Barnard 33: The Horsehead Nebula - At last !

[Dogstar45]

On 26/11/2017 at 03:03, John said:

Sir Patrick Moore's "The Observers Book of Astronomy

Still have my copy! Congratulations on seeing the Dead Gerbil!

[skyhog]

That's a great report on an iconic object few folk are ever going to see visually. I would love to have the right conditions to even attempt it. I also suspect my aging eyes would be the weak link in the chain too, there are accounts of it being invisible to experienced observes observing together. 

Edited December 3, 2021 by skyhog

[scarp15]

7 hours ago, skyhog said:

That's a great report on an iconic object few folk are ever going to see visually. I would love to have the right conditions to even attempt it. I also suspect my aging eyes would be the weak link in the chain too, there are accounts of it being invisible to experienced observes observing together. 

Not necessarily, possessing the applicable observing equipment in the right circumstance and combining assertive intuition, will enable this target achievable. Just comprehending what to visually encounter and to apply averted vision. If B33 is revealed, then there are other threshold targets in the vicinity that can be equally as, or more visually challenging. Once resolved, the Horse Head Nebula becomes less elusive. 

[skyhog]

10 hours ago, scarp15 said:

Not necessarily, possessing the applicable observing equipment in the right circumstance and combining assertive intuition, will enable this target achievable. Just comprehending what to visually encounter and to apply averted vision. If B33 is revealed, then there are other threshold targets in the vicinity that can be equally as, or more visually challenging. Once resolved, the Horse Head Nebula becomes less elusive. 

I'm not sure what you mean by "assertive intuition" in an observing context. I would still argue that there is probably a sweet spot in terms of age when the eye is at its optimal condition. 

[PeterW]

The right kit, filters, good sky transparency and knowing the scale of object you’re expecting all help… aperture isn’t everything.

Peter

[scarp15]

On 04/12/2021 at 09:26, skyhog said:

I'm not sure what you mean by "assertive intuition" in an observing context. I would still argue that there is probably a sweet spot in terms of age when the eye is at its optimal condition. 

Hi, apologies for the delay in responding, I've been away for the weekend.

A learn'ed approach; just doing all the studying, research, homework before hand. Therefore feeling competently equipped, 'visually', to have a go at this target. Such as becoming assured of the actual positioning of the eyepiece and assured of what to expect if employing the right 'averted vision' technique.  This is all assuming of course, that the Flame, before hand, is nice and clear.

Such research could include this.

 

Barnard 33, IC 434, and NGC 2023 - Horsehead Nebula Region - Belt of Venus.url

 

Observing at Skyhound- IC 421 (Galaxy in Orion).url

[skyhog]

I don't seem to be able to view those attachments🤔

Yes, planning is everything I'd agree. I think John's post sums up the techniques you mention perfectly. If you are unable to see 'easier' and 'brighter' objects at the start of the session moving on to more challenging targets is a waste of time. What to expect in terms of image scale Is crucial. With experience it falls into place. 

[jetstream]

It took me forever to see the HH initially in my VX10, now its much easier. Transparency is crucial as is fine tuning the exit pupil for use with the Hb, a bit too dark and away it goes.

These days I have two nemesis... the Eridanus Loop and Einsteins Cross, got the lensing galaxy so far after 3 years and still hunting for the "apparitions".

[niallk]

On 07/12/2021 at 13:32, jetstream said:

It took me forever to see the HH initially in my VX10, now its much easier. Transparency is crucial as is fine tuning the exit pupil for use with the Hb, a bit too dark and away it goes.

These days I have two nemesis... the Eridanus Loop and Einsteins Cross, got the lensing galaxy so far after 3 years and still hunting for the "apparitions".

What I'd give to see a gravitationally lensed object!

[John]

This target is the subject of Phil Harrington's "Cosmic Challenge" this month. A useful piece on observing it (or trying too !):

https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/column/phil-harrington-s/cosmic-challenge-horsehead-nebula-barnard-33-r3332

[Nicola Fletcher]

Fantastic - I thoroughly enjoyed reading your report and the thrill of the hunt! Congratulations on seeing the Horsehead - if only my 4" refractor was up to the challenge...!

[John]

53 minutes ago, Nicola Fletcher said:

.... if only my 4" refractor was up to the challenge...!

I think it has been done with a 4 inch refractor, when everything else comes together

(not by me though !)

Edited January 6, 2022 by John