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(IAAC) Object: M92 Instrument: 16" Dob
Observer: Todd Gross
Your skill: Intermediate +
Date and UT of observation: 2/4/97 0900 GMT
Location & latitude: 22 miles west of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 5 (estimated), 5 (est) in vicinity of object
Seeing (1 to 5 - best to worst): 3
Moon up (phase?): Yes, 20%, near horizon
Instrument: f/4.59 16" Dob, f.l. 1839mm, excellent optics,
96-99% coating, 3.1"secondary
Magnifications: 175x, 97x
Filters used: none
Object: M92
Constellation: Hercules
Object data: Globular Cluster
RA/DE:
Description: Like most notable globulars in this scope, (M13, M5, M3) this is
one of the best sights I have seen in astronomy. At 97x M92 is clearly
resolved to the core, unlike smaller aperture scopes, which in my
semi-light polluted evironment have difficulty with the core at this
"lower" magnification.
The center is more compact than some other globulars but was broken down
into stars in the foreground right to the core. THERE WAS A DISTINTIVE "S"
Shape
to the stars coming out of M92's core, making it look quite 3-D in
appearance. In fact, I was so startled at seeing the letter "S" that I double
checked the effect. The angle of view through the Dob was just right to make
the "S"
appear exactly straight up. I did not take the time to figure out which way
was North.
At 175x the globular looked even more broken down,
but marginal seeing made for blurry stars at times, so I went back to
97x. Excellent object, particularly satisfying from my suburban location where
extended objects wash out more. I also looked at M13, and it's strings of stars
during the same observing session, and while M92 is not as large, it is
almost as
enjoyable with this aperture.
- Todd
_________________________________
BOSTON TV METEOROLOGIST TODD GROSS
Weather/Astronomy Home Page: http://www.weatherman.com
Administrator, Meade Advanced Product User Group: mapug@shore.net
Administrator, New England Weather Observer Mail List, wxobs-sne@shore.net
IRC Channel Operator: #Weather, #Sciastro (Undernet)
Originator of the NE.WEATHER newsgroup
_________________________________
Email: toddg@weatherman.com Work Phone# (617)725-0777