem one of the boards that are.) In NGC 7317 nebulosity not appreciate, at magnitude 14 was almost as punctual as a star. NGC 7320C is much more separated from the whole trail and I did not appreciate it, if you consider the whole would be the sixth component and no longer the "Quintet." I'm really excited with this observation many emotions in so little time! Jupiter
loomed the majestic planet and above the horizon at 2 am. A quick look at his record with the 15mm eyepiece showed the only visible equatorial band and its four satellites arranged in a curious way: they were all on one side and instead lined up two of them had a vertical, one above the other. Was too low to see details so I continued with the deep sky.
Barnard 72. Snake Nebula
I've always wanted to see this as elusive nebula in the constellation Ophiuchus. is a very dense region of dark dust with a clear way "S" that stands out against the starry background. requires good sky conditions and the more opening better because it is relatively thin, with many stars of camp costs differentiate. Is part of the dark clouds that form the "Dark Horse Nebula" (very long and visible to the naked eye), in particular is also called the "Pipe Nebula." The area of \u200b\u200blocation was rather low and a little light pollution affected (small but located in the area). I pointed to the 40mm eyepiece and after being walking the field and make several passes to the field clock cycle to detect the subtle silhouette got in a "S" was weak and proven, but there it was. I loved knowing that you can see and I'd like to try again, although that is down from the peninsula at this time the only area of \u200b\u200bCL was just there so hopefully we can contrast it more.
Barnard 86. Ink Spot (Ink Spot)
contemplate the dark regions of Ophiuchus and Sagittarius is a sight to behold. Especially with the low magnification eyepiece is displayed with many dark spots, along with the background stars, catch and captivate you. I pointed to gamma Sagittarius (Alnasl), the peak of the kettle where it exits the "smoke" which is the galactic center. To the north are the star W Sagittarii (As-1 approx. Alnasl), we take another leap north identical (based on W) and find another bright star reference. We have been two breaks each approximately 1 º north. Is one more to reach the yellow star next to B86. As we reach this star easily recognize it because it is near the star cluster NGC 6520 stands out pretty well knotted together with its components. The spot is right between the two objects is tiny but intense black color, hence its name. Pongo further increases (8mm) and focus on the primary star is a yellow incredibly beautiful, strong as citrine quartz, the wealth that accompanies it is a bluish-white tone is very rich in components. The stain is a deep black and seems to float in front of a star background light as dust. Is triangular with the apex pointing down (as I see with the eye). The set is spectacular, impossible not to see it stop.
Barnard 289, NGC 6528, NGC 6522 and Alnasl region (gamma)
Alnasl I decide to go back to study an area that had struck me to try to find B86. With the wide field eyepiece and focused again on Gamma Sagittarii locate the two globular clusters that lie next to her, and that he had put aside to spend north. W Sagittarii reached again in the eye now had Alnasl up the image, the two globular clusters to the left and W Sagittarii in the bottom of the image. Something had struck the area, a parallel dark regions tore the sky like black wounds and wanted to see them well. There were again, were so real and intense. Were many and seemed to come from the star, "W". It's easy to find plenty Barnard in the area (B289) but of all those identified in my atlas (I used the Millennium for small areas where they appear the most brilliant and contrasting) this particular one did not appear. As I wrote the lines "Blacks" were very marked and visible and leaving the star "W" in the direction of Scorpio as separate lines. The more intense parts of the eye filled the field (a degree or so) and spread beyond. In Barnard's Photographic Atlas is not listed, so perhaps they are thin compared to the large regions known, but there were stretch marks, like the ribs of a half-open range. He left me fascinated by this region and the ease with which I could see these details. Rest
a rare sight at the skies in all its glory. Barnard Regions I have always liked a lot and there are many scattered throughout the galaxy ... I was going sight to the star cloud M24, at first sight was a huge blob of light embedded in the bright zone of our galaxy. I remembered that inside the cloud are some interesting and as Barnard is an extensive subject decided to approach the binoculars for a look.
Barnard 93, 92 and 304 in the M24 star cloud.
is very easy to get there. Nothing else to point to the obvious tag B92, the darkest of all. It is very intense and rounded, known as the "Black Hole" and is near the center of the cloud. Beside her (right) is also B93, slightly smaller and elongated vertically but also recognizable by their "blackness." Since B92 can see a dark area that extends down and just dividing the cloud into two distinct but less intense ways: it is B304. Focus turned to leave the two black clouds (92 and 93) for the contemplated Paco without difficulty. Both regions share leadership in the field of binoculars, then realized that B92 extended and followed the path of darkness coming down and more focused bottom left near the top B93: B304 came with its two branches. I called to confirm that looked both ways and that it appeared the form of a man with B92 and B304 as the head and legs. I said, "and I do, reminds me of Tony Manero dancing "... with the famous pose by raising one arm ... do not you see? We laughed a lot, really. I recognize that the visit has been very rewarding M24, these Barnard is very well appreciate low magnification and with these binoculars have hallucinated.
M20, Trifid Nebula (NGC 6514)
I returned to the telescope and pointed it at the nebula before it began to fall too low. The well focused in the eye and pointed directly at the 8mm eyepiece to see what surprises I did and I think what surprised me. It filled the field with his presence and had to scroll to see part of the cloud and accompanying did not enter the field (the part that goes blue in the photos). This appeared after crossing a dark bay like a river wide. Black channels that give the tag name round and break it in three lobes were seen in such detail that it seemed impossible. This is the Trifid and photos out of a very intense pinkish hue, the other part of the cloud (blue) is separated by a "bay" of darkness more subtle but clearly visible and contains a very luminous star within. This bay is slightly curved convex from the perspective with which the eye appeared, leaving on her Trifid structure above. I made a sketch ski telescope showing the undulations of the two clouds separated by the bay and the pipes of a dead black inside the Trifid it was immediately above.
But the most spectacular were the black structures inside the main. Began a vertical groove, short and wide, which quickly split into two new channels on both sides descended. A bent sharply right and down as it widened and appeared together with a multitude of stars to end rising again, but here already lost and blurred. In the same place folded located the majority of stars brighter, especially the two of them dominating the right lobe was immediately above. The channel was diverted to the left down too inclined, this is the strongest showing of all the black furrows of the image. Interestingly he had two bulging structures that stood out and went into the left lobe, and two mounds. Immediately after this the channel is again branched into two branches also black, a deviated almost horizontally to the left and one down vertically but quickly disappeared as a dead end, being thus defined the lower lobe with a few stars inside . This lobe was the largest. I kept looking at M20 but I saw more detail than you could write and record, and I thought for certain descriptions would be better to bring a tape recorder. Rest the view looking back to infinity. Many feelings! After a while I returned to the load. Sagittarius
saw was already very low and looked to the East to switch to another object. The Andromeda Galaxy strongly emphasized in the sky with the naked eye. I remembered that the area is fascinating and a galaxy might be interesting to take a look, perhaps one of the best views of song spirals: NGC 891.
NGC 891 (Caldwell 23) I approach Almach (gamma Andromeda) the star at the far left of the constellation near Perseus. From her I'm going in the direction of M34 (called Spiral Cluster) and estimated the distance between the star and the cluster on the form. Halfway exactly is the galaxy (approximately 3 º 30 arc minutes). With the 40mm eyepiece and can be seen long and weak, but no doubt at all about your situation. The center well and pass directly to the eyepiece of 8mm. Awesome! Occupies the entire visual field. I have no words to describe emotions watching this galaxy. There were details that left me speechless, as the large dark band that started by Ecuador, could see no need to intuit almost indirectly, albeit with greatly improved this technique and helped to see clumps within the dark region. Its spindle shape was perfect, slim, with the core slightly wider while as you near the end they gradually became thinner and narrower until it disappears. The dark band of dust almost crossed from side to side. There were two stars in the field that caught my attention: one side stood below the line of dust and the other was at the opposite end and seemed to mark the end of the dark band, as immersed in it. What a blast! I missed several exclamations could not be contained within even remembering it gives me goosebumps. And I find it so hard not to thrill to such beauty ... it's so bad that sometimes feel almost want to mourn, may seem exaggerated to try to describe it but it's a similar feeling of happiness just that intense. So smile, breathe deeply and look into infinity ... trying to see clearly the stars through the avalanche of water that reaches the eyes ... I like both ...
Astronomy Paco called me to see a double star that likes much and that is about to hide behind the western horizon: 95 Herculis . is a binary system whose components orbit each other with a period of more than 11,000 years and visually separated 6.3 seconds of arc (wikipedia). With the 8mm eyepiece telescope Paco (Magda) were separated perfectly with a bright blue and light gold.
Then came the turn of NGC6765, a planetary nebula in Lyra Paco proposed to observe. I looked to the maps, the field was easy to spot: halfway between Albireo and Sulafat (Gamma Lyra). But we detect no trace of nebulosity evident only many field stars. With averted vision I seemed to detect a small spot without form but very weak from a rich field stars. I is difficult to describe what I saw because it was too small and amorphous.
observe the planet Uranus , which was already quite high and very near Jupiter, the two were separated two degrees and a half. With Magda looked a beautiful aqua blue color wheel. I went to Dobson to aim the idea and saw Jupiter was the same height as the Triangle ... stared at me and shot me a quick thought: M33. I could not resist, the galaxies are a weakness.
M33. Triangulum Galaxy
slipped the telescope until I saw the blur and large appear in the search. It looked with amazing clarity to the wide and weak that is, we go that I had no doubts and pointed it directly. With the 40mm eyepiece first highlighted the core, bright enough and had a somewhat elongated. The next thing that stood out were the two arms, leaving the core and two arches curved in opposite directions. The image was spectacular, I had never looked so good. Inside one of the arches and towards its end stood out as a bright blob NGC604. is the region of star formation (HII region) of the galaxy's most famous and easily appreciated as a condensation in the cloud, quite intense. I went to the eyepiece of 8mm and could not whole. The core emphasized much in the field as well as the two main arms. Near the nucleus and to the side had a very bright star, some accompanied it more but less intense. To the other side of the core had a triad of stars aligned the same way as the Belt of Orion, each had a similar brightness. In line with these three other stars were in a triangular formation but not aligned. The more I noticed the image field stars appearing in the body of the galaxy, so it was difficult to count, not only near the nucleus, but scattered by the arms and between them. In line the arm from where it is located above the HII region (NGC 604) and traveling thence to the interior of the galaxy highlights another star-birth region visible but smaller: NGC 595. Is less striking than NGC 604, but tell it with averted vision. If this arm include these two HII regions in the other arm I find somewhat surprising. Although the arm is very extensive, which makes it part of the curve has a higher concentration of cloud, as if here was more dense and the galaxy light does not shine as NGC604 but is larger and more extensive the area. This region is IC rated with various numbers, namely I saw the area corresponds to the arm regions IC 137, 139 and 140 .
At this hour of the night was pretty tired but still so excited that I would love to look, all showed so much detail that would have spent hours looking, but I stopped to rest and enjoyed the view with me had in mind and in the notes.
The night went very quickly and astronomical twilight began to dawn on the horizon. I was really enjoying the night but the truth is that fatigue and passed bill. Glancing at Mirach Ghost (NGC 404) with ocular 8mm. This soft and slippery lenticular galaxy is so close to the star of the same name (apparently) that is hidden by its brightness. Mirach is the second brightest star in the constellation Andromeda galaxy and see the need to move the star of the image field of view by pulling just enough for her to appear. Is clearly visible and diffuse oval shape, but showed an increase in inward brightness (gradient) to almost a stellar aspect. also points to the galaxy NGC 253 in Cetus . With the 40mm eyepiece it looked perfect as yet small and spindle with 8mm will appreciate its beautiful structure as well as numerous field stars. The sky dawned and did not want to miss objects. The Swan had crossed the meridian for some time and we did not dismiss the deep sky without a trace to The Veils. I pointed to the Velo West, the Witches' Broom, as always very beautiful and special. One part shows two thin parallel lines and intense than just crossing over itself. After the Veil This aim to see the area full of bars but it was hard to see them in such detail, you could see a continuum. We stopped at this point. The sky was taking the deep blue dawn that I like, Capella towered over the skyline next to the Pleiades. Jupiter was so loud and so bright that we take a last out with both teams before starting to collect. We were approaching 6 in the morning. Jupiter first thing stands out is "the Equatorial Banda, beginning to walk the hard enjoying the shade and looking for internal structures. The only equatorial band is very intense, curiously is not linear but is "swimming" as if the edge is not uniform and had drawn a hand with little pulse. The first detail is not bad. I continued enjoying the view. Within the equatorial band showed two white ovals, well defined and highlighted in the lower limit thereof (adjacent to the tropics). These ovals below the planet showed multiple thin parallel bands of a neutral brown tone to the polar region. Returning to the equatorial band, as I said it was somewhat irregular, especially at the top which is close to Ecuador. It is as if some parts of it would rip shreds peeling, to use a simile would say it's like when you draw the splashing waves but more soft. Its color is the most highlighted with a very reddish tone, perhaps by contrast as above it opens an empty region now almost clear white (before it was located here the other equatorial band). Above this area so clear, beyond the region tropical and near the other pole, begins a region of a light brown uniform, parallel bands here do not appreciate as in the vicinity of the pole.
And with that, and I decided to park the telescope and rest to get to pick the team. Not without delight in silence contemplating the twilight, announcing the arrival of the Sun and the new day. The Big Dipper Septentrion while bathed in a thin crescent moon peered timidly with impressive brightness Aldebaran which announced the arrival of Orion. But the light of day before and finally reached the stars slowly faded away ... then I heard a voice inside me: "see you soon ..." So I said goodbye to the sky in the hope of meeting him again.
store equipment in cars leaving it ready for the return trip. This night I slept deeply.
Ana Leonor Hernandez.
activities for the day were also heavy, if you survived it and you want to know more about those mountains, nature and people do not miss the NEWS DAY I uploaded astronomers (access the link ), there are many photos and stories of our experiences in general.
This is the part that excites me most of the Chronic when night comes and we're under the stars. weekend of 9-10 July 2010 was long and although tenísmoa provided three nights only possible observation first forgive us because of clouds, this is the story of the first two nights, as are long the third will be in a second post.
Team: Dobson LightBridge 16 "(F 1829, f4'5, D 406.4 mm) 25x100 LX Binoculars TS (Mr Magoo), SW 200/1000 f5 (Magda), Eye SWAN, Celestron and Hyperion (40mm, 32mm, 15mm, 8mm, 5mm, 3'5mm) The most used were the SWAN 40mm and 8mm Hyperion)
Night from 8 to 9 July 2010 (Thursday)
was pretty covered and windy, and we were very tired from the journey we take
night free, very relaxed dining and talking in the coming days. Occasionally we went to see the sky.
not cleared as we waited for the weather and had warned us, yes, the wind would
the sky clearing and the next night would be very different.
After dinner we went outside and watched the sky was a sight to see the clouds move as fast as
tulle gauze, a dense, silky, transparent gray others that somehow foreshadowed the
stars bright. I felt a tingling in my stomach ... to be cleared and you'll see tomorrow.
back inside and continued the chat, but soon we could not help out again. It is opening! Each time there were more
not yet clear, but clouds had disappeared and veils. Today
rest for tomorrow to be 100%. There was Antares, Sagittarius, Milky Way merged with the clouds but could differentiate
each other perfectly. With the adaptation is noticed that the sky was somewhat hazy, cloudy but the wind seemed to sweep
all What heaven awaits! Increasingly lighter opened and tested to measure the
SQM-L: We gave a measure of 21:60 at the zenith. I began to shiver, but should be thinking about what we
would provide the following night.
We went to bed.
Night from 9 to July 10, 2010 (Friday)
The weather was right: it was completely clear. To the west there was some fog by
we think that maybe the rest of the sky but also had no sign of clouds and looked very blue.
After removing the equipment to acclimate discovered that the collimation screws
LB were released and had to put them all in place.
climbed to the edge of town to assemble the equipment in some platforms at the entrance and
are quite high. They are very affordable and as the people have clearly not had to go away. Dobson put the
and FSQ106 on tarps to protect the soil. I made some panoramic observation
area. The sunset was sensational colors and sharpness so I prepared the camera and started making many photos
silhouettes. Paco decided not to mount the telescope tonight, 25x100 binoculars just
(Mr. Magoo), Dobson would be watching the whole night and would take advantage of the large field of
binoculars for extended objects.
Fernando was placed further west so that the computer screen do not bother (not at no time did
although poor if you were dazzled all night) and LB16 "with Magoo binoculars further east.
During
Fernando night had problems with the telescope: failed 8.1 volt regulator that supplies the
Canon 350 and could do nothing. He spent the night struggling to find out where the problem was finally discovered
was this piece. The truth is that the night we were made very short, and the whole time we were listening
the source of water entering the village, natural musical background.
We observe many objects, Fernando was so annoyed that although poor
invite you to come and watch a few times the discomfort of failure had left him haunted all night. Yes,
tenacity paid off finally discovered what went wrong.
To summarize before moving on to describe the objects I will say that the night was wonderful and we saw many shooting stars
, Sagittarius, Aquarius and Capricorn were the constellations that gave more fireworks. There were probably
activity of several overlapping showers, at this time there are several active.
At dawn came a thin crescent moon very close to the Hyades. The Big Dipper was lying
completely over the northern horizon, and it looked like a layer of dense atmosphere on Baza
gave the impression that the Osa was bathing in the purple belt. Dawn always produces unique
emotions, color, cool ... the feeling of a new day, clarity. The sky has a brightness and transparency
unique
is only at dawn. I was ecstatic gazing. The arrival of light after dark
has some atavistic.
Shortly before sunrise gathered solar, daylight flooded us. We were very tired but full of emotions
for the wonders he had seen. I said goodbye to the last glimmers of the night ...
there are only a few stragglers stars ... the brightest ... watched the sky until the light extinguished the last glimmer
Jupiter, which tells us tomorrow!
The night was very intense, after saving the telescopes we returned back home tired, walking awkwardly
but fun, is what he has seen a "star jump" that often keep the muscles
in tension as you check the maps, look through the finder wedding star
checks the map again, you find in the eyepiece: "if it is the area, but we must move to the other side, you see that
triangular group? Follow the line connecting the brighter end to the couple, one and a half
their distance ... see the slick nebula that appears there, indirectly? Great! we have hunted. "
And so, following the alignment of stars spent the night ... until daylight comes.
begins
observation
After placing it on the shirt to Dobson and balance, we the collimation. It is a joy
how quickly that this process can be done in a few minutes is set. That if, after a time loses
adjustment and must be seen recolimar but apparently not a problem. Although I must admit that the monkey could we
and in the end we did what we had. In planning
observation as sometimes happens. When you spend a long time without going to see
not strictly follow and say ... "I'm here I'll see what it looks this cluster or nebula also" ... to
back to the time plan of observation . It is very important to keep a list of objects to observe;
but then expand on the fly, no matter, which is very productive is to have planned a "circuit" by the stars of
advance. It is the best way to optimize the evening.
As some items that I had intended to see were quite weak and new (I had never seen before
) some location maps prepared exclusively for them, the rest was not necessary because
or already know me way or were so bright with this telescope that "jumped" view
immediately without effort.
evening began targeting M13. Hercules Globular Cluster .
This cluster will never cease to fascinate me, maybe it's delicacy, cottony appearance or the immensity
stars inside ... but it's great. Dobson
With this description is very short because the eye seems to lean out as going in
another dimension, and further increases you realize that "travel within M13." With the 32 mm eyepiece
is resolved as a whole bunch of diamonds, filled the field and feel of pointillism fascinated me. More thought
increases. With the 15 mm eyepiece began to appreciate alignments of stars, as if they were channeled into
curious curdled bands of points. Jo, what beauty ... more increases, this image asks
more. The closer you get to the inside more willing to follow, the doors are open M13 feet to
what I want!
With 8 mm also well-liked star alignments, in fact attracted our attention in the central
a pair of parallel alignment of stars, intense, would be the equivalent
the equatorial bands of Jupiter, but in the center of the cluster. There was a third lower but more diffuse and
lost among the background stars. Of the two most noticeable one was more intense and wider and the other thinner, or less densely
stars. Interestingly at the end of this last "banda" (to the left side of the picture looked as
) revealed a clump of stars, as if it had been broken or separated from the band.
was fascinating details he could see. While watching all these bands and alignments with
Weird poles warned me of something that stood out in the periphery of the image, as about 11 of
clock. An empty region of stars apparently left a black hole that extended outward as
a river of darkness. The whole image was full of stars and alignments except in the area, with indirect vision
highlighted an elongated stain mysterious dark or empty. Paco
do you have more increases? This is unbelievable, because we're going to give "cane" to see what we see.
The more we move into the abyss of M13 is most fascinating. With the eye of 5 mm and 68 º apparent field
had an image resolved into stars yet clear, (the darkened area and something else but it was still surprising
) 366x we do not know if putting more increases, total
We try ... to 3.5 mm eyepiece us was 523x. Yes, I know that is an outrage and this telescope is passed
the recommended limit increases, but if I say that that image was still spectacular
perhaps hard to believe, but we must see and experience it to find the limits offered every night.
started knocking on the door of M13, went through the living room, kitchen and ended up in the backyard. The
cluster was resolved, the alignments were kept well-marked and the dark region was almost out
the field. Moving a little telescope it appeared, somewhat confused against the dark background
but noticeable (more so with averted vision.)
stopped for a moment to relax with a feeling of not knowing what to do, I had been speechless and almost blocked
, visions haunted my head and I felt that if at this point I had to finish watching any
reason I do not mind ... the sky had me a gift I will never forget.
Hercules looked to the naked eye often travel ... just gave me!
reacted to the shock and I said, smiling: "I have to wonder all night" after so many months
not get out to see I'm feeling happy as a child. Before I knew it was on its way
again.
M4. Globular Cluster Scorpion.
needed to see another cluster so I looked in Scorpio was still good height and I thought "
Straight Wall" ... how do you see? I swallowed hard and pointed it at him.
Since it is very easy to locate you looked directly with the 8mm eyepiece (230x) gave me a real field
of 17.8 arcmin. On the form and stood as saying: "I'm here."
The picture was full of stars, the field was full of fine and background stars in the center, which highlighting
wall, a chain of bright stars crossing the center of the image. He looked so sharp
could not believe what I saw.
It ran perfectly aligned image vertically, the bottom was more intense and broad compared with the higher
plus narrow curved to the left. A higher density clump
isolated stressed the right of the alignment and on it a few lone stars highlighted with a yellow color
. The entire set as I was wrapped in a veil made of fine
background stars, delicate, and numerous dark bands or channels separated by stars.
holes were visible everywhere, and some individual stars adorning the set. What I can say at such
hospitality ... you look out to a cluster and they will open their doors ... it was also a journey into the
cluster M4.
took the opportunity to relax a bit and went to the binoculars Magoo (25x100) and took a look at
cluster. Sensational! The silver gray cotton field cluster glowing against the background of
star Antares region. Describe the set with so many stars and clumps of different brightness is difficult
but you are thrilled and stereo vision fills your retina deeply.
I returned
Hercules to continue the planning of observation.
pointing back to M13 and searched the galaxy near the cluster: NGC 6207 .
and is clearly visible after the experience with the cluster I thought of doing the same thing,
experience with the increases.
With 8mm (230x and 17.8 'arc real field) showed well elongated shape, its interior
appreciated
lumps in their structure, and different densities in the body ("HII regions?) On all in
both sides. Maybe each of them were part corresponding spiral arm but it was hard to tell because both closed
the body of the galaxy in a full oval. Near the center are two areas
appreciated almost point that stood out was the core even if it was not too bright or star appearance.
But the interesting thing is that I saw him and with these increases seemed a pale nucleus with another amorphous
were also stars in the field. It is a vision that has never before been in this galaxy. I put the eye
5mm (366x and 11.2 'arc real field) and I looked at the center of the galaxy, was appreciated
nucleus although it seemed "double? No, it was as if there was anything close to the city again, perhaps it could be some
HII region in the central emphasis of the galaxy, so close to the kernel you are confused. Now
stopped noticing the nucleus and watched the whole truth is that we have lost the details of the body with respect to ocular
8mm.
The next attempt was Abell 39.
This planetary nebula is a challenge and unfortunately Hercules was already in a very
uncomfortable to watch with a Dobson: the zenith.
As LB16 "is a big man in the very zenith observations I need to use a small stool so
search of an object difficult in these circumstances I was uncomfortable. Using maps
I recognize the area to be sure of being in the right place, I spent some time looking for the 40mm
but not found. Then I looked at the sky and I realized it was not dark enough
that area so I thought that for this subject as sensitive and as low contrast best
wait for better conditions. Curiously while making the search of the nebula found by the road a curious
asterism of stars in the shape of number " 2" with a very bright star in the upper curve of the
(HIP81312) and in the other end but less bright (TYC2581-1822-1), near
Zeta Herculis. A joy to behold.
Abell 2151: Great Hercules Cluster of Galaxies
I wanted to try to find this great spectacle of the sky, is part of the Hercules Supercluster
which in turn is part of the superstructure of the Great Wall. It lies 570 million light years and
highlights some of its members to reach visual magnitudes accessible.
Some members are part of the visual catalog of Arp galaxies: specifically are Arp71, 122, 172 and 272
.
As the sky had worsened in the area could not cover all the galaxies that I knew I could see, but still
was great when I focused the camp and found some of those fuzzy
insane shapes spots
who gathered between two bright stars of mag. 6.7 and 7.5. 8mm eyepiece is giving me a lot of game
for these objects as small. For a while I kept scanning the area, giving
rodeos for some stars in the field and letting the rod do its job. It's amazing how subtle stains
could see, I got to see three of its components perfectly without any difficulty, they were
distorted (probably because they are interacting Torn) with nuclei
really looks very bright star (actually looked at some stars field and indirectly
you discovered he had a good spot nebula around, but if you looked directly was not appreciated).
not had the sensitivity of spiral galaxies, rather their nuclei as bright compared to their small
broken bodies seemed to give it a deformed, as if it had lost its splendor and beauty.
Some like two in one, two superposed structures sensed in different axes. Other
played with strange shapes in the limit of vision. I have to go back to enjoy this show but better
sky conditions, Hercules now is almost immersed in the mists of the west that had gone up significantly.
M57: Nebula Lyra
Yes, indeed is a tired subject but when you have found a new team always have
curious if you see new things.
I started with the 40mm eyepiece, the field was great, and there was the dim smoke ring, and little
round like a planet. I focused and went straight to the eyepiece of 8mm. The ring was now enormous.
He was a heavy smoke ring, but it seemed to be composed of concentric rings if
with a gradient towards the interior. Its shape was oval, with the ends somewhat weaker or transparent. Along the ring
the bright star that goes on all known photographs decorating the set, it funny how bright it was
its magnitude 11.9. What struck me most of all he saw was not the ring itself, but what I had inside
: was "filler" material light. He had the dark sky, it was like
translucent, smoky light, and this together with the gradient of the ring that surrounded it gave the whole three-dimensional feeling
had never experienced. I missed a few adjectives aloud
... but who can be contained?
Barnard 142 and 143. (Nebula "E" in Eagle)
After
M57 with eye view Paco Magoo approached to find it. The focus was between the two stars of Lyra
. Could be seen as a delicate gray circle, small, but detectable with
25x100 binoculars.
I was a great time enjoying the star fields and thought it offered enormous
Barnard
regions of the galaxy. I released the brakes and went immediately to the constellation Aquila. I aimed high and then to
Tarazed (gamma) at about 2 degrees to the west and as we see is almost over it. With binoculars
appears the region immediately dark field of vision near gamma.
At first glance a curious way "E" can be seen without difficulty. Looking closely we see that the
northern half is more intense and the southern half is separated by an empty region more "black." In
reality is that the vertical line of the E is not continuous, but is cut off and isolated left vertical strip
bottom. The black cloud is clear without effort but is not opaque but some stars are inside.
There are some curious alignments and the more accustomed the eye-brain to the dark filaments
image
on the scene. The set is impressive.
M27. Known as the "Dumbbell" or haltere Nebula.
Since we are in the area take the opportunity to point to M27, has to be a show
going into their depths.
by is very simple basis of Arrow, shines as the seeker to focus not have difficulty. With
the 35mm is so dense and luminous that it almost loses its structure and shape, it really shines brightly. Never
had referred wasting so much light! I think I will go directly to 8mm. What a hit!
first thing that jumps out is how to haltere, with the right lobe more intense and dense.
be seen in many bright stars within a particular place the center perfectly. While I look
canes leaving me surprised. More information begins to appear: the haltere is actually
halo surrounded by a huge oval that extends along an axis perpendicular to the haltere.
like
pointed arches extend them beyond what is imaginable, closing the set. Lobe right haltere,
well just be more intense in a curve, shaped like parentheses
whose ends extend almost up to the arches on the right side. Over time I realize that occurs
same on both sides just to the right to be more intense is the most noteworthy. Sensational, I have no words
. Quito the eye of the eye and I go for further increases. "5mm? Why not try.
New surprises: the right lobe which was appreciated as a whole shows brighter now "only" a region of higher intensity
the top, bottom thereof has become weaker. The other lobe was previously seen weaker
it be bigger and broader. The outer arc (to your left) is like a great parenthesis
that stretches to continue with the line of the arches. It's sensational showing details. If
before had to look for this arc closing now you do not strain your eyes,
seen with ease, something more obscure, but evident. Before there were more "discreet" and that the brightness of the nebula
scene starring at first sight.
As was the case with M13 now I want to try another planet interesting. I leave the zenith and under the
south to Aquarius.
NGC7293, Helix Nebula
This nebula has always been so extensive and elusive for low brightness I hope today surprised me, the brightness
telescope has to be noticed.
And both. Nothing more to target the area with the search focused reference stars, put the eye
of 40mm and put his eye. The first thing I noticed was a huge area in the field. Be seen without any complications
or effort! As large and larger. A few seconds later the rods begin to
study the field and tell me an interesting structure: there is an area no more but a dual structure
circle, but not concentric runout. The brightness was diffuse and continuous, not appreciated at first sight
hit condensation or lumps but only two smoke rings stacked next to each other.
put the 32mm eyepiece plus a UHC filter and appeared new information. The two overlapping rings and off-
is still seen but in this case there was something else: one side stood the nebula much brighter than the
other. Truly one of the arches glowed more, as if two regions join in brightness and
give more weight to the body. I had never seen the Helix this way.
I spent some time enjoying the show and got to rest your eyes recognizing constellations.
I realized how high it was and Pegasus and Andromeda. So I changed again by the 40mm eyepiece
and decided to target the archivisitada M31 .
I had no doubt it would also be fascinating, so I pointed to the area and when it appeared the huge
galaxy in the form I had to peek at the eye. It was all galaxy.
was all light. The core
gave me the clue of where walking in the galaxy, I began to travel throughout the body moving along the entire length
and feeling its limits. Were perfectly two satellite galaxies and different zones of light density.
But not only light was what stood out but darkness. Were clearly two parallel stripes near the galactic
Ecuador. Black stripes and two rows of dark but not traveled all over the galaxy
appreciated but more to the side. It became noticeable from the central area under the core
to the left of the image, right where the galaxy begins to curve upward (perspective).
two dark lines are also curved to be so delicate that they had to disappear. Yet in
this was where more intense and dark were made. If you continued looking to the left, a little more than
following bands and Ecuador, region came to a strong light. A light condensation
really stood out on the environment. Rounded, somewhat oval, marked the boundary region of the galaxy. A little further
disappeared and the light left the galaxy and the dark sky background. This condensation as
striking is nothing that NGC206 , a huge star cloud belonging to the own galaxy M31. These
star-forming regions are magnificent, like those seen plying the vast Milky Way
they are stellar nurseries but also with the incentive to belong to another galaxy. I was quite
time recreating this vision and 40mm eyepiece. The sum of those two dark stripes and the star cloud is
have been in my retina of a very special way, for many years and did not see the first time was
with another 40cm and now this ... if Andromeda peek over the horizon again find these wonders.
do not know how long I enthralled with M31 but when I knew it began to be noted clearly
the eastern horizon. I have spent the night very quickly! I find M33 and when I found her no longer contrasted
so low that it was and returned to the zenith. I pointed to the Veils, namely NGC 6960
and there was the beautiful filament-shaped broom. But the sky background and was clearing and I
that the tiredness coming over me. So I got off the stool and jumped to Jupiter
was well positioned and not required to dismiss the dark night. With the eye of 8mm and 5mm
the planet's disc showed splendid but strange enough without one of the equatorial bands
... we are so used to seeing the two parallel to Ecuador that you miss a gives a sense of
nudity ... I had seen the four Galilean satellites, two on each side, and the only visible
equatorial band showed an intense color as well as (perhaps) thicker than what we are accustomed. But maybe it's a visual effect
the lack of the other.
without saying that during the night we visited many shooting stars, were probably active
several meteor showers, and Milky Way , had spent most of the night vertical exposure was dismissed
us leaning to the west and to bed.
began to save the team and then I realized I had muscle pain, I rested a bit
watching the sunrise, the sight was beautiful. Shortly after the way home we were exhausted and thinking
sleep like logs.
I made some sketches at night, but in this case did not finish any, were simple annotations. In the
second part of this visual chronicle I've included two that if I got to end, even the beautiful images I have in my
