JonnyK Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Does anyone know if I would be able to view M101 through my celestron 127mak?I've not tried looking at anything but planets and if it's a clear night tonight I fancy trying something different! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyK Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Or M51? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamp thing Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Hi JonnyYou couldn't pick a tougher Messier object as your first target.M101 is notoriously difficult, specially if you have any light pollution. It also has the lowest surface brightness of any Messier object.I would suggest you try for M81- M82 first then try a few Globs like M13, M92, M3 next.Face on spiral Galaxies like M51 and M101 are very tricky unless your skies are ink black and free of LP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjr Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Yeah, M101 is really hard, not the best target for the Mak. Try M44, this looks stunning at x50 mag through my 127 mak. M13 is certainly worth a look. The scope splits double stars very well too. I always quite enjoy that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd8137 Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 I struggle with a 12" reflector sometimes from the back garden it's a tough one to see the best of timesPat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyK Posted May 15, 2012 Author Share Posted May 15, 2012 Thankyou for the replies, if the skies are clear tonight I will try for M13 and M44 then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkster Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 M13 is a cracker, also have a go at M57... it will take some magnification, so you might be lucky with the 9mm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smashtie Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 Another vote for M13, for what it's worth. I tried out my new Celestron 8se on Saturday, and M13 was breathtaking. Nice and bright, so you shouldn't have to mess around with averted viewing and all that. Hope you get clear skies soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cyborg421 Posted May 15, 2012 Share Posted May 15, 2012 M3 gets my vote. I've only ever seen M101 in dark conditions.Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.