[sac-forum] Planning observations

It looks like we might have a good weekend or two for observing.  This being 
the case you might want to consider the latest Call for Observations and, for 
your reading and observing enjoyment, they follow for the next two months.

We haven’t done Aquarius, so let’s make it our choice for December.  
Starting in the southwest part of the constellation and a little more than a 
degree west of southwest is the Helix and, although it is large it has a low 
surface brightness.  The globular cluster M2 is a little more than a degree 
southwest of 6th mag SAO145533.  This magnificent stellar island should be 
visible in your finder.  While there can you see the diffuse nebula Cederblad 
193, just include a yes or no about its visibility?  The magnitude 10.8 galaxy 
NGC7606 is found about one degree northeast of psi 1, that's the western most 
psi.  You didn’t think we would get away from galaxies, did you?  Here’s 
another, NGC7184 that is about a degree northeast of 6th magnitude BW 
Capricorni.  This next to last one, NGC7492 a globular cluster is a toughie.  
On a reasonable night it was very difficult in my 14.5” telescope and I had 
to use Uranometria to verify it position.  You have been warned.  It is about 
40’ east southeast of 8th magnitude SAO165488.  The last one is a sentimental 
favorite of several observers, including Gerry Rattley.  It is the double star 
107 Aquarii located about 30’ southeast from 5th magnitude 106 Aquarii.  This 
double of 5.7 and 6.7 magnitudes has nice contrasting colors.  Here’s the fun 
part, what colors do you see.  And be honest!
Since we are using digital setting circles of some sort I'll no long give 
directions from a bright star.  If we are setup correctly there shouldn't be 
any problem pushing-to or going-to any of the objects.  Having said that let's 
get to the constellation and its objects.  January will find us searching 
around the large, but commonly over looked constellation of Pisces.  Version 
7.5 of the SAC database lists about 400 entries, of which we will avoid the 
ones fainter than mag 12.5.  This gives us a selection of something like 35 
objects, mostly galaxies, from which to choose.  We will start with two 11.6 
mag ellipticals, namely NGC7562 and NGC57.  What kinds of detail do you seen in 
these galaxies?  Next is the fainter barred NGC182.  It is the brightest in a 
group of galaxies brighter than 14th mag.  How many do you see in the group?  
Departing from galaxies is the asterism NGC305 to which Dr. Harold Corwin of 
the NGC/IC Projects lists six stars, but no cluster.  What is its size and 
stellar magnitudes?  Going back to galaxies take a look at NGC488.  It has a 
ring and eight faint stars.  Where are the stars?  Are any spiral patterns 
seen?  Next is the M82 type NGC520, a peculiar galaxy.  What's so peculiar 
about its visual characteristics?  Finally there's M74.  Need I say more?  We 
often see it low on the eastern horizon during a Messier Marathon but now we 
have the chance to view it higher, much higher, in the sky.  As with everything 
in this list, try as much power as the evening will permit to ferret out as 
much detail as possible.


As an FYI, I already have observations from Ken Reeves.   Thanks Ken.

Clear skies,
aj

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