[AZ-Observing] Fun with M1

While out observing at Hovatter North Tuesday night, I observed M1 through 
clip-on polarized sun glasses that I would swing back and forth at 90 degrees.  
The Crab is emitting polarized light from synchrotron radiation, so parts of it 
blink at you when doing this trick.  I have shown this to people for years 
through my 12.5", but the polaroids eat up so much of the light that some 
couldn't see it very well.  Through my 25" Obsession, it is easy.  I think you 
could see it with a 10" at  dark sky site, especially if you cover yourself in 
a dark cloth to keep ambient light reflections off the polaroids. Try it 
sometime.  
The normally elongated blur becomes nearly circular through the polaroids 
(outer region light loss) and the brightest "blinking" occurs on one side 
perpendicular to the axis of elongation. I think it is the north side.  Too bad 
there is no rotating polaroid holder that would make this easier.

Paul Knauth

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