(IAAC) Obj: NGC 5053 - Inst: 15" f4.5 Obsession

**anonymous@s15272250.onlinehome-server.com**

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Observation Poster: Armin Hermann <burmeseinn@yahoo.com>

Observer: Armin Hermann
Your skills: Advanced (many years)
Date/time of observation: 22 Feb 2004
Location of site: Sangkhlaburi/Thailand (Lat +15, Elev 200m)
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: 5.5 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 8 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 15"  f4.5  Obsession
Magnification: 131x - 342x
Filter(s): none
Object(s): NGC 5053
Category: Globular cluster.
Class: 
Constellation: Com
Data: mag 9.9  size 10.5'
Position: RA 13:16  DEC +18:
Description:
Most difficult globular cluster that I have observed so far. The cluster is faintly 
visible at 131x. Only 3 stars are resolved at that magnification. It appears as an 
extremely faint irregular disk of about 5’ diameter, without any brighter center. At 
342x, some 6-8 stars at the limit of visibility appear randomly spread over the 
cluster (forground stars or members?). The faint disk does now almost fade away 
completely. I’m surprised how difficult this object is for a 15” scope!

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