(IAAC) Obj: Abell 23 - Inst: 18" f/4.5 dobsonian

[anonymous at sedna.atmob.org]

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Observation Poster: John Tatarchuk <tatarjj at auburn.edu>

Observer: John Tatarchuk
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: 11/24/06
Location of site: Conecuh National Forest, South Alabama (Lat , Elev )
Site classification: Rural
Sky darkness: 6.8+, Gegenschein visible <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing:  <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 18" f/4.5 dobsonian
Magnification: 110X, 230X
Filter(s): OIII
Object(s): Abell 23
Category: Planetary nebula.
Class: 
Constellation: Puppis
Data: mag 13.1v  size 54"x54"
Position: RA 7:43.3  DEC -34:45
Description:
I had had a few unsuccessful goes at this object before now, leading me to 
conclude that the magnitude estimate of 13.1v is clearly wrong.  After matching
the field of view to the Aladin Previewer finder chart, I acquired a very 
tough, faint glow in adverted vision at 110X (19mm Panoptic) with OIII 
filtration.  Increasing the magnification to 230X (9mm Nagler) did little to
improve the visibility of the object.  I was unable to hold the object in 
adverted vision for more than a fleeting moment or two, but it was repeatedly
reacquired so it was definately there.  It seemed circular in nature.  The 
object is located near some magnitude ~10 stars, so matching the field of view
to the finder chart was a snap.  Luckily, no stars that I could detect were 
superimposed across the face of the object.
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