scarp15

Ascending onto Battle Hill and above any mist formations in the valley, the moon and Jupiter greeted my arrival crisp and pristine in the S/W sky. The Milky Way could still be determined and occasional meteorites caught my attention. Emerging S/E, there was plenty to be getting on with. Nothing new yet reacquainting with deep sky objects, the first time at a dark sky location since mid April. Eagerly I began the session indulging with open clusters, such as the lovely sight of M38 pairing with NGC 1907. Following M37, M36, moving through the Double Cluster and Stock 2 sweeping along Cassiopeia for NGC 663, NGC 7789, NGC 659, M013, many more besides to arrive at the delicate delight that is NGC 7789; Caroline's Rose. The Pleiades was repeatedly visited, later on revealing subtle outer wisps that constituent for the Pleiades Bubble. Much later M35 integrated with NGC 2158 another fine sight. Despite the moon light, brighter emission and planetary nebulae were quite attainable. The filter of the night (I did get to use all three) was my old Lumicon O-III filter. Testing the conditions NGC 281 the Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia responded clearly. Moving across to Auriga IC410 the Tadpole Nebula, a facet of the Flaming Star nebula, also responded clear. In Perseus the slightly quirky emission nebula NGC 1491 the Fossil Footprint was definitively located. A selection of Planetary Nebula smiled brightly such as NGC 7662, Blue Snowball, M76 Little Dumbbell and NGC 2392, Eskimo Nebula. As the moon gradually set, M82, M81 the only galaxies observed on this occasion, were bright and distinct. An aim this evening had been the Heart and Soul Nebula within Cassiopeia. Nothing particularly new, I'd visited this region many times and each time detect a displaced trace of nebulosity, particularly around the Heart, such as NGC 896. Although Cassiopeia was for a time within the 'dob hole', and transparency for much of the time was good, with a light breeze, moonlight made this rather challenging. M42 by contrast was yet rising, gaining in impact with my 7mm DeLite. As the moon dropped from view, the breeze ceased and frost had formed on almost everything. An attempt on the California provided nothing really and neither was the Flame visible, moisture build up increasing. Cloud from the west meant packing up just after 12.30pm. The routine of enjoying a dark sky location, has been very over due, familiarity returning quickly. Equally, regaining familiarity driving home on white frosted roads along the edge of a forest, vigilant for crossing deer, which not unsurprisingly sprung across my steady path.

Battle Hill, Northumberland last night.

Discovered by William Hershel, this complex region of emission nebulae in Cassiopeia, that combined, constitute to become the Heart and Soul are intriguing. They are embedded in a vibrant area of sky full of open clusters. A low power, wide field and a UHC / O-III filter is necessary, as are transparent dark skies and optimum observing periods such as presently with Cassiopeia culminating south by south west. Perhaps the brightest feature is classified as NGC 896, forming an aspect of the western, Heart Nebula. This is not a subject that I have gained particular success with within past excursions into this vicinity, yet would be good to scrutinize should (the almost improbable happen) and I get out on a dark sky trip. Therefore it would be good to hear of observers own thoughts and experiences in obtaining these highly regarded formations, conveying how they maybe characterized from an observers perspective.

Hi, apologies for the delay in responding, I've been away for the weekend. A learn'ed approach; just doing all the studying, research, homework before hand. Therefore feeling competently equipped, 'visually', to have a go at this target. Such as becoming assured of the actual positioning of the eyepiece and assured of what to expect if employing the right 'averted vision' technique. This is all assuming of course, that the Flame, before hand, is nice and clear. Such research could include this. Barnard 33, IC 434, and NGC 2023 - Horsehead Nebula Region - Belt of Venus.url Observing at Skyhound- IC 421 (Galaxy in Orion).url

Not necessarily, possessing the applicable observing equipment in the right circumstance and combining assertive intuition, will enable this target achievable. Just comprehending what to visually encounter and to apply averted vision. If B33 is revealed, then there are other threshold targets in the vicinity that can be equally as, or more visually challenging. Once resolved, the Horse Head Nebula becomes less elusive.

"Is that madness", could be, respectfully some kind of wind break is needed for preventing a strong gust from toppling your telescope. Here storm Arwen has recently arrived from north east Scotland and is full on. A sudden strong gust toppled my 8" dob from a fairly sheltered dark site, it thankfully was just fine. A few years ago, my 14" dob, which had a cover on, due to squally rain shower, wobbled and rocked nearly toppling, again at a dark site, that in particular was a heart stopping moment. Just be careful but tonight if Arwen whips down your way I'd stay in.

Ha ha, yep, I too have become a bit of an expert in indecision.

Really prefer the more relaxed eye relief of Delos and DeLite's. Soon after purchasing a 10mm Delos, around when this range was first released, I started to sell off my set of T6's in 7mm, 9mm, 13mm and 16mmT5 for alternatives. Currently, besides the 21E, I do from time to time, consider selling my Ethos; 6, 8, 13 and settling for Delos and DeLite's. In the Nagler range, I do have a 31T5, which is terrific.

Quite a while ago, I vaguely recall losing one of these on a dark sky trip with my VX14 dob. It just came off when clumsily due to a bit of fatigue or numbness when seating (or maybe removing) the rather hefty tube after a long winter session. I contacted OOUK and purchased a new set. Ended up replacing them all as they were a tighter fit, but kept hold of the old ones as they are still in good enough condition. They will for a cost send out spares for various parts, if it continues to be troublesome. Would also direct this matter with them as they will likely provide advice.

Hi, thanks for asking. The autumn season is not working out unfortunately, therefore no dark sky trips to target this subject. Will report if the winter season picks up.

As above the VX14 dob, but yes, as long as I can handle it. Revolutionizing my observing would equally apply to using a Unihedron Sky Quality Meter on each occasional dark sky trip. Logging periodic sky brightness measurements on a given time and date has become very informing and sometimes surprising.

Three eyepieces that gain the most use; chops and changes depending on circumstance. For quite some time, this has constituted observing Jupiter from my backyard. Therefore amongst a select bunch of eyepieces for this task; 5mm plus 7mm DeLite and 10mm Delos credit perhaps the most use.

'In Our Time', this morning Radio 4, featured an interesting discussion on William and Caroline Herschel. This is repeated tonight at 9.30pm or this podcast is now available to download. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011c4p

Quite believable. One location I had used fairly frequently, is now more or less discounted as led intrusion from a considerable distance away has noticeably increased. Due north is still good, but Newcastle Airport some way south has become LED horrendous. The expansive development around the edges of Towns and small villages increasing in size with all the led lighting infrastructure is creeping ever more into those pockets of dark sky. I wouldn't necessarily draw too much conclusion though on your SQM readings. They can fluctuate from night to night and time of night. Gaining better transparency would improve on 21.1, although yep 21.86 would be a top draw and probably not achievable perhaps within the current circumstance. Location to can be improved by a differing situation. My former top location, was on a fairly high open promontory aptly named Battle Hill. Now I go to a place within the boundaries of forest, but with plenty of clearance (an unused loggers park up), screening somewhat any distant light. Very good; 21.6 SQM readings achieved here. Much needed is radical environmental protection from deregulation of developments and the spread of light pollution, if for no other reasoning than preservation of wildlife, nature conservation.

Personal preference is to venture to a dark sky location for uninterpreted views and potentially taking very good SQM readings. Quite at ease to go solo and take the larger dobsonian. The past two years, well frustratingly the best times; that is equate to a clear transparent sky, during a new moon phase, when not impeded by work patterns, we were all in lockdown. Since lockdown restrictions have lifted and returning to more regular work but on a largely reduced basis, therefore more potential free-time, mostly the forecast here has not been very reassuring to go on an hours drive somewhere just to set up and then likely become disappointed - done that too often. Can only agree with some of the comments above concerning the commitment to go to dark sky locations risking not the best forecast as it could go either way. Therefore to stay connected, setting up in the backyard often with my refractor has been a conduit of involvement for now. What I may consider is to not disregard periods when the moon is partially up for going on a dark sky trip, widening far more opportunity and something years back, in my eagerness I had done anyway.

Maybe night vision observing ought to be reviewed again by the mod team. Assigned into observers section under its own separate heading 'Night Vision Observers Report ', yet perhaps retain the other discussion elements, for now, as they presently are, that is within this section (so as not to crowd out observers sections too much). It will thus gain much more attention, yet with a clarity of format. The original issue, from certain posts has long since moved on.

Definitely at the right place at the right time. Aurora sighing has been all over the local news, with a shot profiled at the usual Sycamore Gap - famous Hadrian's Wall tree. Meant to be good tonight to. Great capture, successful trip and congrats with the HH.

Yes I get that and indeed your report is engaging and informative for urban observing. The mix of targets, combining brighter (Turn Left at Orion) seasonal DSO's and a nice selection of double stars, is quite within grasp for many starting out and urban centred observers. I am usually someone whom will venture out to darker skies, but that hasn't happened for a quite a while. However, as you mention; Andromeda, the Pleiades, The Double Cluster, the Globular's are all there. Then what's more I did not have to pretend to enjoy Strictly, my wife quite accepting that I would be enjoying instead some fresh air.

A lovely relaxed session, made more so with the rum I expect. Actually had a back yard session myself last night, largely on Jupiter, which here accepted quite high power, no rum but a bottle of Timothy Taylor slipped down nicely, a perk of observing at home.

The weather has been particularly gloomy the past few days and nights. Far worse though in the north west with the excessive rain fall and all. As it would be, the forecast does look to be more promising for the coming week, colder with clearer skies from mid week, coinciding with a new moon. Herding hill farm campsite, stopped there once a few years back, when cycling the Hadrian Cycle Way with my daughter, good campsite with Llamas to greet you, as I recall. They were tapping into the astro dark tourism and a part of the field catered for that. However the led lit path to the brightly lit wash facilities, contradicted this a bit. Near to Cawfields; a good spot.

Where about's in Northumberland were you situated?

A good night on Jupiter, until the clouds rolled in.

Sorry to hear that. I only use mine - a VX8L supported on a dob mount, for visual and have not had any discernible concern, yielding excellent outcomes. I would expect that the comments are based upon entirely honest personal experiences, yet may expect that others could yet comment to differ, perhaps imply that they did however consider or require a reinforced method, perhaps.

As with ri above, never personally had a concern regarding flexing with a VX14 on their dob mount. This is with regard to using some heavy e.ps: 21E, 31N, 41N, paracorr, baader steel track focuser, finder scope. Wouldn't wish to (personally) add any additional modifications, therefore increasing the weight to this tube or mount.

That corner looks like it is taylor made for those three.