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(IAAC) OBJECT: M81 (galaxy) INST: 18" F/4.2 Newt.
Observer: Todd Gross
Your skill: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: 2/8/99 09:05GMT
Location & latitude: 22 mi. West of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 4.6(estimated) zenith
Seeing (1 to 10 - worst-best): about 4
Moon up (phase?): Yes, last quarter
Weather: Mostly Clear
Instrument: 18" Stabilite Newt f/4.2 1925mm fl
Magnifications: (117x I think)
Filters used: none
Object: M81
Constellation: U. Major
Object data: Galaxy-Spiral
Size(s): 20x9'
Position: RA:09:56 DEC:+69:04
Magnitude: 6.9
Personal 'Rating' (at this aperture and sky condition): C+
The sky just wasn't dark enough to bring out the spiral arms
(see http://www.weatherman.com/edf.htm) Instead, a glowing
central core, and an elliptal large area of nebulosity that
gradually faded into the light pollution. Two very prominent
foreground stars, and on the same side, and close double star
not far from the galaxy made the view intesting. Close up view
like this not as enjoyable as when viewed together with M82
with lower power and/or smaller rich field scopes.
thanks!
-Todd
Boston Meteorologist Todd Gross
toddg@weatherman.com
http://www.weatherman.com
(617)725-0777
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