scarp15

Complexity is predicting a clear sky forecast to have shifted to around midnight, which is no good. Hope for better circumstances across the UK at the start of next year and for some accounts observing into Monoceros.

Cheers, there is a window of high pressure predicted for tomorrow night before wet and windy weather follows. Monoceros region is host to NGC 2264, which is in part, the Christmas Tree Cluster. It would be interesting to take a look at Betelgeuse with all the talk concerning it dimming.

Hi NGC 2346, I will be using my Lumicon O-III filter, as this gains clarity in profiling this fuzzy glow. Either of my two dobsonian's; 8" or 14", this is an object that on a few occasions I have been able to observe with increasing magnification and would like to emphasis studying at high power. There just might become a possibility for venturing out for a few hours on Tuesday night, if lucky and works out fine with family arrangements, in which case I will take along my VX8L dob. Typically the forecast is complex favouring the coastal stretch, less favourable north westerly, the direction I would prefer to travel. Would be interesting to take a look at M1 with high power to, after Gerry's recent intriguing account. Thomas Edison's quote referring to 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration, when born to stargazing sometimes makes sense, you hardly need to be a genius to understand that much of the applied time is used in research alone.

Whilst we wait, poring over plans marking targets on charts, yearning for a dark clear sky at this late period in the year. Alas if there ever is a dark sky opportunity, there is so much to encounter at this time of year. NGC 2346, the Hour Glass Nebula in Monoceros, also known as the Butterfly Nebula, is a binary star. Observing this Planetary at mid power with an OIII or UHC filter, a fuzzy halo around a bright star is discerned, higher power may start to reveal a more oblong shape and perhaps with averted vison two lobes begin to become apparent. Given the opportunity, I would like to study this subject at high power. Continuing in Monoceros, there is the Rosette Nebula and a myriad of open clusters including NGC 2244 embedded within the centre region. Low power and an OIII or UHC filter gains the structure for this large emission nebula. A subject I would like to explore with my 8" dob and 31mm Nagler, 41 Panoptic. High up in Auriga is much to explore, the clusters of course and IC 405, The Flaming Star to try to resolve. A particular challenge I would like to have a go at is for IC 417 a diffuse nebula known as The Spider Nebula. Just a snippet based upon a long drawn up list ranging a diversity of subjects to revisit and explore in detail or discover anew. Share your thoughts on any of these and your own aspirations, whilst we wait.

Hi I particularly like DeLite eyepieces and they have specifically become a favourite for Lunar and Planetary observing. I also like to use a XW5mm in-between DeLite eyepieces; on my wish list for 2020 will be a XW3.5mm. For DSO's I mostly enjoy low power wide field and like to experiment with exit pupil size, recently introducing a 41mm Panoptic to use on extended objects of low surface brightness at dark sky locations. My eyepiece case had long since become full, some chunky e.p's are kept in Neoprene Lens Pouches. Personal preference is to use incremental focal lengths rather than such as a Barlow / Powermate.

Interesting description conveying this phase, great that you got to set up the 10" dob. The Moon did appear sharp and pronounced in the west earlier this morning in the cold blue light.

Quite as John has said, no light source at all when deep sky observing. This does require some self discipline and suitable memory recall for determining where targets are situated. I resent having to use a light source at all when required as is often the case to look at a chart. For this a small dim Petzl elite red setting head torch which has an effective swivel, tilt head combined with a large magnifier where I can use both eyes to scan across pages assists. Dark adaption is just about good for every task when out, even when pouring coffee with the coffee cup resting on your lap (well nearly always).

Could be, although the 31T5 and 21E are each perfect for this gaining more contrast. I am hoping to draw out a bit more employing each of my three scopes with the 41mm on Barnard's Loop.

Just recently acquired a 41mm Pan on ebay, used effectively on the moon at f7 and will be used at f6. Will give this a try with my 14" dob at f5.3, paracorr attached, for H-beta filter observing, dark skies of course.

A clear night at a dark site with a flask of home made soup, could be heaven.

Thinking on the same lines as Gerry, extremities most impacted by cold are fingers. I take a pair of windstopper gloves and in Winter conditions additionally a pair of mittens. Useless of course at changing filters but fine if nudging an icy scope. For Christmas last year, I got a fleece neck gaiter, to wear underneath the collar of my down jacket and this does make a difference at trapping in heat. In really cold, usually wind chill conditions, I will wear a balaclava and down filled beanie hat. Wearing suitable boots, feet are usually fine, particularly if stamping up and down a bit.

That's great Michael, must check the weather forecast for any potential spontaneous evenings to go out with binoculars.

If the cold is expected to bite, I will utilise my Scarpa SLX, 4 season leather winter mountain boots. A substantial sole and insoles can help prevent cold penetrating from the ground. Combined with a thick pair of winter merino wool (Smart Wool) socks. Ski socks are no good they are not thick enough. Keeping off wind-chill is important depending upon where you are set up, leather is good for this. I like to observe seated, my observers chair has a foot rest, which is good for keeping feet off the ground, so to is a rubber mat to stand on, which I always take to set the dob on.

No that is quite understandable, the circumstance for detecting Barnard 33 and IC 434 for the first time, can override more than a passing across the Flame. B33 will become easier to detect each time that it is suitable to do so and other regions of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, such as the Flame will gain attention. Close to IC 434 are reflection nebulae such as NGC 2023. Rab equipment is great, I have down sleeping bags and garments that have been used for 25 - 30 years, washed occasionally of course.

The Flame Nebula is a notable subject worth considered scrutiny. It would actually be quite spectacular but for its proximity and impact from the glare of Alnitak (Zeta Orionis). There is a distinct dark central lane and if transparency is very good, branch lines can be detected. It is also known as the Tank Track Nebula and is interesting for experimenting with different magnifications and alternating between a UHC filter and no filter. Applying mid to high power can gain good contrast. My best observation has involved a 10mm Delos, 14" dob. Anyhow your report has got everyone in conversation concerning Orion and the cold air, a combination to hope for again later this month.

Fascinating description Gerry, will note to gain an increase higher magnification and equally try without a filter on this subject. Look forward to your encounters with the 8mm Delos.

Cracking session S&S, as Gerry has implied, the Bubble will slip into your eyepiece 'window' next time. Both Friday and Sunday night would had been quite epic here to, that almost intense deep blue as the sun sets. Gloves are quite imperative, I was actually out on a fell walk on the border over looking the Kielder moors, took my gloves off for a short period to take some photos and suffered painful fingers for quite some time afterwards, fancy forgetting my mittens.

Best memory so far this year was when I went on a wild camping trip and took along my 16x70 binoculars and monopod. Combining my passion for both backpacking to remote places and visual astronomy. The night sky was largely gaps in the clouds, but I got to roam and explore some summertime dark nebulae. Now that I know that it is doable, it will be something that I will do again.

Participating in other interests which happen to be outdoor related actually retains interest in this. If just focused almost completely on this; when the weather is mostly terrible, when the best dark sky nights happen on a night preceding a full working day or a social commitment is scheduled, the sense of disappointment can often be frustrating. Stubborn optimism, aspirational planning for the next one, positive recollection of the last time when it definitely worked out well, along with continual chatting on here keeps the interest afloat.

Charitable organisations such as The John Muir Trust and their ownership of some chunks of Scotland, such as notably in Knoydart and more recently on Skye are to be supported for their rewilding of the landscape ethos, would be good to see more of this kind of land management. Great that there is positive momentum in recent years to restore some areas of the Caledonian Pine Forest within the Cairngorms, that of course had once blanketed much of Scotland. The Cairngorms are a richly diverse, arctic influenced mountain landscape, it is hoped that National Park status continues to provide enough protection. Might be planning to make a trip over there via train and bike next year to complete a final Munroe in this part of the Highlands. I could live there at the drop of a hat, somewhere near Braemar would be great. Not sure that my wife would be so enthused, so unless I become a mountain hermit, now there's a thought.

Light pollution is creating an understandable harmful impact, so to are leaf blowers. https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/leaf-blowers-insect-noise-pollution-germany-gardening-a9208366.html

Very nice. I have the 10mm Delos and have used the 6mm, both equally engaging and comfortable eyepieces. The TeleVue discount, I would love to get my hands on a Panoptic 41mm, still rather pricy. Are there particular targets you plan on using these for Gerry?

Hi Firstly could I suggest that this topic be moved to Observing Deep Sky. IC-5146, is a reflection, emission nebula, although it is also referred to as the cluster that the nebula appears to merge within (the Cocoon is also known as Sh2-125). A subtle low contrast subject that is quite difficult as it is embedded in this rich star field. A H-beta filter does enhance contrast within the emission feature providing a small faint glow mixed in around one of the more prominent stars. Trawling through my notes, here is an account dating from 5/8/14 and using my 14" dob. " An attempt to locate the Cocoon, which I do believe I did! - in the correct location, first a hint of B168, Dark Cigar and at the head, the small rash that is IC-5146 an emerging open cluster and embedded in this a faint cloudy 'puff', H-beta filter observing is a challenge". A bit sketchy but not untypical of my note taking. Not sure which eyepiece I had been using but it would have been low power perhaps the 21E. SQM readings on the night were 21.35 mag, I think that it is one of those targets that is potentially attainable with a varied range of aperture, it is though quite a challenge, particularly following on from exploring Cygnus. @jetstream will have some input into this, as I know that he has committed time and attempts on this. Whilst in the area, the Fetus Nebula NGC 7008 is a nicely formed subject to explore. Cannot provide any comment on the Wizard. Attention will soon turn towards and focus minds on Orion.

Thanks everyone, very useful info, visuals and feedback. The weight is not a factor and 10mm in height gain is quite negligible really, when as stated no concerns and comfortable in use with the 5mm, cheers.

Compared to an XW 5mm. I have used the Pentax 5mm for a number of years, which receives use with each of my three scopes, most notably my TV-85. Concerning the TV-85, I alternate using this e.p and a TV DeLite 7mm and 4mm such as for Lunar observing. I have considered including a Pentax 3.5mm for sometime, particularly as it is parfocal to the 5mm. I am aware that the height of these in a short refractor, can deter some, who would prefer a short more compact alternative or zoom eyepiece. I like incremental focal lengths at high power and have had no issue using the DeLite's interacting between the lofty Pentax. Putting aside a notion that the TV-85 might start to resemble a set square, the mount is a Vixen Porta 2, no issue in tensioning, therefore harking back to the question, it would be interesting to learn proportionally how much loftier this ep is. Thanks