M13 - My first Cluster 4/9/23

[Olli]

After looking at the clear outside all yesterday I was presently surprised to see all greens! So this time around I made sure to make a list or at least some targets that I would like to try this evening. Which were  m31 and M13.  As well as testing out the new binos. Starting around 9:30pm or so I knew it still wasn’t quite dark enough and the flight path seemed to be incredibly busy which didn’t help things.

First  starting off with m31 which was east/north east this evening. Before starting I tested the opricon WA 10x 50 binos to make sure I was in the general areal which showed surprisingly clear and crisp views of the stars. Next after locating Mirach with the binos I then went up  vertically with my scope following the second two stars.  I found a grey smudge which I am now certain it has to be m 31 as it was the same thing I saw the other night, when focusing it didn’t seem to focus like the stars but seemed to get longer in shape. It had a whiteish core in the middle. 
 

next I wanted to test my binos and went to Jupiter just as a quick look, and was very impressed though they seem to be a bit shaky ( maybe it’s just me !) though was very small I could make out the gap between the rings and was framed beautifully with the other stars.

lastly my main target tonight was m13 which I could just about see with the naked eye. Though starting with Arcturus and working my way up diagonally using Alphecca and Kornephoros as guides  I could see a small faint hazy glow.  The main focus on tonight was trying to improve my star hoping and knowing the constellations better which I’m very pleased with. Hopefully I can get out more and do longer sessions to make it worth while!

 

Edited September 4, 2023 by Olli