Obs: Sept 2-3, 2002

by Glenn Talbert


ObserverGlenn Talbert
LocationChico CA. USA. (39.77N)
DateSept. 2-3, 2002
Time20:30 - 01:30 PDT Limiting Magnitude: 5
Transparency8/10
TelescopeC-9.25

Objects seen: Nebulae, NGC 281, IC 289.
Galaxies, NGC 7469, NGC 185.
Open clusters, NGC 663, Stock 23
UnknownNGC 6357

NGC 6357: In Scorpius. This is listed as a emission/reflection nebula on several web sites, SINBAD list this as a supernova remnant. At 94x I couldn't see any type of nebulosity with or without the OIII filter. There is a row of four stars evenly spaced about 9' apart running north to south. What got my attention was this immediate area was totally void of any other stars (elongated north to south), very much resembles a Barnard nebula (dark nebula), but the closest dark nebula (B257) was located over one degree to the south. An interesting object although there's nothing there. Viewing this object was hampered by the light dome from the downtown area. LM on the horizon was a mag.3

NGC 7469: Galaxy in Pegasus. A Seyfert type galaxy, very small, using adverted vision, the core was a crisp steller, sbr is a mag. 12.7, very little nebulosity seen.

Stock 23: Open cluster in Camelopardalis. A bright, small open cluster. A few months ago, I ask this group if anybody knows the ID# for the "Little Hercules Cluster", got no response. Well, I believe I found it! It looks like a (mini) replica of the constellation Hercules.

NGC 185: Galaxy in Cassiopeia. Bright, round, even brightness throughout. No core or structure seen. Very gradually gets fainter on the outer region. Faint star on north portion.

NGC 281: Emission nebula in Cassiopeia. Aka, the Pac-Man nebula. I had excellent transparency to view this tonight. Using the OIII filter, I was able to see the large circular shape of the nebula. Few stars were embedded inside. From a dark site, this would resemble the pac-man dude. :)

IC 289. Planetary nebula in Cassiopeia. Difficult object. Found only by using the OIII filter. A faint, round shape, fairly small, located next to a fairly dim star. (130x)