Coma Berenices and a bit more

[Mark at Beaufort]

Another clear spell and was able to use the 12" Dob. I wanted to explore some of the delights of Coma B but whilst waiting for it to rise a bit more I went looking around Ursa Major. Like the previous night I started with M97 (Owl Neb) - used the 13mm Ethos with the Castell O-III filter. Filter removed and took in M108, M109, M81, M82, M51 and M101 (used the 20mm Myriad).

Viewed M66, M65 and had a much better view of NGC 3628 than the previous night before moving over to Coma B

Whenever I start viewing the Coma B area I start with the cluster Melotte 111 which is great in my 80mm finderscope. 

I started from the eastern edge and observed NGC 4494, 4565 (Needle), 4559, 4278, 4283, 4274, 4414. I crossed the border into Canes Venatici to pick up two favourites - NGC 4631 (Whale) and 4656 (Hockey Stick). Moved down to NGC 4725, M64, M53 - I tried again to view NGC 5053 but failed. My notes show that I observe this Globular last April but it was beyond me last night. In the book by Ted Aranda - 3000 Deep-Sky Objects it states that 5053 is 'Probably the faintest globular in the sky'. Must have another go.

Finally, ended with M85, M100 (an absolute jewel) and M98.

[cotterless45]

Superb haul there ! I used to get the whale and hockey stick from here , well worth finding ,

Nick.

[wookie1965]

Great session I've only ever seen the whale and the hockey stick from a dark site when I had my 8" reflector I've not tried with my 5 " Refractor yet from a dark site. 

A great haul things I will not get in my scope. 

[John]

Great report Mark

I must have a look at the Whale and the Hockey Stick again. I don't think I've observed them since that lovely night at Lucksall with our 6 inch scopes