[sac-forum] Re: Call for Observations - Puppis

AJ,

Here is an observation for you.

18" dob f4.5
NGC 2438
Planetary nebula in Puppis
March 24, 2006  Farnsworth Ranch
At 86x the PNe is small and circular set amidst the open cluster M46. At 229x 
the central star becomes visible continuously. The nebula appears round, with 
even brightness and soft edges. At 343x the image scale is increased slightly, 
central star obvious, as is a field star imposed on the nebula. At 411x there 
is a definite outer circle that is lighter than the darker central region. At 
514x the view is occasionally too soft, but in fleeting moments it is the best 
magnification used on this night. At 686x the nebula is much too soft - clearly 
the conditions tonight will not support this magnification.

Peter
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: AJ Crayon 
  To: SAC Forum 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 8:25 PM
  Subject: [sac-forum] Call for Observations - Puppis


  Here is the list for the April installment.  I know it will crowd our 
observing schedule with the marathon this same month but look at it like this.  
Two of the objects are on tap for the marathon and one has a planetary that is 
also on the April list, so it should be pretty easy to bag those three.  And, 
while in Puppis, take a diversion and finish off the remaining objects.

  Here is the list, straight from the newsletter:

  During the January SAC meeting I was talking to some members about their 
observations in Puppis, so I decided that for April that should be a good 
constellation.  This will give us a break from galaxies and give us a chance do 
some open clusters and planetary nebulae.  So, with so much to choose from and 
so little space, where do we start?  M47, of course!  Next is M46!  Third is 
NGC2438 the planetary nebula towards the north of northwest segment of M46.  
This is expected to be a separate observation that is not to be included with 
the magnificent M46.  Try all the power the evening permits, try filters and 
try a hood to see what kind of detail you can record.  Let us know your 
findings.  Next up is NGC2539 another large open cluster at about 30 
arc-minutes.  It should be easily found as 5th magnitude 19 Puppis is located 
just at the edge of this cluster.  Another open cluster NGC2527, also named 
NGC2520, is located about 4° south of rho Puppis is a pretty rich grouping of 
stars.  Finally, the most southerly of this batch and located towards the west 
side of the constellation is Collinder 135, a large bright open cluster that 
included pi Puppis.  At magnitude 2.1 and about 50 arc-minutes, can you see it 
with your naked eye?  I wish we had time for more, as there are enough clusters 
and nebula for more visits.  For now, enjoy this tour.

  Enjoy and clear skies,
  aj

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