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(IAAC) Obj: M17 (NGC 6618) - Inst: 12.5" f/6.5 Cave equatorial Newtonian



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Observer: Dave Mitsky
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)
Date/time of observation: 6/18/98 05:40 UT
Location of site: Naylor Observatory http://www.msd.org/obs.htm (Lat 40.1d N, 76.9d W, Elev 570')
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: ~5.0 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 8 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 12.5" f/6.5 Cave equatorial Newtonian
Magnification: 65x, 83x
Filter(s): O-III
Object(s): M17 (NGC 6618)
Category: Emission nebula.
Class: 
Constellation: Sagittarius
Data: mag 6.0  size 46.0' x 37.0'
Position: RA 18:20.8  DEC -16:11
Description:
M17 has many nicknames: the Checkmark Nebula, the Horseshoe Nebula,
Omega Nebula, and the Swan Nebula. It is one of the finest emission
nebulae in the heavens. An open cluster that is comprised of 30 to 40
stars is associated with the nebula. M17 is some 5900 light years away
and is about 75 light years in size.
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An O-III filter improved the view of M17 and increased somewhat the
amount of outlying nebulosity seen at 65x. M17 is an outstanding
object in almost any instrument. To me it most closely resembles an
elongated number "2", or the more traditional Swan.
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Optional related URLs: 
** This observing log automatically submitted via the Web from:
  http://www.visualdeepsky.org/enter-log.html