Has anyone seen DSO colour visually?

[winterlight]

I have heard that some people has appreciated some colour in objects like the M42 with large dobs. Any experience?

[Chris H]

Think I once saw a a hint of green in M42 but could not be sure.

[blinky]

Yeah, I see green in Orion but thats about it really.

[NickH]

Myself and Ian pass independently saw colour in M42 using the 14" Intes Mak in Spain under pristine skies...so yes

[winterlight]

what size telescope?

[NickH]

14" Intes Maksutov as I mentioned

[George Jones]

Years ago, I saw green in M42 with a 13" (I think) Dob.

[anthony]

green in m42 with a 20" at astroadventures

[Beulah]

I saw hints of pink in M42 with my 8" Dob on VERY clear nights...

Also have noticed a greenish/bluish haze to M57 and M27.

I am a trained artist - so it might be all in my imagination.

[winterlight]

Sounds like a need a bit more aperture. The M42 is very nice in my 12" Lightbridge but have never noticed any colour before

[mark7331]

You're seeing green because our eyes are more sensitive to it. I think perhaps you guys should read this:-

http://stargazerslounge.com/primers-tutorials/90030-primer-understanding-night-vision-averted-gaze-telescope-tapping.html

[simon84]

I think alot of it is down to having seen colour images of different objects in magazines, books and on the internet so our brain tries to find colour where usually there isnt any.

[mark7331]

I think alot of it is down to having seen colour images of different objects in magazines, books and on the internet so our brain tries to find colour where usually there isnt any.

Agree totally.

[Ford Prefect]

I saw part of the veil in colour last year in kelling but that was through Linton's 20" dob . It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!!!

[TopHouse]

I see green in orion too.

[Chris H]

what size telescope?

10" dob

[winterlight]

Thanks Mark7331, that makes sense. Most digital cameras also dedicate 2x as much sensors for green - I suspect to replicate the human eye sensitivity

[barkis]

In a 14" f6 homemade Newtonian. No doubt about the green cast I saw in M42, not just a one off either, but a common sight.

A bonus, when added to beautiful structure of the region itself.

Ron.

[winterlight]

There is a 20" dob on ebay!

[Ben Ritchie]

If we're talking DSOs in general and not just nebulae then I find red (super)giants always stand out very clearly in open clusters in an 8" or larger 'scope - I always like the striking red giant in the middle of M103, for example.

For nebulae, i'd agree with the others - I find M42 a clear green tint in a large Dob, nothing in anything else.

[Beulah]

I think alot of it is down to having seen colour images of different objects in magazines, books and on the internet so our brain tries to find colour where usually there isnt any.

Amazing that my eyes can play tricks on me like that. I did assume that was the case...

[badgerchap]

I swear M27 seems more colourful than other objects, but now you all mention it, I reckon it is probably a mental illusion, as photos of the planetary nebula are normally so distinctly green. If you don't mind some charlatanism, how about using a pale green filter next time you view M42 lol