13 replies to this topic

[Tom T]

link

[Phil Cowell]

Hi Tom,
As always another excellent article. Did I miss the PDF?
Thanks for Small Wonders and look forward to many more.
Phil

[Jason B]

Tom,
Nicely done. As you know, PN's are high on my priority list. NGC246 is one of the better ones this time of year. You are right about the "small cluster" making it easy to overlook it. I spent quite a while looking for it one night with the 6" Newt. and after 1 frustrating hour, I realized I had passed right over it numerous times.

I'll have to see if I can spot the Hickson group next time I get out (if the snow ever stops here in Michigan!)

[Tom T]

Thanks folks. The pdf has not been posted yet.

T

[olivier]

Thanks for the great article - my next observation session is already planned! I really like the concept of Quikc Peeks.

Just a note on the Packman nebula: I thaught the Packman was NGC 281 in Cassiopeia?

[Tom T]

Thanks Olivier.

There's multiple Pacman nebulae.

I've always heard this one called "the skull", but O'Meara calls it the pacman in one of his books.

[Glassthrower]

Well done.

[JayinUT]

Tom, great job as usual. Another night planned (with a few other nearby things thrown in)! Now to just get a couple of clear nights with good viewing conditions.

[David Knisely]

Thanks Olivier.

There's multiple Pacman nebulae.

I've always heard this one called "the skull", but O'Meara calls it the pacman in one of his books.

I too have heard NGC 281 in Cassiopeia most commonly called "the Pac Man Nebula", as it shows the notable "mouth" gap in its southwestern side while NGC 246 is more of a complete disk. NGC 246 is one planetary which is really helped by the OIII filter, as the inner scalloped dark detail really comes out when using that filter.

On M77, one detail which is rarely mentioned is the very faint outer "ring" (actually two very dim spiral arms which almost merge), which is roughly three arc minutes out from the bright almost stellar nucleus of the galaxy. The usual bright main section of the galaxy is only about two arc minutes in diameter, but the outer faint ring is probably at least six arc minutes across. I have just barely glimpsed it in my 9.25 inch SCT, although it should be somewhat easier in a larger aperture. Clear skies to you.

[rookie]

I always enjoy and learn a lot from your Small Wonders column, Tom. Fine article on Cetus. Thanks!

[orion9]

Great review of Cetus, Tom. Like others have said; I've got a target list this week. Thanks.

[Tom T]

Thanks for the comments folks.

Just an update - the PDFs for Cetus and Sculptor can now be downloaded from the "Download this document" link at the top of each article.

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[Phil Cowell]

Thanks Tom,
I'll put the PDF's to good use.
Phil

[Tom T]

Thank you Phil.

T