(IAAC) Obj: m 51 - Inst: Celestron 100 x 25 mounted binoculars

[anonymous at s15272250.onlinehome-server.com]

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Observation Poster: Steven H. Yaskell <steven.yaskell at sigmakudos.com>

Observer: Steven H. Yaskell
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: 29 July, 2008 , c. 1700 GMT/UT
Location of site: Mendon Vt (Pico Mt) (Lat 43.61N, Elev c. 2000 ft)
Site classification: Rural
Sky darkness: 10 <1-10 Scale (10 best)>
Seeing: 10 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: Celestron 100 x 25 mounted binoculars
Magnification: 
Filter(s): None
Object(s): m 51
Category: External galaxy.
Class: Sb
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Data: mag   size 
Position: RA :  DEC :
Description:
This view of a 20 second of arc object seems wider at this elevation,
looking as I am to the NW a little upward. When I saw M 13 in this quadrant
some years ago, it also seemed brighter: certainly brighter than when I see
it overhead, like I do tonight, Hercules at this moment right overhead.

I see the arms of the object, brighter at the ends than at the center, and big,
and brighter, than I have ever seen it. But I do not see the total picture. 
One end hints of the growing accretion disk (I see it NE) and the SW view,
a hint of gas, but bright enough to detect in this perfect sky.
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