M92 - Globular Cluster

[junior]

I had my telescope (Heritage 130p) out last night, unfortunately all the visable planets are below the horizon and so is the moon so i decided to see what else I could see.

On Sunday night I managed to find the Andromeda Galaxy which I was extremely happy with and last night I managed to find M93 using, I think, a 32mm eye piece. However when I increased manification I found it very difficult to get this into focus and it seemed to become fainter and fainter each time I increased magnification.

Is this because my telescope isn't large enough to gather enough light?

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds.

[Paul73]

Sounds like a result. A monster galaxy and and open cluster. Sounds like you are off and running with the DSOs.

Are you sure that it was M93? That doesn't rise much above the horizon until dawn at this time of year. M92 is a prominent Globular cluster that would encourage you to up the magnification (at the top end of Hercules).

Yes, as you increase the magnification the image will appear darker. You don't always notice as the prominent planets are very bright. And, yes the point of focus appears to get narrower as you go to the higher mags. You will get used to which objects you can push the magnification on. The ring nebula (M57) is a great target that takes magnification well. Also, bare in mind that the higher the magnification, the more susceptible the image is to atmospheric disturbances.

Paul

[junior]

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for your response and you are correct it was M92, typo when setting up the thread. I was looking at Vega quite a bit last night to get my bearings and didnt realise the ring nebula was so close, I should have had a look for it.

I havent had my telescope out in months and now I have got it out even the moon is below the horizon

[Paul73]

There is plenty else to look at while the moon is out of the way. The ring is well worth a look. As is M13 (M92's big brother).

Paul

[junior]

When we next have clear skys I will search them out

Many thanks

[Astro Imp]

If you enjoy the globs another great but sometimes overlooked is M15, easy to find off the nose(Enif) of Pegasus.

Good luck.

[junior]

Had the scope out again last night as it was clear enough for me to just make out the milky way across the night sky. Even though it was lovely and clear I really struggled, I wasnt able to locate M92 which I had previously found and I also couldnt find M13 or M57. After a while I gave up and looked for Andromeda which I found straight away also once I found it I realised I could just about make it out without using the telescope.

Cant wait for Jupiter to be viewable at a reasonable time so that I can do some more imaging

[Special K]

I'm also really looking forward to Jupiter, and it's impossible to miss it! Can I ask what finder you have on the scope and is it in alignment with the tube? Maybe this is making your searches difficult.

[jabeoo1]

I'm also really looking forward to Jupiter, and it's impossible to miss it! 

Cant wait for Jupiter to be viewable at a reasonable time so that I can do some more imaging

Me too, the thought of seeing Jupiter, Saturn & Mars again is a lovely feeling. 

[Paul73]

Set the alarm early gentlemen.

5am. It (Jupiter) is right up there!

Ok. I haven't actually done this myself yet this year. ButI I fully intend to..........

Paul.

[junior]

I'm also really looking forward to Jupiter, and it's impossible to miss it! Can I ask what finder you have on the scope and is it in alignment with the tube? Maybe this is making your searches difficult.

Hi Special K, I have a red dot finder on my scope and it lines up perfectly with my scope, have checked it out on various stars. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Set the alarm early gentlemen.

5am. It (Jupiter) is right up there!

Ok. I haven't actually done this myself yet this year. ButI I fully intend to..........

Paul.

Sorry Paul, I have a one year old son and need to go to work so sleep is most definetly requred

I am praying for clear skies in January

[Paul73]

   Sorry Paul, I have a one year old son and need to go to work so sleep is most definetly requred :)I am praying for clear skies in January

My youngest is now 3 so it is getting a bit easier. Falling asleep on your desk isn't the fast track for promotion!

Paul

[Walshie79]

M92 is nice. Very easy in the binoculars and its small, concentrated nature provides a contrast with the bigger M13. The way I find it is to use the top left star of the keystone, go up and a bit to the right.

M93- that's the little cluster at the top of Puppis (near Xi Pup) and is fainter than M92, but still easy enough in bins on a dark night. It's always nice to be able to see objects in the old Argo Navis from Britain, considering 90% of it never rises. M46 and 47 are a nice pair down that way too.