Montebello Just ok and mabe a bit better than expected (less wind)

by Mark Johnston

As it was a bit soft, it was time to finish off 6 or so of the remaining open clusters in Monoceros from my H400 list (quest) which was turned out to be enjoyable. But that one pesky bright nebula of 3' dia, ngc2185 has illuded me yet again. Next year maybe, or at Fremont Peak on this Saturday.

Notable 'dim' clusters of note in Monoceros from this eve:

Ngc2335 that I felt had it's brighter stars perhaps resembling a pair of big round rim eyeglasses complete with the nose-bridge (when you zoom way in). Very near in the same FOV is 2343 which I felt also had a distinct shape as a butterfly complete with a body. (Again, if you zoom in on the cluster). lastly was 2353 which I have little to say about it except that it is near the other two and far more obvious.

by 11 things were getting softer still and after trying a few mag 11 galaxies in Leo which was directly overhead it was obvious to me that only star clusters were to be of any value as the galaxies were either only just detectable or very washed out. Lee was busy seeking doubles (a good plan for the sky the way it was).

Lee and I were both out of there by 11:30.

Tonights forcast: Dark. Darkness will continue with mostly darkness until partly scattered light in the morning. (G. Carlin)

Enjoy,
Mark