I can't believe I have not seen Thor's Helmet before

[Mark at Beaufort]

Last night was my first 2017 major outing with the 12" Dob. I have had the odd quick grab and go with the Orion VX8 and the little magic scope Skywatcher Heritage 130P.

Anyway I decided to view a few more objects from the Secret Deep and started with NGC 2359 - Thor's Helmet - although Steve O'Meara calls it 'Flying Eye'. I notice from my Interstellarum Atlas that this objects is best with a O-III filter.

Screwed a Castell 2" O-III into my 20mm 100 degree EP and what a great sight. After all these years and being aware of this object from astro photos I cannot believe, checking my records, that I have never viewed this object before. Whilst in the area I also checked out M47 and M46 and in particular the PN NGC 2438 inside M46. The view using a 13mm Ethos and an Astronomik O-III was brilliant.

I knew the next object was going to be difficult and that was the PN NGC2346 at the top end of Monoceros. Called 'Crimson Butterfly' it is easy to find being close to Delta Monocerotis. You need magnification to be sure and I used my ES 4.7mm EP (191x) together with the Astronomik O-III. I could see the central star quite easily.

Next a few star clusters starting with NGC2343 (Double mint cluster), NGC2360 (open box cluster), NGC2358, then up to the Seagull Nebula to see NGC2343 and NGC2335.

Finished viewing a few favourites M51, M81, M82, Rosette Nebula, M35, NGC 2158 , M44, M67 and finally Jupiter and took in the GRS.

So back in the saddle.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Haven't seen this one myself either. I have got NGC 2346 and 2343, and a number of nearby objects, bu tnot Thor's Helmet. Must give it a go

[John]

A new one to me as well but thanks for the name check Mark

Nice report too. I think I've only had my 12" dob out once this year as far as I recall

Last night was super for a short while here then I got fogged out, which is unusual here for this time of year. And I was so looking forward to Jupiter with my 130mm apo as well

Sounds like you got a good haul of M's and N's during your session

[PeterW]

Found the Medusa further north, but dont recollect seeing this one, though I have found the seagull nearby. Will make a mental note.

 

peter

[YKSE]

Congratulations to seeing Thors' helmet. This is my note on mag 21.0 sky two years' ago, "hint of nebula at best without filter, UHC! OIII!! Best filter neb så far"

This long cloudy night season was not entirely waste, I've able to check my obs notes, clean some double posts, and come to conclusion that I have 12DSO on Herschel 400 to go, 327 Herschel II to go

[scarp15]

Good report, there is a good deal of interest within this portion of sky and with an OIII filter very much as you describe. I enjoyed encountering NGC 2346 last time I was out at a dark site, here is some more info for anyone wishing to visit.

http://observing.skyhound.com/archives/feb/NGC_2346.html

A PN I think that I wasn't successful with last time is NGC 2440 in Puppis - described as a small elongated blob at low power, though as I recall it was a bit windy on the night. Thor's helmet had been new to me this season and encountered on two outings, very worth a visit. The Medusa nebula is interesting but so faint, a tease, I think that I would like to search this out again and when transparency conditions are spot on. The Seagull I'm going to try for with my frac sometime.

[Mark at Beaufort]

Thanks Iain I am grateful for the extra information on NGC2346. I was going to look for the Seagull last night but just viewed the two star cluster instead. As you say good to revisit sometime.

[estwing]

another one for me to bag also...Great stuff Mark and wonderful to land new targets, clear skies!

[niallk]

Great report  I haven't seen this yet either!  Will definitely go looking next chance

[Phil Fargaze]

I haven't seen this before as well, and I hadn`t been aware of it until recently. I made a note to observe it next weekend when I am at a dark site, so hopefully looking forward to tracking it down with the trusty 10" dob and OIII filter.

 

Edited March 16, 2017 by Phil Fargaze
spelling

[scarp15]

It might be interesting for you to try for the Seagull with your VX8 Mark for a wide and low power field of view along with an OIII filter. I have attempted this large very diffuse nebula sweeping the proximity with my VX14 but could not quite define the nebula structure. Of course here's hoping that we get some much needed nights of very good transparency.

[Mark at Beaufort]

Well here is a surprise. I just went outside to a fantastic clear and transparent sky. I attached an Astronomik O-III filter on one side and a Lumicon UHC  filter the other to my Helios Apollo 15x70 binos. I looked at the location of Thor's Helmet and there was a glow. No shape but I could see it in 70mm binos

[Mark at Beaufort]

20 minutes ago, scarp15 said:

It might be interesting for you to try for the Seagull with your VX8 Mark for a wide and low power field of view along with an OIII filter. I have attempted this large very diffuse nebula sweeping the proximity with my VX14 but could not quite define the nebula structure. Of course here's hoping that we get some much needed nights of very good transparency.

Iain I will give it a go with the Orion VX8 and my 20mm 100 degree EP which gives 2 deg 13'. However, my Kepple+Sanner night sky observer's guide states you need a 16" or 18" scope. But if you don't try.

[John]

Clear skies in Herefordshire ? - you lucky person - still solid cloud here. I was hoping for a clear patch but it looks like I'll have to wait until 3:00 am according to "Clear Outside"

 

Edited March 16, 2017 by John

[scarp15]

Yes it would be worth a go Mark, interesting thread to read here;

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/561160-anyone-seen-the-seagull-nebula-visually/

 

 

[Mark at Beaufort]

22 minutes ago, scarp15 said:

Yes it would be worth a go Mark, interesting thread to read here;

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/561160-anyone-seen-the-seagull-nebula-visually/

 

 

Thanks Iain for that link. I liked the post by David Knisley stating he viewed the Seagull in an 80mm frac. As well as the Orion I might give a go with the Heritage 130P which gives me 2.5 degrees in my ES 24mm EP. I have a star party next Thursday at a National Trust venue which is very dark. I will report either way.

[scarp15]

There is an interesting Mel Bartels observational drawing at the bottom of this page concerning the Seagull Nebula. It looks promising for some clear sky forecasts in the coming week so fingers crossed for the star parties, starcamps, or anyone including myself (would prefer to be at Kielder but for family obligations) hoping for a good stargazing session. 

 http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/6inchF2.8/Unobserved Wide Angle Nebulae Next to Well Known Objects.html

 

[Mark at Beaufort]

Iain what a great site. You have really got me going to view the Seagull Nebula.