Sextans fest !

[cotterless45]

A few weeks of poor weather and following a glorious spring day , a clear sky. Lot of light thrown around at lower levels, but 19.2 sqm was about as good as it got. A night for brighter targets. Leo was high, wandering what's under Leo. There's Hydra and Sextans, both high from here. 

 

Very surprised how bright the "ghost of Jupiter" NGC 3242 appeared , it really is ghostly in the view. Just a streak of the "spindle galaxy" NGC 3115. But higher up , one of the best view of "Bodes" both in the fov and with stunning detail. Lovely views of the powdery M67 and the brighter M38. 

 

Went through some binaries , including a stunning colourful view of 12 Comae Berenices and 24 Comae Berenices , yet another winter Albireo . Some views of Coma Berenices including ,

Σ1686 5.7" separation, good delicate pair.

ΟΣ266 2.0 " , amazing to open this up, really good seeing.

β800 7.5" , but lovely contrast .

Σ1633 , looks wide .

Then back to Sextans ,

Σ1457 1.8" separation.

Σ1441 2.8"

40 Sextanis 2.4" , but nearly eyes peering back !

Σ1377 4.2" difficult by averted view as +7.5 to a +10.5 companion.

Hercules was rising and a resolved view of M92 and NGC 6210 , the bright "white pea".

 

Our hedgehog returned to feed and snortle around the garden . Not enough darkness to stay up, but a welcome return to the 

Clear skies !

Nick.

[Doc]

Love reading your reports Nick.

[wookie1965]

I knew you would be out last night and was looking forward to this. Don't think I have saw anything in sextant not even sure got any notes on it so this is a god send.

Great sketches as usual it is brilliant looking for these objects and got a sketch to compare the view with so you know your looking in the right place.

Thanks Nick great report.

[estwing]

Stuck in LP of Winsford last night...those clocks jumping forward aren't going to help the astro darkness! .Thanks for sharing old bean, clear skies!