(IAAC) Obj: NGC 1851 - Inst: Vixen 9x63 binoculars

**anonymous@sedna.atmob.org**

----

Observation Poster: Stéphane Meloche <stephanemeloche@videotron.ca>

Observer: Stéphane Meloche
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: 2006/11/25 6h29 UT
Location of site: Coaticook (Qc), Canada (Lat , Elev 420m)
Site classification: Suburban
Sky darkness: 5.8 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing:  <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: Vixen 9x63 binoculars
Magnification: 
Filter(s): 
Object(s): NGC 1851
Category: Globular cluster.
Class: II
Constellation: Col
Data: mag 7.3  size 11'
Position: RA 05:14.1  DEC -40:03
Description:
In Columba, at ~ 10½ degree SW of Phact (Alpha Col). I made this observation not
without difficulties. First, this part of the background sky was very white at
this height, which masks the stars using for star-hopping. Then, I have no
choice to seek through the summit of the trees forming the horizon. Stars HD
34645 and HD 35515 were very much used to ensure a good location. After several
minutes of research, the globular cluster ended up appearing to my binos, at my
great surprise! In the first moments of the observation, NGC 1851 is shown like
a stellar object of appearance with an extremely bright center. While observing
more carefuly, a small halo ended up appearing, which assure me that the object
observed was not a star but a very concentrated globular cluster. In fact, NGC
1851 is regarded as the globular cluster having the brightess center of all the
objects of its category. In moments, I lost the object, hidden by a tree.
Sometimes, I have to move my instrument to continue my observations. Very
interesting object despite it's location in the sky for southern Quebec, would
be probably considered in the M13, M3 or M5 category with better position for
North America.
--
Optional related URLs: 
** This observing log automatically submitted via the Web from:
  http://www.visualdeepsky.org/enter-log.html