Tired But Willing...

[Epick Crom]

Hi my fellow stargazers! I was tired last night after having to get up really early for work in the morning. Body was unwilling but mind wasn't! I had a mini 30min session that ultimately reaped a great reward! I began by observing the star 1 Geminorum and it's surroundings. This star is a double so I hit it with my highest magnification but was unable to split it. According to Sky Safari it's seperation is 0.1" so no wonder I couldn't split it! I visited M 35 and discovered the loose open cluster NGC 2129 near 1 Gem. I then scanned the area by Orion's belt and,guided by the red star V1197, reaped the great reward I spoke about earlier : M78! Light blue misty nebulosity surrounding two faint stars! I was overjoyed to have finally found it after so many unsuccessfull attempts 😍. Thanks to all of you for your advice on locating it! That made my night so it was off to bed as my eyes were barely open. I couldn't resist a final look at the waxing crescent moon, the view was amazing. A quick but really rewarding session. Clear skies 👍

Joe

[John]

Great stuff Joe !

I'm glad you found M78 - I was observing it myself this evening with my Vixen 102 refractor.

 

 

[Epick Crom]

Hi John. Thank you for your detailed guide to locating M 78, that helped a lot! Must look good in your refractor. Thanks again 👍

[Jiggy 67]

18 hours ago, Epick Crom said:

M78! Light blue misty nebulosity surrounding two faint stars! I was overjoyed to have finally found it after so many unsuccessfull attempts 😍.

About time too!!!  👍😀

[Epick Crom]

Thanks Jiggy! Yeah it took a while but I'm chuffed to add it to my "collection" 😁