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Visually observing the horsehead

  • ftodonoghue
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17 years 10 months ago #39708 by ftodonoghue
Visually observing the horsehead was created by ftodonoghue
Hi folks

Just wondering if anybody here has visually observed the horsehead nebula and if so, what were the conditions at the time of observation and what size instrument/magnification did you use.

Cheers
Trevor

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  • DaveGrennan
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  • IFAS Astronomer of the Year 2010
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17 years 10 months ago #39709 by DaveGrennan
Replied by DaveGrennan on topic Re: Visually observing the horsehead
Yep, seen it many times. The smallest scope I saw it in was a 16" reflector. Always with a lumicon H-Beta filter and very dark skies.

Regards and Clear Skies,

Dave.
J41 - Raheny Observatory.
www.webtreatz.com
Equipment List here

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17 years 10 months ago #39712 by michaeloconnell
Replied by michaeloconnell on topic Re: Visually observing the horsehead
Seen it a few times with my 8" LX90. From a very dark sky though. Couldn't see the horsehead shape itself but just the nebula. Needs a wide field of view. A contrast boosting filter helps also.

Clear Skies (at last!!)

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17 years 10 months ago #39715 by Seanie_Morris
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re: Visually observing the horsehead
I don't recall ever 'seeing' it myself. Though now I have the club's 12 inch reflector, so I should try again this winter.

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.

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  • ftodonoghue
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17 years 10 months ago #39720 by ftodonoghue
Replied by ftodonoghue on topic Re: Visually observing the horsehead
Thanks lads,

I reckoned this might be just about doable in an 8" on an exceptional night...If I am lucky I will spot it in the next 20 years or so.

Cheers
Trevor

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  • DaveGrennan
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17 years 10 months ago #39738 by DaveGrennan
Replied by DaveGrennan on topic Re: Visually observing the horsehead
Trevor, You'd be lucky to spot it in an 8" even from the darkest of skies. I remember one time looking at it with a h-beta filter through a 20" from the darkest skies of west mayo (with jed glover, phil lardner and ronan newman) and it was just on the very edge of visibility.

However you never know.

I have a 1.25" inch lumicon h-beta filter. If you (or anyone) wants to borrow it you'd be more than welcome to.

Regards and Clear Skies,

Dave.
J41 - Raheny Observatory.
www.webtreatz.com
Equipment List here

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