CATALOG | COMMON NAME | TYPE | CONSTLN | DISTANCE | MAGNITUDE | SIZE | DATE | TIME | LOCATION | ELEVATION | BORTLE | CONDITIONS | SEEING | TRANS- | HUMIDITY % | MOON% | RISE/SET | EQUIPMENT | MAGNIFICATION | FOV (degrees) | COMMENTS | |
thousand LY | arc seconds | PARENCY | ||||||||||||||||||||
M1 | Crab Nebula | PN | TAU | 65 | 8 | 6 x 4 | 8-Nov-16 | 4:40 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | good | transparent | 50 | 12:05 AM | Celestron 130AZ, 17mm Orion Stratus | 38 | 1.7 | Barely visible (at this aperture) hazy round patch
about 5" in diameter. A little difficult to locate due to high
magnitude, even under quite dark sky. Will attempt to reobserve with one
of my larger telescopes. |
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M2 | GC-II | AQR | 33 | 6.5 | 13 | 14-Jun-16 | 3:50 AM | Hatch, Utah | 7080 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 15 | 63 | S 2:47 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Compact globular, not quite as bright as M15, bright central core. Starts resolved with averted vision. |
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M3 | GC-VI | CVN | 33.9 | 6.4 | 16 | 4-Apr-16 | 9:55 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | It's a pretty big globular, not as big as M13, but quite bright and I was able to resolve some of the stars from the haze.
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M4 | GC-IX | SCO | 7.2 | 5.9 | 26 | 18-Jul-15 | 9:55PM | Lubbock, Texas | 3284 | 6 | high cirrus | fair | average | 7 | S 10:33 PM | Orion XT8, 17mm plossl | 70 | 0.7 | My 1st recorded Messier. "Nice detail, a fine round
cloud of tiny stars with brighter, larger ones scattered throughout"
(quote from my original notes) |
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M5 | GC-V | SER | 24.5 | 5.8 | 17 | 16-May-16 | 3:20 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Spectacular globular cluster, visible in both 9x50 finder scope and 7x35 binoculars. Very bright, solid white core, dozens of stars resolved. |
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M6 | Butterfly Cluster | OC | SCO | 1.6 | 4.2 | 15 | 14-May-16 | 3:15 AM | Uninc. Hudspeth County, Texas | 4408 | 2 | clearing | average | average | 58 | S 2:10 AM | Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars | 20 | 2.9 | smaller, not as bright as M7, just a field of view to
the northeast of M7. With 7x35 binoculars, could probably see both in
same field (confirmed 5-16-16) |
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M7 | Ptolemy Cluster | OC | SCO | 0.98 | 3.3 | 80 | 14-May-16 | 3:15 AM | Uninc. Hudspeth County, Texas | 4408 | 2 | clearing | average | average | 58 | S 2:10 AM | Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars | 20 | 2.9 | Large, bright open cluster, nearly fills field of view of the 20x80 binoculars |
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M8 | Lagoon Nebula | BN | SGR | 4.1 | 6 | 90 x 40 | 16-May-16 | 12:55 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Large, bright nebula incorporating a cluster of stars.
Hard NOT to see this one, reportedly naked eye. Couldn't do that, but
easily seen with 8x35 binoculars. Revisited 7-4-16 with Obsession/31 mm
Nagler, O-III filter, much fine detail resolved. Worthy of another visit
to sketch. |
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M9 | GC-VIII | OPH | 25.8 | 8 | 9 | 24-May-17 | 10;45 | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87 | 1.1 | Small globular with very bright dense central core. No stars resolved at this magnification, but a hint of granularity. |
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M10 | GC-VII | OPH | 14.3 | 6.6 | 15 | 16-May-16 | 2:40 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | M10 and M12 are virtual identical twin globulars. M10
is slightly larger and appears brighter, although both magnitudes listed
the same. Many stars resolved (remarks continue on M12) |
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M11 | Wild Duck Cluster | OC | SCT | 6.2 | 5.8 | 14 | 5-Sep-15 | 9:00 PM | Lubbock, Texas | 3284 | 6 | clear | poor | average | 23 | R 1:33 AM | Celestron 130AZ, 17mm Plossl | 38 | 1.4 | The cluster appeared as a faint cloud with one brighter
star in the center. Rough sketch compared to star atlas confirmed
observation. |
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M12 | GC-IX | OPH | 15.7 | 6.6 | 14 | 16-May-16 | 2:45 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | (continued from M10) Beautiful showcase clusters, not
as compact as some globulars, almost like open clusters. Both are
visible and just fit within the 7 degree field of view of the 8x50
finder scope. |
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M13 | Hercules Cluster | GC-V | HER | 22.2 | 5.9 | 17 | 2-Apr-16 | 10:45 PM | Gila Bend, Arizona | 1888 | 4 | clear | good | above average | 22 | R 2:52 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Showcase globular cluster of the northern skies. Very
large, many stars resolved, dense white central core, streams of stars
from center. Thousands of stars resolved, a little snowball in the sky. |
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M14 | GC-VIII | OPH | 30 | 7.6 | 12 | 16-May-16 | 2:30 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Difficult to find, very dim and diffuse globular cluster. Fairly large. |
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M15 | GC-IV | PEG | 33 | 6.4 | 12 | 14-Jun-16 | 3:43 AM | Hatch, Utah | 7080 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 15 | 63 | S 2:47 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Nice compact globuar with bright central core, many stars resolved at 92x magnification and good dark sky. |
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M16 | Eagle Nebula | OC | SER | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4-Jul-16 | 12:01 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Open cluster surrounded by nebulosity. Bright double at
north end, plus nice little arc of 6 stars. Home of the iconic "pillars
of creation" Hubble image. I plan to revisit under higher magnification
with O III filter. |
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M17 | Omega Nebula | BN | SGR | 5 | 7 | 46 x 37 | 16-May-16 | 3:33 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Western edge like a reverse letter 'C' with a
semi-circular ring of tiny stars lining the edge. Nebula narrows to the
east. It looks kind of like a large mouth bass jumping out of the water
with stars for teeth. |
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M18 | OC | SGR | 4.9 | 6.9 | 9 | 1-Aug-16 | 10:15 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | poor | average | 2 | S 7:13 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | It's a fairly loose cluster with maybe 25 stars
visible. Shows in finder scope as a hazy patch just south of M17, Omega
nebula. In scope, barely distinguishable against rich star field. |
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M19 | GC-VIII | OPH | 28.7 | 7.2 | 14 | 16-May-16 | 2:00 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Globular cluster larger and more diffuse than M62, no
bright central core, hint of stars resolved with averted vision. Listed
as magnitude 7.2, but large surface area makes it look brighter. |
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M20 | Trifid Nebula | BN | SGR | 5.2 | 8 | 29 x 27 | 3-Jul-16 | 11:15 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Bright nebula, dark lane divisions hinted with averted vision. Blue and white double in center. |
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M21 | OC | SGR | 4.25 | 5.9 | 13 | 16-May-16 | 1:00 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos; Zhumell 20x80 Bino | 92 | 1.1 | Bright open cluster, maybe 30 stars resolved. |
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M22 | GC-VII | SGR | 10.6 | 5.1 | 24 | 9-Oct-15 | 11:00 PM | Eagle Canyon, San Rafael Swell, Utah | 7523 | 2 | high cirrus | fair | average | 11 | R 3 AM | Celestron 130AZ, 10mm Orion plossl | 65 | 0.8 | M22 was a pretty good treat, a fuzzy patch at 16x (40mm), a distinct globular cluster at 65x (10mm).
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M23 | OC | SGR | 2.15 | 5.5 | 27 | 4-Jul-16 | 12:05 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Very loose open cluster, perhaps 50-60 stars visible at
this magnification. A little difficult to distinguish against rich
Milky Way star field. Stands out against field in 9x50 finder scope. ID
confirmed in finder scope by pattern of surrounding low magnitude stars. |
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M24 | Sagittarius Star Cloud | MC | SGR | 10 | 4 | 90 | 3-Jul-16 | 11:45 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Large dense cloud of stars about 1.5-2 degrees wide by 1
degree. According to one reference, actually a patch of Milky Way
unobstructed by dark lane. Many fine asterisms, strings and loops of
tiny stars. Fuzzy patch in cloud looks like perhaps a globular cluster
behind the cloud. |
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M25 | OC | SGR | 2 | 4.6 | 32 | 16-May-16 | 3:45 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos; Zhumell 20x80 Bino | 92 | 1.1 | Nice open cluster, better in binoculars than telescope.
Looks like two tiny red stars in center, like a pair of coal red eyes
staring back at you. Similar sight in M41. Maybe its just me. |
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M26 | OC | SCT | 5 | 8 | 15 | 25-Jul-16 | 11:10 PM | Montgomery Pass, Nevada | 6035 | 1 | smoke haze | fair | below average | 50 | R 11:54 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Difficult to find only because Scutum is a small
constellation with dim stars. Shows in finder scope as hazy patch. At
92x a very pretty cluster, perhaps 100 stars visible, bright one in
center. |
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M27 | Dumbell Nebula | PN | VUL | 1.36 | 8 | 8 x 4 | 3-Jun-16 | 1:30 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | fair | average | 3 | R 4:40 AM | Obsession 15UC, 13mm Ethos | 141 | 0.7 | Bright planetary nebula, distinct shape sort of like a
round apple with a bit taken out of opposite sides. Very beautiful, at
this magnification some veination hinted. |
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M28 | GC-IV | SGR | 17.9 | 7 | 11 | 16-May-16 | 1:19 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Small, tight globular. Fuzzy ball, no stars resolved |
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M29 | OC | CYG | 4 | 6.6 | 7 | 25-Jul-16 | 11:00 PM | Montgomery Pass, Nevada | 6035 | 1 | smoke haze | fair | below average | 50 | R 11:54 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | This cluster has eluded me for over a year. I could never pick
it out agains the rich background field. Clue: I was looking for something
bigger. Shows as hazy patch in finder scope. Compared quick sketch to photos to
confirm.... |
The giveaway was the 'little dipper' asterism at the center of the cluster. | ||
M30 | GC-V | CAP | 27.1 | 7.5 | 11 | 31-Oct-16 | 7:20 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | high cirrus | fair | average | 1 | S 6:53 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Small dim globular. Two trails of 3-4 stars extending northward, one from central core, the other from the eastern edge. |
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M31 | Andromeda Galaxy | SG | AND | 2540 | 3.4 | 180 x 60 | 1-Sep-15 | 10:00 PM | Crosbyton, Texas | 2793 | 3 | clearing | below average | good | 42 | 89 | R 9PM | Orion XT8, 17mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | I was not impressed with 1st view Andromeda, expected
more detail. Large oval cloud with bright central core. More
observations with new 15" scope may help. |
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M32 | EG | AND | 2900 | 8.1 | 8 x 6 | 16-Sep-15 | 10:00 PM | Aurora, Colorado | 5641 | 7 | broken clouds | average | good | 36 | 1 | S 9 PM | Orion XT8, 17mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Small fuzzy patch just southeast of visible edge of
M31. I originally thought this was M110, found M110 later-large
elliptical north of M31 |
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M33 | Pinwheel Galaxy | SG | TRI | 2720 | 5.7 | 60 x 40 | 14-Jun-15 | 3:25 AM | Hatch, Utah | 7080 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 63 | S 2:47 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Hunted this galaxy several times before I finally found
it. It is so dim and diffuse, it barely shows as a fairly large hazy
round patch, just barely brighter than background. Data for 2nd
observation as 1st not properly recorded in journal. Subsequent
observations show hint of spiral structure. |
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M34 | OC | PER | 1.5 | 5.5 | 35 | 23-Nov-16 | 6:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 87 | 26 | R 1:14 AM | Nikon 7x35 binoculars, Obsession15UC 21mm Ethos | 7 ,87.5 | 9.2, 1.1 | I found it first with the 7x35 Nikon binoculars, where
it appeared as a hazy patch. The 16x50 Nikons were able to resolve a few
stars. The cluster nearly filled the 1.1 degree field of view of the
15" Obsession using the 21mm Ethos eyepiece, and resolved hundreds of
stars. |
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M35 | OC | GEM | 2.8 | 5.3 | 28 | 23-Nov-16 | 9:10 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 87 | 26 | R 1:14 AM | Nikon 7x35 binoculars, Obsession15UC 21mm Ethos | 7, 87.5 | 9.2, 1.1 | At 87.5x, the cluster filled the 1.1 degree field of
view with hundreds of stars. What was really amazing was a companion
cluster NGC 2158 about a third of the way southeast of M35's center,
almost looks like a globular cluster. |
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M36 | OC | AUR | 4.1 | 6 | 12 | 17-Dec-16 | 7:15 PM | Montgomery Pass, Nevada | 6017 | 1 | clear | above average | transparent | 35 | 81 | R 9:05 PM | Celestron 130AZ, 13mm Televue Ethos | 50 | 2 | Very rich open cluster, hundreds of stars resolved |
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M37 | OC | AUR | 4.5 | 5.6 | 24 | 17-Dec-16 | 7:15 PM | Montgomery Pass, Nevada | 6017 | 1 | clear | above average | transparent | 35 | 81 | R 9:05 PM | Celestron 130AZ, 13mm Televue Ethos | 50 | 2 | M37 is the richest of the three Auriga open clusters, with hundreds of stars. |
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M38 | OC | AUR | 4.2 | 6.4 | 21 | 8-Apr-16 | 11:15 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | scattered clouds | average | average | 57 | 3 | S 9:16 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Sparser, smaller cluster than M36 or M37. All three
clusters are visible in the 9.2 degree FOV of the Nikon 7x35 binoculars,
an impressive sight. |
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M39 | OC | CYG | 0.8 | 4.6 | 32 | 5-Jun-16 | 12:15 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | fair | average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | M38 is also smaller, but the field of view includes
another more distant cluster, NGC 1907, which shows up as a hazy patch
to the southeast of M38's core. |
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M40 | Double Star | AS | UMA | 0.5 | 9.1 | 1 | 4-Jun-16 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | clear | fair | average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 13mm Ethos | 141 | 0.7 | Tight double star about 1 degree northwest of Megrez, a
brighter more widely separated double another degree further out. One
of two asterisms in the catalog, theoritically included because reported
as comet by one of Messier's contemporaries. |
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M41 | OC | CNM | 2.3 | 4.5 | 38 | 29-Dec-15 | 9:00 PM | Lake Havasu City (Franconia), Arizona | 992 | 4 | clear | above average | above average | 30 | 72 | R 11:02 PM | Bushnell 10x50 Binoculars, Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars | 10 | 5 | I have observed this fine cluster several times, two
orange-red stars in center look like a pair of glowing eyes staring back
at you. |
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M42 | Orion Nebula | BN | ORI | 1.34 | 4 | 85 x 60 | 26-Dec-16 | 8:00 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% cloud cvr | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 62 | 6 | R 4:40 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Ethos; 16x50 Nikon binoculars | 87,16 | 1.1, 4.2 | Large, bright reflection nebula, visible to unaided eye
as hazy patch in the "Sword of Orion". Spectacular in any instrument,
greater magnification reveals four tiny young stars known as the
Trapezium. OIII filter reveals fine details in nebulosity. |
|
M43 | Orion Nebula (north) | BN | ORI | 1.6 | 9 | 20 x 15 | 26-Dec-16 | 8:00 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% cloud cvr | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 62 | 6 | R 4:40 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Ethos; 16x50 Nikon binoculars | 87,16 | 1.1, 4.2 | An nebulous extension to the north of M42. | |
M44 | Beehive Cluster | OC | CAN | 0.577 | 3.7 | 95 | 4-May-16 | 10:25 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | above average | above average | new | new | Bushnell 7x35 Binoculars | 7 | 5 | Large open cluster best viewed with binoculars |
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M45 | Pleiades | OC | TAU | 0.44 | 1.6 | 110 | 23-Sep-15 | 1:30 AM | Aurora, Colorado | 5641 | 7 | clear | fair | average | 75 | T 9:16 PM | Unaided eye | 1 | 360 | Fuzzy patch to unaided eye, beautiful open cluster about 20 blue stars best viewed with binoculars |
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M46 | OC | PUP | 5.4 | 6 | 27 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:00 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | In same field of view as M47, fuzzy patch in finder scope, telescope resolves large cluster of stars. |
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M47 | OC | PUP | 1.6 | 4.4 | 30 | 6-Mar-16 | 11:00 PM | San Rafael Swell, UT Eagle Canyon | 7133 | 2 | partly cloudy | above average | above average | 43 | 14 | R 4:15 AM | Celestron 130AZ, 13mm Televue Ethos | 50 | 2 | Nice open cluster with maybe 40 or 50 stars resolved |
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M48 | OC | PUP | 1.5 | 5.8 | 54 | 6-Mar-16 | 11:00 PM | San Rafael Swell, UT Eagle Canyon | 7133 | 2 | partly cloudy | above average | above average | 43 | 14 | R 4:15 AM | Celestron 130AZ, 13mm Televue Ethos | 50 | 2 | A rich open cluster with countless stars resolved, probably in the hundreds or maybe a thousand, rivaling a globular cluster |
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M49 | EG | VIR | 5590 | 8.4 | 9 x 7 | 13-Jun-17 | 11:50 PM | San Rafael Swelll Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Dim hazy patch, marginally brighter central core only apparent with averted vision |
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M50 | OC | MON | 3.2 | 5.9 | 16 | 26-Dec-16 | 8:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% cloud cvr | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 62 | 6 | R 4:40 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Ethos; 16x50 Nikon binoculars | 87,16 | 1.1, 4.2 | The cluster filled much of the 1.1 true field of view
with hundreds of stars resolved.. In the telescope, the cluster does not
stand out very well against the Milky Way star field, but in both the
7x and 16x binoculars, the cluster 'pops' with many stars resolved. |
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M51 | Whirlpool Galaxy | SG | CVN | 23000 | 8.4 | 11 x 7 | 4-Apr-16 | 8:50 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | With XT8, medium size fuzzy patch with bright central core. With 15UC much brighter, spiral arms visible with averted vision. |
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M52 | OC | CAS | 3-7(uncertain) | 6.9 | 13 | 14-Jun-16 | 4:05 AM | Hatch, Utah | 7080 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 15 | 63 | S 2:47 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Small fuzzy patch, distinct in finder scope. Under
magnification, not easy to discern against rich milky way field stars.
Perhaps 50-60 individual stars visible at this magnification. Better
binocular object. |
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M53 | GC-V | COM | 58 | 8.3 | 13 | 4-Apr-16 | 9:45 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | It's a pretty big globular, not as big as M13, but
quite bright and I was able to resolve some of the stars from the hazy
center of the cluster. |
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M54 | GC-III | SGR | 87.4 | 7.7 | 9 | 16-May-16 | 1:35 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very small globular cluster, like a fuzzy star. Belongs to Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, being absorbed by Milky Way. |
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M55 | GC-XI | SGR | 17.5 | 7 | 19 | 1-Aug-16 | 9:45 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | poor | average | 2 | S 7:12 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | It's a beautiful globular, not too bright at the core, with many fine stars resolved. |
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M56 | GC-X | LYR | 32.9 | 8.2 | 7 | 25-Jul-16 | 10:40 PM | Montgomery Pass, Nevada | 6035 | 1 | smoke haze | fair | below average | 50 | R 11:54 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Small, fairly dim globular barely stands out against
rich star field. Located as hazy patch in finder scope. Located about
midway between Albireo and Gamms Lyrae (Sulafat). Symmetrical, no stars
resolved, slightly brighter core |
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M57 | Ring Nebula | PN | LYR | 2.3 | 8.8 | 2.3 | 4-Aug-15 | 10:00 PM | Lubbock, Texas | 3284 | 6 | clear | poor | below average | 62 | 76 | R 11:06 PM | Orion XT8, 17mm Orion plossl | 71 | 0.7 | Small dim doughnut shaped nebular ring, barel!y visible
with averted vision using XT8. Later observations with 15UC much
larger, brighter. |
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M58 | SG | VIR | 68000 | 9.8 | 5 X 4 | 24-May-17 | 10:20 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Small oval patch with bright central core |
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M59 | EG | VIR | 60000 | 10.6 | 5 X 4 | 13-Jun-17 | 10:50 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Elliptical galaxy and appears as fuzzy out of focus star with bright stellar core. In same field of view as M60 and NGC 4638. |
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M60 | EG | VIR | 55000 | 9.8 | 7 x 6 | 13-Jun-17 | 10:50 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Elliptical galaxy and appears as fuzzy out of focus
star with bright stellar core . In same field of view as M59 and NGC
4638. M60 a full degree of magnitude brighter than M59 |
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M61 | SG | VIR | 52500 | 10.2 | 6 | 13-Jun-17 | 11:35 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Very dim, hazy patch. Slightly brighter core only apparent with averted vision. |
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M62 | GC-IV | OPH | 22.2 | 6.6 | 14 | 16-May-16 | 1:55 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Larger globular cluster, fairly bright core, no stars resolved. |
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M63 | Sunflower Galaxy | SG | CVN | 27000 | 8.6 | 12 x 8 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:30 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very faint, slighty oval with faint core |
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M64 | Black Eye Galaxy | SG | COM | 24000 | 8.5 | 9 x 5 | 13-Jun-17 | 11:59 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | It appeared as a hazy oval with a bright central core.
The 'black eye' dust lane was not evident at 71x. Nearly in same field
of view as Struve 1687. |
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M65 | Leo Triplet | SG | LEO | 35000 | 9.3 | 10 x 3 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:45 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Bright edge on spiral in same field of view with M66 and NGC3628 |
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M66 | Leo Triplet | SG | LEO | 36000 | 9 | 9 x 4 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:45 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | In same FOV with M65, brighter and larger, part of Leo Triplet. Very beautiful, very exciting. |
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M67 | OC | CNC | 2.67-2.93 | 6.9 | 30 | 4-May-16 | 10:35 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | clear | above average | above average | 2 | S 6:44 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Open cluster, maybe 20-30 stars resolved. Low power required to make cluster stand out against rich field of background stars. |
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M68 | GC-X | HYA | 33.6 | 8.2 | 12 | 13-Jun-17 | 10:25 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 13 mm Orion Stratus | 92 | 0.74 | Faint diffuse globular (class X) core not very bright.
No stars resolved at 71x, switched to 13 mm ocular. At 92x about a dozen
tiny pinpoint stars on the cluster's periphery visible with averted
vision. |
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M69 | GC-V | SGR | 29.7 | 7 | 7.7 | 16-May-16 | 1:40 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Small globular, larger and more diffuse than M54 and M70. Nestled just south of a 7th magnitude star |
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M70 | GC-V | SGR | 29.4 | 8.1 | 8 | 16-May-16 | 1:22 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very small, dim globular. No stars resolved. |
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M71 | GC-X | SGE | 13 | 8.3 | 7 | 1-Aug-16 | 10:40 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | poor | average | 2 | S 7:12 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Cluster showed up as a rather loose globular with a dim core. It barely stands out against the rich field of the Milky Way. |
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M72 | GC-IX | AQR | 54.6 | 9.4 | 6 | 16-Jul-17 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 4 | mostly clear | average | below average | 78 | 50 | R 12:18 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | At 87.5x it appeared as a small fuzzy round patch with a
fairly bright central core. No stars were resolved at this
magnification. |
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M73 | AS | AQR | 2.5 | 9.3 | 1 | 1-Aug-17 | 2:00 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 4 | mostly clear | average | above average | 55 | 70 | S 1:11 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Very small very dim asterism, four stars. Three stars
forming triangle with fourth star off center inside of the triangle. I
sketched this asterism and surrounding stars for comparison to photo
images confirming observation. |
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M74 | SG | PSC | 32000 | 9.2 | 10 x 9 | 31-Oct-16 | 8:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | high cirrus | fair | average | 1 | S 6:53 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Very dim, fairly large face on spiral galaxy, barely visible as fuzzy patch with slightly brighter core. |
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M75 | GC-I | SGR | 67.5 | 8.6 | 6 | 16-Jul-17 | 11:40 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 4 | mostly clear | average | below average | 78 | 1 | R 12:18 AM | Obsession 15UC, 21 mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | A small, dim, round fuzzy patch, much larger than an
out of focus star. I hesitate to estimate its apparent diameter, but
it's possibly a bit smaller and a lot dimmer than M75. No stars were
resolved at this magnification. |
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M76 | Little Dumbbell | PN | PER | 2.5 | 11 | 2 X 1 | 31-Oct-16 | 9:20 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | high cirrus | fair | average | 1 | S 6:53 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Very small and dim planetary nebula. Elongated on
north-south axis, nearly rectangular. Brighter at both ends, giving it
dumbbell shape. |
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M77 | SG | CET | 47000 | 8.8 | 7 x 6 | 31-Oct-16 | 9:35 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | high cirrus | fair | average | 1 | S 6:53 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Very small and faint spiral galaxy, slightly brighter core. Looks like out of focus star. |
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M78 | BN | ORI | 1.6 | 8 | 8 x 6 | 28-Dec-15 | 8:30 PM | San Jose, New Mexico | 6264 | 3 | clear | average | average | 81 | 88 | R 7:34 PM | Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars, Celestron 130AZ | 20 | 2.9 | Two little fuzzy clouds, very dim. It took me several
attempts to finally observe this reflection nebula. I had the correct
location, but it is so dim it is only visible under the darkest skies. |
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M79 | GC-V | LEP | 41 | 8 | 9 | 26-Dec-16 | 10:00 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% cloud cvr | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 62 | 6 | R 4:40 AM | Obsession 15UC, 13mm Televue Ethos | 141 | 0.7 | Definitely a globular with perhaps 15 stars resolved
melting into a bright central core. Reobservation, originally 2/14/16
Kanarraville UT, Celestron @ 38X…improperly documented. |
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M80 | GC-I | SCO | 82.6 | 7.2 | 9 | 16-May-16 | 1:50 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Small globular cluster, pretty bright, very bright
core. Hint of stars resolved, would benefit from higher magnification
and darker sky. Easy to find, midway between Antares and Graffias. |
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M81 | Bode's Nebula | SG | UMA | 11800 | 6.8 | 28 X 14 | 24-Feb-16 | 7:30 PM | Wells NV | 5679 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 79 | 96 | R 8:31 PM | Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars | 20 | 2.9 | In 20x binoculars, small hazy patch. Subsequent
observations under hight power, round patch with slightly brighter core.
At lower magnifications, in same field of view as M82 |
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M82 | Cigar Galaxy | IG | UMA | 11400-12400 | 8.4 | 11 X 5 | 24-Feb-16 | 7:30 PM | Wells NV | 5679 | 2 | clear | average | above average | 79 | 96 | R 8:31 PM | Zhumell 20x80 Binoculars | 20 | 2.9 | In 20x binoculars, fuzzy line. Higher magnification reveals needle shaped edge on galaxy with hint of dark lane. |
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M83 | SG | HYA | 15200 | 8 | 11 X 10 | 13-Jun-17 | 10:35 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Very faint slightly oval cloud with bright stellar central core. Just visible in finder scope. |
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M84 | EG | VIR | 54000 | 9.3 | 5 X 4 | 24-May-17 | 10:00 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Small round hazy patch, like an out of focus star with a bright stellar central core. Nearly identical to nearby M86 |
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M85 | EG | COM | 60000 | 9.2 | 7 x 5 | 2-Jun-16 | 11:45 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | broken clouds | average | average | 68 | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Small patch of light with bright core, about 3 degrees NNW of 6 Coma Berenices |
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M86 | EG | VIR | 52000 | 9.2 | 7 X 5 | 24-May-17 | 10:00 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Small round hazy patch, like an out of focus star with a bright stellar central core. Nearly identical to nearby M84 |
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M87 | EG | VIR | 53500 | 8.6 | 7 | 24-May-17 | 10:10 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Another small hazy round patch with bright central stellar core. |
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M88 | SG | COM | 47000 | 9.5 | 7 X 4 | 13-Jun-17 | 11:15 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Bright oval hazy patch, slightly brighter core. Nearly in same field of view as M91, only one field away.
|
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M89 | Areola Galaxy | EG | VIR | 50000 | 9.8 | 4 | 24-May-17 | 22:15 | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Small round hazy patch, like an out of focus star with a bright stellar central core. Nearly identical to nearby M84 |
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M90 | SG | VIR | 60000 | 9.5 | 9 X 5 | 24-May-17 | 22:15 | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average | 3 | S 6:55 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Faint oval patch with bright stellar central core. |
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M91 | SG | COM | 63000 | 10.2 | 5 X 4 | 13-Jun-17 | 11:15 PM | San Rafael Swell Temple Mtn UT | 6637 | 2 | mostly clear | good | above average | 16 | 85 | R 11:51 PM | Orion XT8, 17 mm Orion Stratus | 71 | 0.9 | Dim companion to M88, listed as barred spiral but no
details evident. A very dim oval patch about one degree east of M88.
Barely visible. |
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M92 | GC | HER | 26.7 | 6.5 | 11 | 2-Apr-16 | 11:00 PM | Gila Bend, Arizona | 1888 | 4 | clear | good | above average | 28 | R 2:50 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Globular cluster, not as large or impressive as M13, but still very nice, many stars resolved, dense white central core. |
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M93 | OC | PUP | 3.6 | 6 | 22 | 26-Feb-17 | 7:45 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | 10% cloud cvr | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 23 | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Fine wide cluster filling half field of view. At
magnification, just stands out over milky way field stars, pops out when
scanning scope. At lease two dozen stars resolved, slight east-west
elongation. |
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M94 | SG | CVN | 16000 | 8.1 | 11 X 9 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:20 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very faint face on spiral , small with bright core |
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M95 | SG | LEO | 32600 | 9.7 | 7 X 5 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:50 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | M95 and M96 in same field of view with 13mm Ethos, M105 just south 1 field away |
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M96 | SG | LEO | 31000 | 9.2 | 7 X 5 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:50 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | 95 and M96 in same field of view with 13mm Ethos, M105 just south 1 field away |
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M97 | Owl Nebula | PN | UMA | 2.03 | 11 | 3 | 8-Apr-16 | 10:55 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | scattered clouds | average | average | 57 | 3 | S 9:16 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Fantastic round nebula, quite large, distinct edges. I
could not make out the two dark central patches, the "owl eyes", but
still nice. |
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M98 | SG | COM | 44400 | 10.1 | 9 X 3 | 2-Jun-16 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | broken clouds | average | average | 68 | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Perhaps the nicest (of M98/99/100), an edge on spiral presenting a bright sliver of light. |
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M99 | SG | COM | 55700 | 9.8 | 5 | 2-Jun-16 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | broken clouds | average | average | 68 | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | M99 was a round patch of light, not as bright as M100 with no discernable core brightness |
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M100 | SG | COM | 55000 | 9.4 | 7 X 6 | 2-Jun-16 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | broken clouds | average | average | 68 | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | M100 was the brightest of the three clustered around 6 Com. Bright hazy patch. |
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M101 | SG | CVN | 20900 | 7.7 | 27 X26 | 4-Apr-16 | 9:10 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm TeleVue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very large, very dim patch of light with no definition or central core |
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M102 | Spindle Galaxy | SG | UMA | 50000 | 10.7 | 5 X 2 | 4-Jun-16 | 11:30 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 2 | mostly clear | fair | average | new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 92 | 1.1 | Ambiguous Messier listing, NGC5866 possibly what Charles saw. Very nice fuzzy needle of light with hint of dust lane. |
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M103 | OC | CAS | 10 | 7 | 6 | 31-Oct-16 | 9:45 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | high cirrus | fair | average | 1 | S 6:53 PM | Obsession 15UC, 21mm Televue Ethos | 87.5 | 1.1 | Triangular shape cluster, shape determined by three
brighter stars. Double star at apex of triangle. Red giant or carbon
star close to center of triangular asterism. Perhaps 15-20 stars
resolved. |
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M104 | Sombrero Galaxy | SG | VIR | 31100 | 8.3 | 9 X 4 | 4-Apr-16 | 9:30 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Edge on spiral galaxy, very dark dust lane across whole object visible with averted vision |
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M105 | EG | LEO | 32000 | 9.3 | 5 X 4 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:50 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | In same FOV as M95 and M96, small fuzzy patch with bright core. |
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M106 | SG | CVN | 23700 | 8.3 | 18 X 8 | 4-Apr-16 | 9:15 PM | Eden, Texas | 1759 | 2 | clear | steady | above average | 11 | S 5:14 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Oval patch with bright central core |
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M107 | GC | OPH | 20.9 | 8.1 | 10 | 16-May-16 | 2:05 AM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | blowing dust | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 | 11 | 67 | S 3:28 AM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Very dim and diffuse globular cluster. At center of kite shaped asterism. |
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M108 | SG | UMA | 45000 | 10.7 | 8 x 2 | 8-Apr-16 | 10:52 PM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | scattered clouds | average | average | 57 | 3 | S 9:16 PM | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Edge on spiral galaxy, rather small sliver of light, brighter in the middle |
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M109 | SG | UMA | 83500 | 9.8 | 8 X 5 | 24-Apr-16 | 9:00 PM | Granite Gap, New Mexico | 4350 | 2 | clear | above average | above average | 19 | 94 | R 10:12 PM | Orion XT8, 13mm Televue Ethos | 92 | 1.1 | Fuzzy oval patch, medium size. Faint core. Hint of 4 or 5 tiny high magnitude stars within patch. |
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M110 | Andromeda Satellite | EG? | AND | 2674 | 8 | 17 x 10 | 4-Jul-16 | 1:00 AM | Deer Trail, Colorado | 5138 | 3 | mostly clear | average | above average |
new | new | Obsession 15UC, 31mm Televue Nagler | 59 | 1.3 | Dim and quite large fuzzy oval patch just north of visible patch of Andromeda. What I thought was M110 earlier is actually M32. Confusion was due to the fact that much of the Andromeda disc is not visible visually but only in long exposure photo images. | ||
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