I
got in a couple of hours of good seeing last night. I had no real targets in mind, but I always
look towards Jupiter to begin my observing.
Once
I got the scope aligned, slewed to Jupiter and with the ETX-125 (f.l. 1900)
using the 32mm, I centered the Big Brut. I watched the moons for a while and
then looked for the Great Red Spot. I couldn't see it with the 32mm, so
switched to the 26mm.
I looked hard with averted vision and yet still couldn't make it
out. Switching to the 17mm with a green filter and thought I saw
something on the left side of the planet. Unfortunately, Jupiter moved behind
the tree as I was spying on it. My
southern view is very limited.
I then slide the 26mm back in and slewed to M13. At about
75x, I wasn't able to resolve any stars, but the cluster actually appeared
brighter than it did with the 32mm. I swapped the two out and it was
true. Slipping the 17mm (110x) I still couldn't resolve any individual
stars within the main globe, but the cluster was dimmer.
I then moved to M102 and although I couldn't make out
much of anything, I could make out a slight haze with the 27mm. I then
slewed to M101 and again, absolutely nothing but a dark area. I keep trying to visually see this galaxy,
but it really is tough for my small scopes.
Then a thought hit me…could I get both M81 and M82 in the same
view? Using the 27mm, I just barely had
both galaxies on either side of the field of view. I switched to the 32mm
and at 65x, they were both comfortably in my view.
Finally, I wanted to see how the ETX-125 handled nebula, so I
selected the Ring Nebula (M57), hit the GOTO button and when it was finished
slewing, saw the nebula slightly above center. I centered it and with the
32mm. the 26mm, the 17mm, and 13mm eyepieces, I could easily see the ring, but I
couldn't make out any color. What I did see was seeing shades of gray. My friend, G.A., says that is all he ever
sees…shades of gray.
This post was originally written on May 28. However, due to brain fart, I never published
it. However, in the time line of things
as they happen for this blog, this is the next in line. Certain things have happened which prevented
me from observing, including clouds, irrigation, wind and personal
activities. With things improving
(including current cloud cover moving out), I will once again add to this blog
and hopefully, not forget to publish.
Until then, clear skies and steady seeing!
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