Faint little swan

[RikM]

While the imaging rig was clicking away on M27, I had a peep at some of the more southerly objects visible from my garden. Sweeping the dob down from Aquila through to Sagittarius, I was amazed to be able to see loads of new Messiers'. M11, M23, M24, and M25. I could see the star cluster at the heart of M16 but couldn't make out any nebulosity. I missed the chance to see M8, M20 and M22 as they slipped behind my shed. another time from another location for these I think.

Finally, grabbing paper and pencil I bashed out a quick sketch of M17 the Swan nebula, alternatively listed as the Omega nebula, but it looks much more like a Swan to me. It's a shame the skyglow from Tesco washes this out so much, but I have a plan...

[DarkerSky]

Nice one Rik. Yes, definitely a swan! I remember this one responds well to an OIII filter with more nebulosity being revealed to the east of the swan too.

M16 also stands out better with an OIII

[4lefts]

Nice! That's pretty much how it looked for me in my 200p from the NLO the last time I was there - definitely a swan. I could maybe see a bit more around the head area, but then it was pretty dark (though I couldn't the nebula in m16 either). I really should do some dso sketches.

[johnh]

Imaging the Swan this week showed me how bright it is so seeing it so low must have been a suprise.

John.