Re: Horsehead Nebula

Bob Bond (rgb@db1.ncube.com)
Mon, 27 Mar 95 14:30:45 PST

On a night of pretty good seeing I was able to see *most* of it in Chuck Dethloff's 24" scope with a nebula filter. Needed averted vision and some staring at it before it could be seen at all. I expect it would be very hard in a smaller scope unless the sky were very very dark and clear. There's not much contrast there. I've forgotten the eyepiece he used.

The same night we were able to see delicate swirls and whisps and colors in the Orion nebula; it filled most of a 1 degree field. The Whirpool Galaxy showed clearly defined arms and much structure. Sigh. I need a *big* scope. :-)

Bob

From: Steve Scampini <scampini@hpangrt.an.hp.com> >Subject: Horsehead Nebula
>Date: Mon, 27 Mar 95 16:18:32 EST
>
>I have heard people speak of seeing the "chess piece" of the Horsehead
>Nebula as sort of a touchstone for light gathering/good seeing conditions.
>What size scope is required to do this under great seeing conditions? I
>have heard you don't have a prayer even with a 14 incher .
>Any experiences to share? What magnification is good for hunting? TIA
>
>Steve
>