With the skies still so light even after 11pm I am trying my hand at some wide-field viewing using my new Startravel 80.

I went outside and turned to the first object for the Summer Season in the book 'Turn Left at Orion' - M13, The Great Globular Cluster.

It was relatively easy to find using the description to follow from Arcturus to Gemma, then find the Keystone. I now also have Star Walk on the iPad which is a positive boon for quickly identifying the stars I'm pointing it at (I'm all for modern technology! But not when it gets in the way of enjoyment).

What I saw was exactly how it was described in the book - a fuzzy patch with a bright centre. No doubt I would see more of the cluster edges under darker skies, and with the smaller telescope compared to my 8" SCT it was difficult to make out any individual stars in the cluster, but definitely an impressive sight and a satisfying view.

M13 crossed off the list, but I will try to return to it later in the season when the skies are darker.