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,
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.
Fernando night had problems with the telescope: failed 8.1 volt regulator that supplies the
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.
completely over the northern horizon, and it looked like a layer of dense atmosphere on Baza
gave the impression that the Osa
emotions, color, cool ... the feeling of a new day, clarity. The sky has a brightness and transparency
uniqueis 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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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 "
(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 spotswho 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)
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
Barnardregions 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
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
imageon 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
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.
likepointed 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
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
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
retina.
Hope you liked it.
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