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(IAAC) Obj: M 15 - Inst: 8" f/10 SCT



Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1997-09-22/23, 02:45 UT
Location: Medford, MA, USA (42N)
Site classification: urban
Limiting magnitude: 5.3 (zenith), 4.5 (in S)
Seeing: 2 of 10 - very good
Moon up: no
Instrument: 8" f/10 SCT
Magnification: 80x, 170x, 340x, 500x
Filters used: None
Object: M15
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Peg
Data: mag 6.3  size 12'
RA/DE: 21h30m  +12o10m
Description:
A MUCH more enticing view than nearby M2 (see previous log entry
for this night). Like the sparser cluster, M15 was an intriguing
little "fuzz blob" at 80x, with similar apparent "psuedopods" of
hazy light spreading off to NE, SE, and E. However, when viewed
at highter magnifications (and seeing tonight allowed me to push
this fine little SCT to its limits), MANY faint stellarings were
suddenly apparent throughout the fuzzy area of M15's halo, and
even into its bright core. Some 40 - 50 stars could be resolved
using averted vision, with a particularly dense, pretty clustering
of stars overlaid on the NE "pseudopod" that had been noted at
lower powers. Certainly worth a look under even urban conditions
with a well-collimated 6-8" scope!