Telescope Reviews: Re: andromeda galaxy

Hi Everyone,
I have observed M31 many times from my light polluted backyard, but I didn't realize that I was in for a treat about a month ago. I was driving to visit my parents out in the country, and noticed that the sky was VERY dark and clear. I stopped my truck on a dirt road, turned off the lights, and waited about 10 minutes for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. I was lost in a sea of stars !!! It took me few minutes to figure out where everything was due to the dramatic increase in visible stars. I looked at M31 and was shocked. Not only was it a naked eye target with direct vision, but it was an Extended naked eye target with direct vision! It was wider, and clearer than I had ever seen it through bino's or a scope from any previous location. I was able to just barely make out M33 with averted vision, with no optical aid!!! The double cluster just jumped out at me. I had never been able to see M33 with bino's or a scope, and here I was just barely catching it with naked eye vision. I found my new "Dark Sky" site from which I will observe.

I hope the farmer doesn't mind. Just wanted to let you all know that a dark sky is SOOOOOOOOO IMPORTANT!!! I had no idea the difference it would make.
Good luck and clear skies,

Scott

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Scott (Kilt Boy)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy

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