18 Dec - M42 and M45 under good skies

[acharris77]

Well, I did plan to do more observing tonight than the 50 mins I was outside due to the clouds that were out earlier on in the night , So after some food, I decide to set the scope up for cooling, then I went out at around 11pm with the plan of viewing just the M42 and M45 under a moonless sky.

So out I go and turn the scope to M42, and under these frosty skies, the view of the trapezium was just wow, and I could see a hint of nebulosity around there, totally different view to my last one with the full moon sky. This is the first time I have seen nebulosity on the M42 and I was in awe, just looking for about 20 mins at it, taking in it amazing sight. using both the 10mm and the 25mm

Then I swing the scope to the M45, this too is the first time I viewed this under a moonless sky. The view was amazing compare to the seeing conditions last time I viewed it, the glow from some if the stars and the clarity was simply amazing, I wish I had an eyepiece with a wider FOV than my 26mm meade.

So I had a good night except for the cold, I was dressed in jeans, t-shirt, sweat shirt, fleece top and big coat over the top, and gloves as well, I must have looked well padded up with all the clothes on, but I was warm(ish) so I didnt care how I looked. Thanks all for reading.

[Talitha]

Glad you were able to get out Anthony, even if it wasn't for as long as you'd have liked. Wow, sounds like your views were awesome compared to previous sessions, i'm so happy for you.

[pvaz]

I'm glad you had a better look at them and enjoyed your session!

Those 2 are a great sight. Specially M42, even when I have something else planned I can never resist a quick peek, that usually turns into at least 15min!

Some days the seeing is so good I can see structure in the nebula, almost like some kind of flame.