We had a few good nights here in Sonoita AZ, so I decided to use my six inch Astro-Physics refractor for a little deep sky viewing.
First on the list was the Crab Nebula, M1 and this object showed the tiniest hint of structure with a 13mm TV Plossl (83X).
The open cluster NGC 2169 was very condensed yet small in the six inch while NGC 2194, another open cluster was small but rich, an even condensation of stars but seemingly dimmer than its stated magnitude of 8.5.
Moving along to NGC 2261 (Hubbell's Variable Nebula), in the six inch it had a triangular shape with a very dim star embedded in the nebula, white in color with no other structure seen.
The Rosette was a more difficult object: the open cluster was easy but only the brighter portion of the "rose" was seen. It reminded me of a Veil nebula from a light polluted sky.
The galaxy NGC 3385, at magnitude 10.5 was easy, being a somewhat round patch of light. Looking for more difficult targets, the galaxy NGC 3248, at magnitude 13.4 was seen with averted vision and the 13mm eyepiece. It was small and very dim with two fairly bright stars near.
Aspiring to go a little deeper, IC677 at magnitude 13.8 was an extremely tough object. It was just a change in contrast of the sky, nothing more than a subtle brightening. There was a very dim star near the lower edge.
Keeping in tune with the galaxy theme, NGC 3666 at magnitude 12.4 seemed dimmer than its stated magnitude. There was a fairly bright red star near and this object was easier with a 10.5 TV Plossl (103X).
Of course what would spring be without a peek at a favorite of mine, the globular cluster M3, which showed resolution around the edges and a fuzzy appearance in the center (103X).
M101 the galaxy was large, diffuse, with the possibility of very subtle gaps in brightness (dust lanes?). There was a brighter knot to one side.
In contrast, NGC 5474, a magnitude 11.4 galaxy was small of even brightness. A neighbor, galaxy NGC 5473 at magnitude 12.5 was positioned at the end of a line of dim stars. The galaxy was rather small but the center was slightly brighter.
The dim galaxy NGC 5486 (magnitude 13.8) I will list as a possible sighting: it was late, I was getting a bit tired, and I'm not sure I saw it. Galaxies NGC 5485 (MG 12.4), and 5422 were easy as compared to some of the earlier objects.
To wrap up the night I had a quick peek at Mars. With a 2.5 VX LV eyepiece (432X) I could detect two polar caps, one much brighter and more distinct (DK which one) [The North polar cap and Hellas Basin. The south polar cap is invisible these days due to Mars' inclination -- Bill Arnett] and a series of dark marking that looked like an inverted V [Probably Syrtis Major -- BA].
By this time, it was after 2 am so it was time to call it a night.