(IAAC) Obj: NGC 7293 (Helix nebula) - Inst: 20x80 binoculars

[Lew.Gramer at noaa.gov]

Observation Poster: Lew Gramer <dedalus at alum.mit.edu>

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: 2007-08-13 00:00UT
Location of site: Bahia Honda State Park, FL, USA (Lat 25N, Elev 1m)
Site classification: Rural
Sky darkness: 7.3 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing:  8 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 20x80 binoculars
Magnification: 20x
Filter(s): None
Object(s): NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula)
Category: Planetary nebula.
Class: 
Constellation: Aqr
Data: mag 7.3  size 960" x 720"
Position: RA 22:30  DEC -20:50
Description:
Casual observation in preparation for a Perseid meteor watch.
My view was cursory - the annulus was well apparent, as was
some deviation from an 'ideal ring shape, e.g., a brightening
on two of the four corners of the slightly squashed object. It's
just nice to be under a sky dark enough to see the Helix with
binocs! (NOTE: This entry is also a test of IAAC's new host.)