It can be frustrating to start a new observing list with a challenge object, especially if it doesn't sound like a challenge object, being named something like the "Flaming Star Nebula". It is also known as a Bright Nebula which always equates with reflection nebulae for me, so I didn't even try a filter. Too bad, I might have seen something (14.5" f/5 refl). Megastar shows a big nebula (IC 405) in Auriga, but it is actually not much more than a star with some wispiness and shouldn't be tried on a night of mediocre transparency such as we had at Flat Iron last Saturday (Coe). The Night Sky Observing Guide (Vol I) explains the mystery and identifies it as a reflection/emission nebula and does respond to OIII and UHC filters, but rates it only one star. It does caution on less than highly transparent nights in the description of neighboring IC 417 (prob also Coe, or maybe AJ's descr). It is also rated one whole star! I pray the rest of the "Beyond the NGCs" list is not going to be like this, or I keep Sanner's book handy. Jack Jones Saguaro Astronomy Club Public Events Lunar List Awards and Messier Marathon Co-coordinator Phoenix AZ spicastar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.