OBSERVER’S CORNER: NEBULAE for August and September
The Milky Way spans across North-East to South-West, revealing the spectacular Emission and Planetary Nebulae at prime time observing,
Emission nebulae is the creation of stars, the glow bright red in photographs and newly formed stars,
Planetary nebulae are the death of stars, spherical shells of hydrogen, helium and oxygen ejected into space.
The constellations of CYGNUS, SAGITTARIUS, and VULPECULA has the most nebulae in the summertime.
All images are from my 120mm Apochromatic Refractor, and 51mm
Borrego Springs, Mt, Pinos and Thousand Oaks.
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Messier 8 in Sagittarius “Lagoon” nebula 120mm
Messier 20 in Sagittarius “Trifid” nebula 120mm
Messier 27 in Vulpecula “Dumbbell” planetary nebula 120mm
NGC 7000 in Cygnus “North America and Pelican” Nebula 51mm
NGC 6992 in Cygnus “Veil” super nova remnant 120mm
NGC 6992 and NGC 6960, the entire loop 51mm
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The BEST astronomy is EXPERIENCING astronomy
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TELESCOPE RECOMMENDATIONS:
I am recommending a few telescopes (in my opinion) that can qualify some (but not all) factors that people are looking for.
These factors are: Budget, Ease of Use, Weight, Complexity, Simple to Set Up, Light Gathering Power, Planetary & Lunar, Deep Sky and Astrophotography.
#1. ORION 8945 SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Reflector.
ADVANTAGES:
This basic 8 inch diameter telescope can get big, bright images in a big way. The cost is under $600. Set up and ease of use is the best part.
Also, you can purchase eyepieces and a better finder scope later on but the standard equipment will do as a starter.
This telescope works fine for planetary, lunar and deep sky observing. Alt-Azimuth mount is easy to use.
I recommend this telescope for both observing sites: City and Remote dark sites. It is great for planetary observing and great for star clusters, nebulae and galaxies!
Light Gathering Power is 1024x (compared to unaided eye) and maximum magnification is 480x
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DISADVANTAGES:
The size and weight (30 lbs) can be a problem as storage and carrying. The telescope must be covered after use as the mirror can get dusty and tarnished.
Astrophotography is extremely limited to the moon and bright planets as the telescope will not track.
The Earth’s motion moves the images out of view after a few minutes so plan on manual tracking yourself.
--Hal Jandorf
