Orion Nebula and Pleiades

[Swoop1]

I saw that the sky had cleared earlier this evening so set up the scope outside to cool at about 21:00. I head out at 21:20 and used the moon to confirm spotter alignment before traversing onto Orion. My target tonight was the Orion Nebula. 

Now, as a new guy to this, I wasn't sure where in the constellation the nebula resides. Starlight, the iPad app that my son loaded for me is a god bit of kit but, I haven't quite got used to its vagaries yet. I initially set up with the x2 Barlow and the 25mm eyepiece and used this to explore the constellation while my eye settled in. I then upped to the x2 and 10mm and used the finder scope to try and identify fuzzy points of light as opposed to pinpoints. Having found one, I checked the EP and blow me, a line of stars leading into an irregular cloud with a group of 4 stars within. Not being sure yet as there was the odd bit of wispy cloud around, I stayed with it for 5 minutes but the irregular cloud remained constant. I was satisfied that I was observing a DSO however, it wasn't until I had finished and researched the nebula that I was satisfied I had achieved my aim. The nebula was very distinct, more so than my first DSO- Andromeda. The visibility of the object was almost immediate. I don't know if this is because I had my eye in or because the nebula is more prominent than Andromeda? I spent a good 20 minutes following the nebula through the heavens. A very enjoyable time it was too.

I then decided to relocate to the back of the house to try for Uranus. Starlight had it about three fingers above my visible horizon (the roof of a 2 storey apartment block opposite) so light pollution was a bit of an issue. I lined the finder up on what I thought may have been Uranus and, with the Barlow and 10mm, I saw a prominent point of light a dull yellow in colour. I'm not sure if Uranus would be a visible disc on my set up (Skywatcher explorer 150P) so don't know if I had it. 

Being in the right part of the garden to observe I then decided to have a look at Pleiades. I have always loved the look of this feature with the naked eye. It's shape reminding me of Concord in flight. Once aligned, I swapped between the 10mm and 25mm in the Barlow. To quote a certain reasonably well known SF film, "My God, its full of stars!" Beautiful.

It was about now I identified my one major mistake of the evening- footwear. I had pulled on a pair of light pumps for the session and as I stood at the EP, my slight movements were accompanied by the sound and feel of ice forming on the patio. Wow but my feet were cold (I currently have them resting on a warm hot water bottle!). A bank of cloud was starting to roll in so I decided to call it a night. Only and hour and 20 minutes at the scope but very satisfying.

[John]

Good report

Try the same targets without the barlow lens another time. When I 1st observed DSO's I used too much power. When I came back to them with a lower paower eyepiece that showed a wider field of view I realised that I'd only been seeing the central areas of them !

The 4 stars you saw in a group are known as the Trapezium and are at the core of M42 (the Orion Nebula). The nebula extends for quite a way outwards in a sort of curving arc type shape with a dark rift where the 4 stars are grouped together.

Uranus is a very small pale blue disk at around 100x or more.

All set for another go ASAP I'll bet ?!!

 

[Stu]

Another good session! Plenty around who don't see anything for a few goes so you are doing well. As John says, low power is a good starting point for DSOs like M42 and the Pleiades, that way you fit more of the object in the field of view and see it in context with the surroundings. Using higher power to view the Trapezium is well worth it though.

I suspect you didn't see Uranus, but try it again soon. I see it as a pale greenish grey colour, unlike Neptune which is a deep blue, but much fainter.

[rockystar]

nice reading. It took me a couple of goes to get Uranus, but when I did, it was pretty obvious that I hadn't seen it the previous two times - I think you missed this time, but keep trying, you'll get it

try your Barlow and 25 (instead of the 10) on M42, I'm sure you'll see much more of it

 

[laudropb]

Very nice report. You have started out very well and are gaining great experience. Probably not Uranus, but it's not the easiest of objects. As above comments, try without the Barlow at first. Proper footwear is essential, as you have found out for yourself.

[Astro Imp]

A great and enthusiastic report.

We all need some successes when starting out, there are enough failures, but perseverance pays off in the long run.

As you have found being properly clothed and shod is pretty much essential at this time of year.

BTW I found sitting rather than standing at the eyepiece made for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Clear skies, good luck and enjoy.