Recommended targets

[rawhead]

Looks like it may be clear tonight. :sunny:

I’m hoping to give my 80ED a proper try out.

Bearing in mind I only have clear views to the North and East (and a sliver to the south west)

Can anyone recommend some targets to put it through its paces?

Cheers

Jon

[Sam]

Jon,

M57 and M27 have got to be on your list - they are in the East at the moment and are a wonderful sight.

Sam

[John]

If you want a high power test try the "double double" Epsilon Lyrae near Vega in Lyra. You will probably need 100x at least to split the 2 pairs of stars.

John

[EA2007]

Summer is kinda a problem in England at the moment, doesn't get dark at all, the sky has a faint kind of blue haze to it and also the moon is very bright from late afternoon to about midnight.

Galaxies with even my 8inch newtonian are problematic, M57 is okay though as is M27, but M27 resides lower in the sky so if you have hedges or fences in the way to your east then you may not get it.

I would go for M13 personally, if you can get that go for its smaller constellation companion of M92, both visually interesting.

Roll on winter!

[rawhead]

Cheers guys

The running order:

M57

M27

The double double (that’ll be first)

M92

M13

Are there any open clusters I can go for? I do like an open cluster…..

[Andrew*]

A scout around Cassiopeia should show up a few nice opens - the Owl, M103....

M29 is a so-so just inside Cygnus' cross to the left).

While you're in the 2x2x and M57 area, try the double Albireo at the end of the Cygnus cross.

Lastly, M81 and M82 should be within the capabilities the 80mm - could be a little tricky.

Andrew

[rawhead]

A little later than planned but the goto is aligned and I'm ready for action... :hello1:

I've got a very faint M13 in the 32mm already