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RE: (IAAC) Object: M45, Instrument: 16" Newtonian f/4.59

Hi Todd:

Darker skies should help in seeing the nebulousity surrounding M-45. I
have seen it in my old 6.8" f/14 AP refractor under very dark skies
(est. limiting mag. 6), and it was easy in my 20" Obsession both with
and without a filter under reasonably dark skies (est. limiting mag.
5.3).

 -Eric
 ----------
From: Todd Gross
To: netastrocatalog@atmob.org
Subject: (IAAC) Object: M45, Instrument: 16" Newtonian f/4.59
Date: Friday, September 05, 1997 12:46PM

Observer:  Todd Gross
Your skill:  Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: 09/05/97 0755 GMT
Location & latitude: 22 miles west of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban

Limiting magnitude (visual): 5.3 (estimated) 4.9 (est) in vicinity of
object
Seeing (1 to 10 - worst-best):  4-5
Moon up (phase?): No
Instrument: 16" Newtonian-dob w. 96/99% coatings f/4.59
Magnifications: 58x
Filters used: none and OIII
Object: M45
Constellation:
Object data:  Open cluster

The Pleiades was surprising at this aperture at this magnification. I
expected
a total loss. Obviously, I was too magnified to take in the whole
cluster,
and I did not expect the view to be as good as through smaller scopes.
However, there was a surprise. Firstly, I was not able to make out the
nebulosity surrounding M45. I may have to try a deep sky filter, or wait
for
darker skies. The surprise was this.. at this aperture. filter-less, the
sheer
luminosity of this cluster is overwhelming. Unlike M37 which I also
viewed,
M45 has stars of varying magnitude, and is less dense. However, the
brightest stars are so bright at this aperture that it is almost
shocking to
see so many extraordinarily bright stars in one field of view. Certainly
affected my dark adaptation!


 - Todd
_________________________________
BOSTON TV METEOROLOGIST TODD GROSS
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Administrator, Meade User Group: mapug@shore.net & NE Weather Watcher
Mail
List, wxobs-sne@shore.net
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Originator
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Email: toddg@weatherman.com    Work Phone# (617)725-0777