Getting the fuzzies !

[cotterless45]

Dark sky rules ! That's if you're a fan of the faint fuzz.Probably preaching to the church of the converted !

This has become apparent in recent visits to galaxy targets. Some of these I can't even see from home. I remember on Skye star hopping from ρ Persei straight onto NGC 891 ,10" Dob.  Sat awed at the dust band and halo. From home I can't see ρ or the galaxy.

Similarly with the "Whale" ,  seeing it's hump and full shape from Turf Hill began and exploration of these wonderful sights. Canes Venatici became the happy hunting ground.

Things really hit home with NGC 4449. This is resolvable down to it's stars, however from here , it's just a fuzzy. I've tried an 8" Newt from here with the same effect. In Galloway , the sky was stunning and gave the spirals and knots of M33 in x15 binoculars. 

However , choosing the accessible targets , binaries , clusters , planets , comets and bright nebulae does bring great pleasure from the edge of town . Even going down to 4" aperture gives plenty to enjoy. I'll keep the fuzzies for dark sky ! It does get better here after midnight when folks switch off lights , including the bank of arc lights from the golf driving range . 

 

 

New Forest 8".                                                       Skye 10" .

 

From home , exerted vision (!) 6" achromatic.

Clear skies  ! Old Nick.

Some beard fuzz here !

 

[SIDO]

Very nice Nick, A little beard fuzz here too...En-joy!

[estwing]

Tis inspiration you spread wise one...thanks for sharing Nick.

[Littleguy80]

Brilliant Nick. Every month I observe something that’s made it onto the list from one of your reports. Thank you!