Re: ATM Central Star in M57

[Al Kelly <akelly@ghgcorp.com>]

>Just got done with a visual observing session.
>
>I seem to be having trouble seeing the central star in M57, the Ring Nebula
>in Lyra.   I have even run the magnification up to about 600X with average
>seeing conditions under a 5.5 mag sky.  (22" Newtonian)
>
>I can see a couple of stars on the side of the ring that are supposedly about
>the same magnitude as the central star, but have not as yet been able to see
>it.
>
>How difficult is it visually, and what kind of site and scope did you use if
>sucessful?

Tom,
        The M57 CS is fairly easy with scopes 16" and larger under the
following conditions:
        
        1. Dark sky
        2. Good to excellent seeing
        3. Good quality, well collimated optics
        4. Careful focus
        5. Careful observing
   
The CS is bluish-white (see my tricolor shot at www.ghgcorp.com/akelly/) and
under the above conditions will first reveal itself to averted vision and
then will allow the careful observer (which I know you are, right...:)..?)
to study it directly.  With smaller scopes, it frequently will vanish and
reappear as the seeing changes.  When trying to pick it up with averted
vision, start by looking about 20 degrees above and to the right of the object.
        I have looked at the CS in M57 dozens of times in my 38 years in
this hobby.  The best views I have seen have been with magnifications of at
least 10X per inch of aperture, so you are correct to use higher powers, but
be careful that you are not overpowering the seeing conditions for this
pinpoint of an object.

Good Luck!     Al Kelly