Have a Cigar (the galaxy I mean)

[stolenfeather]

After being away from my telescope for weeks and inactive on this site for over a year, I was quite enthusiastic in finding the new supernova in M82 that some have already mentioned on this forum.  It would not only be the first time I witness a recent supernova but it would also be my first glimpse of the Cigar Galaxy.  I did the necessary collimation and headed outside.  Since the weather network had called for a windchill warning of -43, I dressed for the occasion.  Unfortunately, I was ill-prepared to also face a wall of humidity (81%).  Now, upon a recent look at the forecast, the warning called for blowing snow.  I guess the Cigar Galaxy will be for another day.  I have a 10" Dobsonian, I'm assuming that it won't be too tricky to find right? 

Until then, I thought that this song would be quite fitting...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMr3KtYUCcI

Isabelle

[todd8137]

Hi Isabelle the two nights I went out to try and catch this with the camera ,family stuff came up so I never got out

Pat

[stolenfeather]

Hi Pat! How are you doing? I hope you have another chance real soon to capture it!

Isabelle

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[mjpfc]

Hi folks,

              The galaxy is well within reach of a descent pair of binoculars, and the supernova, although not as bright,

is a point source and actually looks brighter than the surrounding 200 billion or stars and collection of dust.

Give it another 7 days and it may well be veiwable in good 10x50s if the sky gets dark and transparent.

I, ve been looking at it with an 8" newt through slightly murky skies and it is very obvious in the mid-plane of the galaxy.

Clear skies both

Mick

[cotterless45]

This was this morning just before 3. Clearly visible at x48 and getting brighter than when I fist saw it a few days ago, Nick.

[bingevader]

A 10" will be great. It was rather an awe inspiring view on Saturday through an 8" 'scope. I had a 2 hour window in the terrible weather we've been having here and made the most of it! It was very good at 109x. Still brightening!

Cheers

[stolenfeather]

Thanks Mick, Cotter, and binge! That diagram will be a great help!

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[Double Kick Drum]

-43!

The only suitable clothing for that is an outer layer of house.

If it is still brightening, I may have a fair chance.

Better luck next time. It might only be a wind chill of -25.

[stolenfeather]

Good luck! -25 is quite "doable".

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[Astro Imp]

Hi Isabelle,

Good to have you back with us, it was only a few days ago that I thought we hadn't heard from you. Always a pleasure to hear from you.

Good luck in your SN hunt.

All the best and keep warm.

[stolenfeather]

I was going to head out tonight but we have another cold one... Soon... There will be a time when the supernova starts to diminish. I hope it sticks around!

Isabelle

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[Special K]

We've got damp and dreary over in the UK, so much so that I'm sure there are many on this forum that would gladly brave that windchill! Good luck with the SN, and sure you'll see it in the 10".