IAAC - The Internet Amateur Astronomers' Catalogue
Issue 3, 1996/06/20

-------------------
Andromeda
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:15 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M110
Category: Elliptical galaxy
Constellation: And
Data: mag 8.1  size 17'x10'
RA/DE: 00h40m  +41o41m
Description: A pretty, stretched-out oblong, showing
two nice details: a central concentration of <10" dia
and some mottling or "roils" along the outer W edge.
Worth some study, even though M31 beckons you nearby!

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:15 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x, 110x, 170x
Filters used: none
Object: M31
Category: Spiral galaxy
Constellation: And
Data: mag 3.4  size 178'x40'
RA/DE: 00h42m  +41o16m
Description: Words always fail me when describing the Great Galaxy!
I have not seen it in a large-aperture scope since I was a teenager,
and doing so in this dark sky was a treat! The central core of the
galaxy (maybe 45" dia?) was clearly distinguishable, as was a wider
elongated concentration of about 10'x5'. A dust arc just 5' S of
this central concentration was also glimpsed. A broad spiral dust
lane N of the center extended 45' E and 20' N, exhibiting obvious
(and beautiful)curvature. Another, inner spiral dust lane S of the
center, extending about 20' N-S, was also glimpsed. I can't wait to
see this object in dark skies once it's at higher elevation! NOTE:
Higher powers, especially 170x, were necessary for seeing some of
this detail! There's no lack of light from M31, so magnify it!


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 25, 1996, 07:30 UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43oN)
Site classification: Rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4
Moon up/phase: down
Instrument: visual
Magnification: -
Filters used: none
Object: M31
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: And
Object diameter: 178'x40'
RA/DE: 00h42', +41o16'
Description: A clear naked-eye "smudge" above the body
of Andromeda, this magnificent object also displayed at
least 1.5 degrees elongation to my unaided eye. A simul-
taneous binocular report follows.
NOTE: At this time of year, the object is just rising to
a viewable altitude in the half-hour before dawn at 42oN!


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 25, 1996, 07:30 UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43oN)
Site classification: Rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4
Moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 35mm binos
Magnification: 7
Filters used: none
Object: M31
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: And
Object diameter: 178'x40'
RA/DE: 00h42', +41o16'
Description: A stunning (and LARGE) object in binos
under a dark sky, this object also shows some hints
of detail in its spiral arms, even with this limited
instrumentation. The more removed companion galaxy
(M110) was also seen without difficulty.
NOTE: At this time of year, the object is just rising to
a viewable altitude in the half-hour before dawn at 42oN!

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:15 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M32
Category: Elliptical galaxy
Constellation: And
Data: mag 8.1  size 8'x6'
RA/DE: 00h43m  +40o52m
Description: A nice, slightly oblong blob with a clear
concentration of 20" dia at it's center, and some less
bright, slightly oval concentration outside that. Would
be a pretty object in its own right, if not eclipsed by
the monster in the same field of view (M31).


-------------------
Aquarius
-------------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1989-10-24, 22:40 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude: 5.7
Seeing: 3 - fair
Moon up: no
Instrument: 8" SCT f/10
Magnification: 70x, 290x
Filters used: none
Object: M2
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Aqr
Data: ?
RA/DE: 21h33m   -00o23'
Description: The core of M2 is not as bright as that of M15, but looks a 
little bigger. I was able to see some hints of resolution with 70x, and I 
saw a considerable bright star in the halo with 290x.

-------------------
Bootes
-------------------

Observer                 : Rich Wells
Your skills              : Beginner
Date & UT of observation : 19th May, 1996, 01:29Z
Location                 : RTP, North Carolina, USA
Site classification      : Rural
Limiting mag(visual)     : 5.8
Seeing(from 1 to 5)      : 3
Moon up/phase            : None
Instrument               : 4" f/5.4 APO refractor
Magnification            : 60x 108x 120x 180x
Filters used             : None
Object                   : Epsilon Boo
Category                 : Double star
Constellation            : Boo
Obect diameter           : m2.5 m4.9  2.8"
RA/DE                    : 14h45m  +27o04'
Description : Also known as 36 Izar Bootes.
              At 60x no separation.
              At 108x barely separated in moments of good seeing.
              At 120x good separation. Epsilon is white with a
              slight yellow tinge. Its companion is pinkish or
              washed-out red.
              At 180x view is not much different than 120x.


Observer: R. Yee
your skills: Beginner
Date and UT of observation: June 6, 1996 ; 4:01 UT
Location: State College, PA  USA
Site classification: Rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 5
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 2
moon up/phase: No
Instrument: 70mm refractor f/6.8
Magnification: 64X (Plossl), 128X (Plossl w/barlow)
Filters used: None
Object: 39 Bootes
Category: Double Star
Constellation: Boo
Object diameter: Sep. 2.9"; P.A. 45
RA/DE(2000): 14h49.7m +48 43'
Description: Easy to find at the northern end of Bootes by starhopping
using the 40mm (Plossl) eyepiece at 12X.  It was barley resolved at 64X
using averted vision but very distinct at 128X.  These mag 6-7 stars looked
whitish and made a very nice looking pair.


-------------------
Cancer
-------------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-05-16, 21:00 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2+
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Visual
Magnification: -
Filters used: none
Object: M44
Category: Open cluster
Constellation: Cnc
Data: Diam.: 95.' Mag.: 3.1 mag
RA/DE: 8h40m   19o59'
Description: M44 was detectable with the naked eye that night. It was only a very dim patch of nebulosity that could be seen better with some averted vision. No stars resolvable.


-------------------
Canes Venatici
-------------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 22:50 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x
Filters used: none
Object: M106
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Data: 12' Diam.
RA/DE: 12h19m   47o18'
Description: It wasn't easy to find for me due to a mediocre finder.
A very nice asterism is quite close, so I could identify it in Uranometria
2000.0. Quite big with the 26mm Plossl, but lacking a distinct central zone
(only visible with averted vision). The shape of the galaxy seemed irregular
to me. When you know where to look, it is an easy object with the telescope
I used.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 22:15 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x
Filters used: none
Object: M94
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Data: 6' Diam.
RA/DE: 12h51m   41o6'
Description: A small but bright galaxy that is easy visible with 35x under a
good sky. The stellar core needs averted vision. This galaxy forms a nice
triangle with two preceeding field stars.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 21:10 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2 later on, this was late dawn
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x
Filters used: none
Object: Alpha CVn
Category: Double star
Constellation: CVn
Data: mag 2.9,5.6 Sep.: 19.4, Pos: 2290
RA/DE: 12h56m   38o20'
Description: No problem whatsoever splitting this nice pair with the 26mm
Plossl. Both stars are of white color. Just east is another fine but dim
pair (8.0, 8.5mag, Sep. 35") called "Struve 1702". It forms a triangle with
two faint field stars. Worth a look once a while.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 21:30 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: <5.5 - it was early
Seeing: 1 - excellent
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x, 72x
Filters used: none
Object: M63
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Data: 10' Diam.
RA/DE: 13h16m   42o0'
Description: Because the skies were not completely dark at the time I
observed, M63 was hard to see. It is close to a faint field star and needed
averted vision to be seen. It is elongated and shows a very small brighter
center, which was at that time VERY difficult to see. 72x didn't help very
much in seeing more contrast.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 22:00 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2
Seeing: 2- good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 26x
Filters used: none
Object: M51
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Data: 6' x 4'
RA/DE: 13h29.9m   +47o12m
Description: Very easy object for this instrument under dark skies. Had no
difficulties whatsoever to see the center of M51 and the center of NGC5195
surrounded by nebulosity and didn't need averted vision to do so. However -
there was no structure visible in either of the nebulosities. A very beautiful
object!


Observer                 : Rich Wells
Your skills              : Beginner
Date & UT of observation : 31st May, 1996, 01:51Z
Location                 : RTP, North Carolina, USA
Site classification      : Rural
Limiting mag(visual)     : 4.5
Seeing(from 1 to 5)      : 3
Moon up/phase            : Full
Instrument               : 4" f/5.4 APO refractor
Magnification            : 60x, 72x
Filters used             : None
Object                   : M51
Category                 : Galaxy
Constellation            : CVn
Obect diameter           : 6' x 4'
RA/DE                    : 13h29.9m  +47d12m
Description : Moon was about 60 degress away
              At 60x, M51 was barely seen using averted vision and
              field motion.
              At 72x, M51 was easily seen as a large, nebulous cloud
              having an irregular, but ovalish shape oriented along
              a NW to SE direction.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 17 03:00UT
Location: Sheepsfold, MA, USA (42.4oN, 71.1oW)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 5.1
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 4.1" f/4.5 Edmund AstroScan 2001
Magnification: 16x
Filters used: none
Object: M51
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: CVn
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 13:29 +47o18
Description: Object difficult to impossible to find
with this instrument under these conditions. Possible
identification of galaxy center made, but the companion
galaxy "smudge" was not visible (which made a definite
confirmation impossible.) Worth a try in darker skies,
perhaps. (Certainly visible from this site in 12.5".)


-----------------------
Centaurus
-----------------------

Observer:  Gary Pike
your skills: - expert
Date and UT of observation: (17th May, 1993, 6:00 UT)
Location: Ft. Davis, Texas
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: (not recorded in my notes)
Seeing: 1 
moon up: no
Instrument: 10", f4.5
Magnification: 44 to 238x
Filters used:  none
Object: Omega Centauri
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Cen
Object diameter: 36.3"
RA/DE: 13h27m -47o17'
Description: Omega Centauri  was a soft glow in the 8x50 finder and at 44x it 
was a large glow.  At 79x, it was a large glow of stars that filled
half of the field of view.  There were several bright stars away from
the cluster, possibly foreground stars.  The globular cluster was
fuzzy with averted vision and grainy when viewed straight on.  A
glance at the sky showed that it was visible to the unaided eye.
Using 128x, the cluster was a bright glow.  With averted vision, the
image was grainy from the edge to the center.  There were
brighter grains in the center and the inner three quarters of the
cluster was noticeably brighter than the outer quarter of the
globular.  I also noticed a bow shock of stars that trailed off to the
northeast and the southeast.  The bow shock had the look of a slow
boat moving gently through the water.  230x resolved the center of the
cluster.  There was black between the stars where the stars didn't
touch.  There are a lot of stars. 

-----------------
Corvus
-----------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 6th, 1996, 21:20 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria
Site classification: City
Limiting magnitude (visual): 3.9
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: reflector, 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 72x
Filters used: none
Object: Delta Corvi
Category: Double star
Constellation: Crv
Object diameter: -
RA/DE: 12h41m -13o01'
Description: Just a few degrees over a roof, the unsteady air was a  
problem with the brighter star, so I cannot determine the color of it.
The fainter one was very hard to see due to its low magnitude (9.2)
and bright city skies. The faint star has a distinct orange hue.

----------------
Cygnus
----------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1989-08-07, 21:00 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude: <5.5
Seeing: 3 - fair
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 36x, 220x
Filters used: none
Object: M39
Category: Open cluster
Constellation: Cyg
Data: 30'
RA/DE: 21h32m   48o20'
Description: This cluster is a little bit too big for 36x, but very nice.
Some brighter stars visible "in front of" some fainter ones. Found a faint
double within the cluster with 6mm ortho, another one (brighter and wider)
just in the center of M39. Interesting object for suburban conditions -
I think it won't be half as nice from the country (too many background stars
in Cygnus).

----------------
Hercules
----------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M13
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Her
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 16h41m +36o30
Description: Magnificent globular! Second only
to Omega Centauri (and 47 Tucanae, although I've
never seen that). Clearly resolved 10 stars, up
to 15 more could have been clear in better seeing.
High concentration, but also wide dispersion even
in low power eyepiece.


Observer                 : Rich Wells
Your skills              : Beginner
Date & UT of observation : 07th June, 1996, 02:27Z
Location                 : RTP, North Carolina, USA
Site classification      : Suburbs
Limiting mag(visual)     : 3.5
Seeing(from 1 to 5)      : 4
Moon up/phase            : None
Instrument               : 4" f/5.4 APO refractor
Magnification            : 15x 60x 120x
Filters used             : None
Object                   : M92
Category                 : Globular cluster
Constellation            : Her
Obect diameter           : 6'
RA/DE                    : 17h171m  +43o08'
Description : At 15x M92 was a magnificent sight! Very well defined
              and large against the medium blue sky background.
              At 60x the background was noticably darker which helped
              to bring out better definition. The overall shape
              appeared triangular with slight resolution of outter
              stars. A nice field with 3 nearly identical magnitude
              stars forming a line starting east and heading northeast.
              At 120x M92 took on a pear shape with the bottom towards
              the east. Background is near black and many close member
              stars surrounding the cluster. The core is fairly bright
              with the outer cloud approximately twice it's diameter.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-07, 23:20 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.2
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x, 72x
Filters used: none
Object: M92
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Her
Data: Diam.: 8'
RA/DE: 17h17m   43o6'
Description: M92 is smaller and more condensed as nearby M13. With 72x and
averted vision there were some hints of stars in the cluster. This impression
is a little bit more obvious than with M13 and much more so than with M5.
One always tends to overlook it because of nearby M13. Don't do that -
M92 is worth every look.

----------------
Lyra
----------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 17 05:30UT
Location: Sheepsfold, MA, USA (42.4oN, 71.1oW)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 5.5
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4+
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: naked eye (direct vision)
Magnification: -
Filters used: none
Object: Epsilon Lyrae
Category: Double star
Constellation: Lyr
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 18h44m +39o39'
Description: After long noting this as an "elongated star"
during my meteor watches, I finally split it on this slow
meteor night with the naked eye! A real "Eureka", as this
is an easy naked-eye double for some, but not for me.
Epsilon is the star left of Vega at the top of the lyre.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-12, 05:30 UT
Location: Sheepsfold, MA, USA (42N)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude: 5.7
Seeing: 4 - med poor
Moon up: no
Instrument: 35mm binos hand-held
Magnification: 7x
Filters used: none
Object: M57
Category: Planetary nebula
Constellation: Lyr
Data: mag 9.0; 86"x62"
RA/DE: 18h53m +33o02
Description: Confirmed the position of the Ring relative
to Bet and Gam Lyr in the 7x35 bino field. Appearance was
obviously non-stellar, but no other features apparent.
It's often sort of thrilling to find "deep-sky" objects
with a simple binocular sweep! No detail at all was seen
in M57, but it WAS exciting to confirm that my binos will
go down to 9th magnitude with a dark sky and patience. :)


Observer                 : Rich Wells
Your skills              : Beginner
Date & UT of observation : 07th June, 1996, 01:33Z
Location                 : RTP, North Carolina, USA
Site classification      : Suburbs
Limiting mag(visual)     : 3.5
Seeing(from 1 to 5)      : 4
Moon up/phase            : None
Instrument               : 5" f/10 SCT
Magnification            : 31x 83x 167x
Filters used             : Skyglow/Ultrablock
Object                   : M57
Category                 : Planetary nebula
Constellation            : Lyr
Obect diameter           : 120"
RA/DE                    : 18h536m  +33o02m
Description : At 31x M57 was barely detected as a faint gray disk
              against the medium blue sky with no filter.
              At 83x, M57 was seen much easier and took on a slight
              ovular appearance with the center just barely visible
              using averted vision with no filter.
              At 83x with the Skyglow filter, the contrast was
              improved somewhat without additional detail.
              At 83x with the Ultrablock there was a lot more contrast.
              M57 was easily seen against the near black background
              with a larger central hole. Focusing was accomplished by
              looking at the object itself rather than nearby stars.
              At 167x it was next to impossible to focus M57 clearly
              with no filter.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M57
Category: Planetary nebula
Constellation: Lyr
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 18h52m +33o01
Description: Slight elongation to NE and SW. Some
reddish tinting visible in S edge of disk. Central
star glimpsed at higher power! Some nebulosity was
visible throughout inside of disk.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M56
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Lyr
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 19h15m +30o08
Description: Resolved 3-4 stars clearly, up to
10 more intermittently. Many more would be poss-
ible in better seeing. Stars in inner to outer
fringes exhibited some clumping? This object
would stand considerably higher magnification.


-------------------
Ophiuchus
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 04:00 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 2 - medium poor
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x, 110x, 170x
Filters used: none
Object: M12
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Oph
Data: mag 6.6  size 14.5'
RA/DE: 16h47m  -01o57m
Description: A very pretty object, and a nice chance to
compare and contrast with its near globular neighbor M10.
At 85x and 110x, it exhibits a very tight center, along
with a more diffuse concentration that is visible over 80%
of its surface. There is also a concentration or secondary
core of stars to the SW, visible at 55x. Using 170x, six
stars were resolved in the granular mass of M12.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-17, 22:15 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: City
Limiting magnitude: app. 3.9
Seeing: 4 - bad
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x, 72x
Filters used: none
Object: M10
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Oph
Data: Diam.:12', 6.5mag
RA/DE: 16h57m   -40o6m
Description: I had a hard time finding M10 due to the light pollution in 
the city. Averted vision brought out a very faint smudge of light, like a 
big but dim galaxy viewed under dark skies. No structure whatsoever was 
visible, I saw no brighter central region. 72x - as usual - didn't help in 
seeing more. Actually, the only thing I can say is that I am proud of 
having found it.

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 04:10 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 2 - medium poor
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x, 110x, 170x
Filters used: none
Object: M10
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Oph
Data: mag 6.6  size 15.1'
RA/DE: 16h57m  -04o06m
Description: A complex and pretty object, especially when
compared & contrasted with its near globular neighbor M12.
At higher power, it exhibits a poorly defined center, along
with a more diffuse concentration that is visible over 40%
of its surface. There is also a concentration or secondary
core of stars to the NNW, visible at 55x. Using 170x, 10
stars were resolved in the granular mass of M10. Some other
clumpings which may have been field stars were apparent at
a greater distance from the loose core.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-17, 22:55 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: City
Limiting magnitude: 3.9+
Seeing: 4 - bad
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x
Filters used: none
Object: 61 Oph
Category: Double star
Constellation: Oph
Data: mag.: 6.2, 6.6, Sep.:20.6, PA: 93o
RA/DE: 17h44m   02o35'
Description: A nice and easy double, just a little bit south and 4m west 
of Gamma Oph., it splits well with 35x in my scope. Both stars are 
withish, nearly aligned with the drift of the skies in the eyepiece. The 
brighter star is the preceeding one, but not much difference could be made 
out.


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-17, 22:45 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: City
Limiting magnitude: app. 3.9mag
Seeing: 4 - bad
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x
Filters used: none
Object: IC4665
Category: Open cluster
Constellation: Oph
Data: Diam.: 41.' Mag.: 4.2 mag
RA/DE: 17h46m   05o43'
Description: This is an easy open cluster under urban skies, although it 
is a little too big for the eyepiece I used. It can be easily found app. 
one degree north of Beta Oph.. I counted about 30 stars in the center, all 
of them 7mag or less. IC4665 isn't too spectacular, but under these skies 
you are happy about everything you can see.

-------------------
Sagitta
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M71
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Sge
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 19h52m +18o44
Description: Some resolution (about equal at both
powers). Low concentration, low dispersion. This
cluster would stand some more mag, but not a lot.

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:00 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 85x, 110x, 170x
Filters used: none
Object: M71
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Sge
Data: mag 8.3  size 7.2'
RA/DE: 19h54m  +18o47m
Description: This relatively small, concentrated globular
blends nicely with the beautful skein of field stars around
it. Dispersion was fairly even from center outward. No star
resolution apparent even at 170x.


-------------------
Scorpius
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 17 03:00UT
Location: Sheepsfold, MA, USA (42.4oN, 71.1oW)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 4.2 (S sky washed out!)
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 4
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 4.1" f/4.5 Edmund AstroScan 2001
Magnification: 16x, 26x
Filters used: none
Object: M4
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Sco
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 16:22 -26o27
Description: Object difficult to find at first, even
using Antares and surrounding stars for reference.
Once found, it showed clear central concentration,
focused in inner 30% of total diameter, with some
additional thinner concentration out to 70% of the
total diameter. No stars resolved.

-------------------
Serpens Caput
-------------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-05-16, 22:20 UT
Location: Bergstetten, Austria (47N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.0
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x, 72x
Filters used: none
Object: M5
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Ser
Data: Diam. 12'
RA/DE: 15h18m   02o05'
Description: Mottled appearance with 35x, averted vision brings out some hints of stars in the cluster. Less concentrated than M53. Some stars (15 to 20) visible with 72x (averted vision), spread over a field wider than the nebulosity of the cluster. 


Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-24, 21:25 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: City
Limiting magnitude: ca. 4mag
Seeing: 3 - fair
Moon up: yes, second quarter
Instrument: Reflector 4.25" f/7.9
Magnification: 35x, 72x
Filters used: none
Object: M5
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Ser
Data: Diam.: 17.4' Mag.: 5.8 mag
RA/DE: 15h18m   02o05'
Description: From urban sites, M5 is hard to find due to the lack of 
bright stars around it. Once you have found M5, you'll see a faint smudge 
of light, clearly nonstellar and quite unimpressive. Shield yourself from 
straylight and the view will improve a little. There is no structure 
visible in the cluster. 72x will bringt out a faint star preceeding M5, 
and the view of the cluster itself is a little bit better than with 35x. 
When you have seen M5 under dark skies, you'll be disappointed - but from 
the city it is one of the better globulars that you can see.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M5
Category: Globular cluster
Constellation: Ser
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 15h18m 02o05'
Description: Some resolution (slightly more at a
higher power). High concentration, accompanied by
medium dispersion of stars from center. Slightly
less magnificent than M13, but well worth a look
even in smaller scopes!

-------------------
Taurus
-------------------

Observer: Bernhard Rems
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1989-10-20, 0:40 UT
Location: Vienna, Austria (48N)
Site classification: suburban
Limiting magnitude: 5.5
Seeing: 1 - excellent
Moon up: yes, phase not known anymore
Instrument: 8" SCT f/10
Magnification: 70x
Filters used: UHC
Object: M1
Category: Bright nebula
Constellation: Tau
Data: Diam.: 6.' Mag.: 8.4 mag
RA/DE: 5h34m   22o01'
Description: I found the object with my digital setting circles. It was VERY faint due to light pollution and moonlight. The UHC didn't improve the visibility very much. M1 filled 1/5th of the field of view in my 26mm Plossl and I had a bad time trying 
to describe the shape of the object. It was way too faint to do so.

-------------------
Triangulum
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:00 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.5 - low alt
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: 7x35mm binos
Magnification: 7x
Filters used: none
Object: M33
Category: Spiral galaxy
Constellation: Tri
Data: mag 5.7  size 73'x45'
RA/DE: 01h33m  +30o40m
Description: Somewhat startling to suddenly hit on
this object during a low-aperture binocular sweep!
Quite pretty, with clear extension out to at least
half a degree, with just a hint (in these skies) of
dark regions and spiral structure. Worth a look in
a wide-field instrument, the wider the better!

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 06:00 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 6.5 - low alt
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: naked eye
Magnification: none
Filters used: none
Object: M33
Category: Spiral galaxy
Constellation: Tri
Data: mag 5.7  size 73'x45'
RA/DE: 01h33m  +30o40m
Description: Unquestionably present, and obviously
somewhat large, even to the naked eye! I have not
seen this object in brighter skies (6.0 or worse),
so I think 6.5 may be the (my) limit for naked-eye
visibility of the Triangulum Galaxy.


-------------------
Ursa Major
-------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 25, 1996, 05:30 UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43oN)
Site classification: Rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
Moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob reflector
Magnification: 55x
Filters used: none
Object: M108
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: UMa
Object diameter: 8.8'x2.2'
RA/DE: 11h11m +55o40'
Description: Object was easily found from lower
"lip" of Big Dipper bowl. Bright center clearly
distinguished, as was elongation of object to
ESE-WNW. Hint of a spiral dust lane through ctr.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 25, 1996, 05:30 UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43oN)
Site classification: Rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
Moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob reflector
Magnification: 55x
Filters used: none
Object: M97
Category: Planetary nebula
Constellation: UMa
Object diameter: 200"
RA/DE: 11h14' +55o01'
Description: Object was easily found from M108.
Beautiful round nebula, with hint of darkening
in two spots. Worth a look in wide-angle epc!


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x
Filters used: none
Object: M109
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: UMa
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 11h55, +53.3
Description: Extended object, with elongation East
to West. Clear concentration to South of center.


Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x
Filters used: none
Object: M101
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: UMa
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 14:02 +54.5
Description: Well-defined bright center. Diffuse
elongation to SE-NW? Several bright nebulae are
less than a low-power field away from this galaxy.

----------------------
Ursa Minor
----------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1996-06-16, 04:30 UT
Location: Bath, ME, USA (44N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.1
Seeing: 3 - medium
Moon up: no
Instrument: Reflector 12.5" f/4.8
Magnification: 55x, 110x
Filters used: none
Object: NGC6217
Category: Galaxy
Constellation: UMi
Data: mag 11.2  size 3'
RA/DE: 16h32m  +78o12m
Description: Showed a clear central condensation,
probably the core. Also showed elongation to NW-SE,
and a slight "tail" or angle on the NW lobe. Despite
its low magnitude and small size, this object is an
easy find, for it forms a nice equilateral triangle
with Eta and Zeta Ursa Minoris.


----------------------
Vulpecula
----------------------

Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of observation: May 26 04:30UT
Location: Gunstock, NH, USA (43.5oN, 71.3oW)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude (visual): 6.2
Seeing (from 1 to 5): 3
moon up/phase: down
Instrument: 12.5" f/4.8 dob newtonian
Magnification: 55x, 85x
Filters used: none
Object: M27
Category: Planetary nebula
Constellation: Vul
Object diameter: ?
RA/DE: 19:58 +22o31
Description: Stark divisions above and below center.
Northern lobe slightly brighter? East gap subtended
approx. 40o, West gap approx. 65o. Some nebulosity
detactable nearly 360o around the outer edge.
A beautiful object, worth visiting again and again.
