Saw M81, M82 and M51 tonight :)

[kirkster501]

Through my 11 SCT and looks good through Nag 17. Could not see any form in M81 and M51 thought other than a fuzz of light in my suburban skies. M82 a little bit of light undulation in the bar.

To see beginnings of the spiral structure in M51/M81 I guess much darker skies guys?

Well chuffed tonight

Steve

[Daniel-K]

yes darker skies, i could see structure in my 8inch on m51 from the lakes so in your 11 would immense

[mdstuart]

Also keep practicing. It took me ages to see the red spot on Jupiter and I am sure I see more now on galaxies than before. Even in a mag 5 skies you should be able to pick up the brighter parts of the arms of M51 with time and averted vision..

Mark