Astronomy Observation Journal by Target

Piero Dalle Pezze May 21, 2017

Abstract This document contains my observation reports by target. This file was generated using Java software tool AstroJournal (http://pdp10.github.io/AstroJournal/) and pdflatex (http://www.tug.org/texlive/). AstroJournal imports files containing astronomy observation reports. Once imported, it generates a comprehensive LATEX document which is then exported to PDF using the utility pdflatex. Astro- Journal is released under GPL v3 license.

Contents

1 Legends 1

2 Basic Statistics 3

3 Solar System 4 3.1 Sun, Star...... 4 3.2 Moon, Satellite...... 10 3.3 Mercury, Planet...... 16 3.4 Venus, Planet...... 16 3.5 Mars, Planet...... 17 3.6 Ceres, Asteroid...... 18 3.7 Jupiter, Planet...... 19 3.8 Saturn, Planet...... 24 3.9 Uranus, Planet...... 26 3.10 Neptune, Planet...... 27 3.11 Mercury Transit, Planet...... 27 3.12 Venus - Jupiter, Planet...... 28

4 Milky Way 29 4.1 Milky Way, Galaxy...... 29

5 Messier Catalogue 30 5.1 M1, Tau, SN Rem...... 30 5.2 M2, Aqr, Glob CL...... 30 5.3 M3, CVn, Glob CL...... 30 5.4 M4, Sco, Glob CL...... 31 5.5 M5, Ser, Glob CL...... 31 5.6 M6, Sco, Opn CL...... 31 5.7 M7, Sco, Opn CL...... 31 5.8 M8, Sgr, CL+Neb...... 32 5.9 M9, Oph, Glob CL...... 32 5.10 M10, Oph, Glob CL...... 32 5.11 M11, Sct, Opn CL...... 32 5.12 M12, Oph, Glob CL...... 33 5.13 M13, Her, Glob CL...... 33 5.14 M14, Oph, Glob CL...... 34 5.15 M15, Peg, Glob CL...... 34 5.16 M16, Ser, CL+Neb...... 35 5.17 M17, Sgr, CL+Neb...... 35 5.18 M18, Sgr, Opn CL...... 35 5.19 M19, Oph, Glob CL...... 35 5.20 M20, Sgr, CL+Neb...... 36 5.21 M21, Sgr, Opn CL...... 36 5.22 M22, Sgr, Glob CL...... 36 5.23 M23, Sgr, Opn CL...... 37 5.24 M24, Sgr, Opn CL...... 37 5.25 M25, Sgr, Opn CL...... 37 5.26 M26, Sct, Opn CL...... 38 5.27 M27, Vul, Pln Neb...... 38 5.28 M28, Sgr, Glob CL...... 38 5.29 M29, Cyg, Opn CL...... 38 5.30 M30, Cap, Glob CL...... 39 5.31 M31, And, Galaxy...... 39 5.32 M32, And, Galaxy...... 40 5.33 M33, Tri, Galaxy...... 41 5.34 M34, Per, Opn CL...... 42 5.35 M35, Gem, Opn CL...... 42 5.36 M36, Aur, Opn CL...... 43 5.37 M37, Aur, Opn CL...... 43 5.38 M38, Aur, Opn CL...... 44 5.39 M39, Cyg, Opn CL...... 45 5.40 M41, CMa, Opn CL...... 45 5.41 M42, Ori, Neb...... 45 5.42 M43, Ori, Neb...... 47 5.43 M44, Cnc, Opn CL...... 48 5.44 M45, Tau, Opn CL...... 48 5.45 M46, Pup, Opn CL...... 49 5.46 M47, Pup, Opn CL...... 50 5.47 M48, Hya, Opn CL...... 50 5.48 M49, Vir, Galaxy...... 50 5.49 M50, Mon, Opn CL...... 51 5.50 M51, CVn, Galaxy...... 51 5.51 M52, Cas, Opn CL...... 51 5.52 M53, Com, Glob CL...... 51 5.53 M54, Sgr, Glob CL...... 52 5.54 M55, Sgr, Glob CL...... 52 5.55 M56, Lyr, Opn CL...... 52 5.56 M57, Lyr, Pln Neb...... 53 5.57 M58, Vir, Galaxy...... 54 5.58 M59, Vir, Galaxy...... 54 5.59 M60, Vir, Galaxy...... 54 5.60 M61, Vir, Galaxy...... 55 5.61 M63, CVn, Galaxy...... 55 5.62 M64, Com, Galaxy...... 55 5.63 M65, Leo, Galaxy...... 55 5.64 M66, Leo, Galaxy...... 56 5.65 M67, Cnc, Opn CL...... 56 5.66 M68, Cor, Glob CL...... 57 5.67 M69, Sgr, Glob CL...... 57 5.68 M70, Sgr, Glob CL...... 57 5.69 M71, Sge, Glob CL...... 57 5.70 M72, Aqr, Glob CL...... 57 5.71 M73, Aqr, Asterism...... 58 5.72 M74, Psc, Galaxy...... 58 5.73 M75, Sgr, Glob CL...... 58 5.74 M76, Per, Pln Neb...... 58

II 5.75 M77, Cet, Galaxy...... 58 5.76 M78, Ori, Neb...... 59 5.77 M79, Lep, Glob CL...... 59 5.78 M80, Sco, Glob CL...... 59 5.79 M81, UMa, Galaxy...... 59 5.80 M82, UMa, Galaxy...... 60 5.81 M84, Vir, Galaxy...... 61 5.82 M85, Com, Galaxy...... 61 5.83 M86, Vir, Galaxy...... 61 5.84 M87, Vir, Galaxy...... 62 5.85 M88, Com, Galaxy...... 62 5.86 M89, Vir, Galaxy...... 62 5.87 M90, Vir, Galaxy...... 62 5.88 M91, Com, Galaxy...... 62 5.89 M92, Her, Glob CL...... 62 5.90 M93, Pup, Opn CL...... 63 5.91 M94, CVn, Galaxy...... 63 5.92 M95, Leo, Galaxy...... 63 5.93 M96, Leo, Galaxy...... 63 5.94 M97, UMa, Pln Neb...... 63 5.95 M98, Com, Galaxy...... 64 5.96 M99, Com, Galaxy...... 64 5.97 M100, Com, Galaxy...... 64 5.98 M101, UMa, Galaxy...... 64 5.99 M102, Dra, Galaxy...... 64 5.100M103, Cas, Opn CL...... 65 5.101M104, Vir, Galaxy...... 65 5.102M105, Leo, Galaxy...... 65 5.103M106, CVn, Galaxy...... 65 5.104M107, Ser, Glob CL...... 65 5.105M108, UMa, Galaxy...... 66 5.106M109, UMa, Galaxy...... 66 5.107M110, And, Galaxy...... 66

6 New General Catalogue (NGC) 67 6.1 NGC40, Cep, Pln Neb...... 67 6.2 NGC129, Cas, Opn CL...... 67 6.3 NGC188, UMi, Opn CL...... 67 6.4 NGC225, Cas, Opn CL...... 67 6.5 NGC246, Cet, Pln Neb...... 67 6.6 NGC253, Scl, Galaxy...... 67 6.7 NGC278, Cas, Galaxy...... 68 6.8 NGC281, Cas, CL+Neb...... 68 6.9 NGC288, Scl, Glob CL...... 68 6.10 NGC381, Cas, Opn CL...... 68 6.11 NGC392, Psc, Galaxy...... 69 6.12 NGC410, Psc, Galaxy...... 69 6.13 NGC436, Cas, Opn CL...... 69 6.14 NGC457, Cas, Opn CL...... 69 6.15 NGC495, Psc, Galaxy...... 69 6.16 NGC499, Psc, Galaxy...... 69 6.17 NGC513, And, Galaxy...... 70 6.18 NGC517, Psc, Galaxy...... 70 6.19 NGC529, And, Galaxy...... 70 6.20 NGC536, And, Galaxy...... 70 6.21 NGC559, Cas, Opn CL...... 70 6.22 NGC604, Tri, Neb...... 70 6.23 NGC637, Cas, Opn CL...... 70

III 6.24 NGC654, Cas, Opn CL...... 70 6.25 NGC659, Cas, Opn CL...... 71 6.26 NGC660, Psc, Galaxy...... 71 6.27 NGC663, Cas, Opn CL...... 71 6.28 NGC744, Per, Opn CL...... 71 6.29 NGC752, And, Opn CL...... 72 6.30 NGC890, Tri, Galaxy...... 72 6.31 NGC891, And, Galaxy...... 72 6.32 NGC896, Cas, Neb...... 72 6.33 NGC925, Tri, Galaxy...... 72 6.34 NGC956, And, Opn CL...... 73 6.35 NGC957, Per, Opn CL...... 73 6.36 NGC969, Tri, Galaxy...... 73 6.37 NGC1027, Cas, Opn CL...... 73 6.38 NGC1055, Cet, Galaxy...... 73 6.39 NGC1245, Per, Opn CL...... 73 6.40 NGC1501, Cam, Pln Neb...... 74 6.41 NGC1502, Cam, Opn CL...... 74 6.42 NGC1514, Tau, Pln Neb...... 74 6.43 NGC1528, Per, Opn CL...... 75 6.44 NGC1545, Per, Opn CL...... 75 6.45 NGC1647, Tau, Opn CL...... 75 6.46 NGC1662, Ori, Opn CL...... 75 6.47 NGC1664, Aur, Opn CL...... 75 6.48 NGC1746, Tau, Opn CL...... 76 6.49 NGC1750, Tau, Opn CL...... 76 6.50 NGC1807, Tau, Opn CL...... 76 6.51 NGC1817, Tau, Opn CL...... 76 6.52 NGC1893, Aur, Opn CL...... 76 6.53 NGC1977, Ori, Neb...... 77 6.54 NGC1980, Ori, Neb...... 77 6.55 NGC1981, Ori, Opn CL...... 77 6.56 NGC1990, Ori, Neb...... 77 6.57 NGC2169, Ori, Opn CL...... 78 6.58 NGC2204, CMa, Opn CL...... 78 6.59 NGC2237, Mon, Neb...... 78 6.60 NGC2244, Mon, Opn CL...... 78 6.61 NGC2251, Mon, Opn CL...... 79 6.62 NGC2254, Mon, Opn CL...... 79 6.63 NGC2264, Mon, CL+Neb...... 79 6.64 NGC2301, Mon, Opn CL...... 80 6.65 NGC2353, Mon, Opn CL...... 80 6.66 NGC2354, CMa, Opn CL...... 80 6.67 NGC2362, CMa, Opn CL...... 80 6.68 NGC2367, CMa, Opn CL...... 80 6.69 NGC2383, CMa, Opn CL...... 80 6.70 NGC2384, CMa, Opn CL...... 80 6.71 NGC2392, Gem, Pln Neb...... 81 6.72 NGC2396, Pup, Opn CL...... 81 6.73 NGC2419, Lyn, Glob CL...... 81 6.74 NGC2421, Pup, Opn CL...... 81 6.75 NGC2423, Pup, Opn CL...... 82 6.76 NGC2432, Pup, Opn CL...... 82 6.77 NGC2438, Pup, Pln Neb...... 82 6.78 NGC2440, Pup, Pln Neb...... 82 6.79 NGC2903, Leo, Galaxy...... 82 6.80 NGC3115, Sex, Galaxy...... 83 6.81 NGC3242, Hya, Pln Neb...... 83

IV 6.82 NGC3377, Leo, Galaxy...... 83 6.83 NGC3384, Leo, Galaxy...... 83 6.84 NGC3628, Leo, Galaxy...... 83 6.85 NGC4449, CVn, Galaxy...... 84 6.86 NGC4490, CVn, Galaxy...... 84 6.87 NGC4494, Com, Galaxy...... 84 6.88 NGC4526, Vir, Galaxy...... 84 6.89 NGC4535, Vir, Galaxy...... 84 6.90 NGC4565, Com, Galaxy...... 84 6.91 NGC5005, CVn, Galaxy...... 85 6.92 NGC5033, CVn, Galaxy...... 85 6.93 NGC5053, Com, Glob CL...... 85 6.94 NGC5466, Boo, Glob CL...... 85 6.95 NGC6210, Her, Pln Neb...... 85 6.96 NGC6229, Her, Glob CL...... 86 6.97 NGC6526, Sgr, Neb...... 86 6.98 NGC6530, Sgr, Opn CL...... 86 6.99 NGC6543, Dra, Pln Neb...... 86 6.100NGC6595, Sgr, CL+Neb...... 86 6.101NGC6604, Ser, CL+Neb...... 87 6.102NGC6605, Ser, Opn CL...... 87 6.103NGC6625, Sct, Opn CL...... 87 6.104NGC6633, Oph, Opn CL...... 87 6.105NGC6633, Sct, Opn CL...... 87 6.106NGC6664, Sct, Opn CL...... 88 6.107NGC6709, Aql, Opn CL...... 88 6.108NGC6738, Aql, Opn CL...... 88 6.109NGC6755, Aql, Opn CL...... 88 6.110NGC6790, Aql, Pln Neb...... 88 6.111NGC6791, Lyr, Opn CL...... 88 6.112NGC6811, Cyg, Opn CL...... 88 6.113NGC6818, Sgr, Pln Neb...... 88 6.114NGC6819, Cyg, Opn CL...... 89 6.115NGC6822, Sgr, Galaxy...... 89 6.116NGC6823, Vul, Opn CL...... 89 6.117NGC6826, Cyg, Pln Neb...... 89 6.118NGC6830, Vul, Opn CL...... 89 6.119NGC6866, Cyg, Opn CL...... 89 6.120NGC6871, Cyg, Opn CL...... 89 6.121NGC6882, Vul, Opn CL...... 90 6.122NGC6883, Cyg, Opn CL...... 90 6.123NGC6885, Vul, Opn CL...... 90 6.124NGC6888, Cyg, Neb...... 90 6.125NGC6910, Cyg, Opn CL...... 91 6.126NGC6934, Del, Glob CL...... 91 6.127NGC6939, Cep, Opn CL...... 91 6.128NGC6940, Cyg, Opn CL...... 91 6.129NGC6960, Cyg, SN Rem...... 91 6.130NGC6974, Cyg, SN Rem...... 92 6.131NGC6979, Cyg, SN Rem...... 92 6.132NGC6992, Cyg, SN Rem...... 92 6.133NGC7000, Cyg, Neb...... 92 6.134NGC7009, Aqr, Pln Neb...... 93 6.135NGC7023, Cep, CL+Neb...... 93 6.136NGC7063, Cyg, Opn CL...... 93 6.137NGC7082, Cyg, Opn CL...... 94 6.138NGC7086, Cyg, Opn CL...... 94 6.139NGC7160, Cep, Opn CL...... 94

V 6.140NGC7209, Lac, Opn CL...... 94 6.141NGC7226, Cep, Opn CL...... 94 6.142NGC7235, Cep, Opn CL...... 94 6.143NGC7243, Lac, Opn CL...... 95 6.144NGC7245, Cep, Opn CL...... 95 6.145NGC7261, Cep, Opn CL...... 95 6.146NGC7293, Aqr, Pln Neb...... 95 6.147NGC7296, Lac, Opn CL...... 95 6.148NGC7510, Cep, Opn CL...... 95 6.149NGC7635, Cas, Pln Neb...... 96 6.150NGC7662, And, Pln Neb...... 96 6.151NGC7686, And, Opn CL...... 96 6.152NGC7788, Cas, Opn CL...... 96 6.153NGC7789, Cas, Opn CL...... 97 6.154NGC7790, Cas, Opn CL...... 97 6.155NGC869/884, Cas, Opn CL...... 97 6.156NGC869/ 884, Per, Opn CL...... 97 6.157NGC6992/ 6960, Cyg, SN Rem...... 99

7 Index Catalogue (IC) 100 7.1 IC348, Per, CL+Neb...... 100 7.2 IC410, Aur, Neb...... 100 7.3 IC418, Lep, Pln Neb...... 100 7.4 IC1284, Sgr, Neb...... 100 7.5 IC1340, Cyg, SN Rem...... 100 7.6 IC1396, Cep, CL+Neb...... 101 7.7 IC1805, Cas, Neb...... 101 7.8 IC1848, Cas, Neb...... 101 7.9 IC4665, Oph, Opn CL...... 102 7.10 IC4685, Sgr, Neb...... 102 7.11 IC4756, Ser, Opn CL...... 102 7.12 IC4756, Sct, Opn CL...... 102 7.13 IC4996, Cyg, Opn CL...... 103 7.14 IC5146, Cyg, CL+Neb...... 103

8 Stock Catalogue 104 8.1 Stock1, Vul, Opn CL...... 104 8.2 Stock2, Cas, Opn CL...... 104

9 Melotte Catalogue 105 9.1 Mel20, Per, Opn CL...... 105 9.2 Mel25, Tau, Opn CL...... 105 9.3 Mel111, Com, Opn CL...... 106 9.4 Mel179, Oph, Opn CL...... 106 9.5 Mel186, Oph, Opn CL...... 106

10 Collider Catalogue 107 10.1 Cr39, Ori, Opn CL...... 107 10.2 Cr65, Tau, Opn CL...... 107 10.3 Cr68, Ori, Opn CL...... 107 10.4 Cr69, Ori, Opn CL...... 107 10.5 Cr70, Ori, Opn CL...... 107 10.6 Cr89, Gem, Opn CL...... 107 10.7 Cr97, Mon, Opn CL...... 107 10.8 Cr106, Mon, Opn CL...... 107 10.9 Cr107, Mon, Opn CL...... 108 10.10Cr399, Vul, Opn CL...... 108

VI 11 Steph Catalogue 109 11.1 Steph1, Lyr, Opn CL...... 109

12 Stars and unclassiﬁed targets 110 12.1 And, 8, Star...... 110 12.2 And, Beta, Dbl Star...... 110 12.3 And, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 110 12.4 Ari, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 110 12.5 Aur, Alpha, Star...... 110 12.6 Boo, Epsilon, Dbl Star...... 111 12.7 Boo, Iota, Dbl Star...... 111 12.8 Boo, Kappa, Dbl Star...... 111 12.9 CMa, 145CMa, Dbl Star...... 111 12.10CMa, Alpha, Dbl star...... 112 12.11CMa, Eta, Star...... 112 12.12CMi, Gamma, Star...... 112 12.13CVn, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 112 12.14Cam, HIP16292-HIP16307, Star...... 112 12.15Cap, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 113 12.16Cap, Beta, Dbl Star...... 113 12.17Cap, Omicron, Dbl Star...... 113 12.18Cap, Rho, Dbl Star...... 113 12.19Cas, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 113 12.20Cas, Beta, Star...... 113 12.21Cas, Eta, Dbl Star...... 113 12.22Cep, Delta, Dbl Star...... 114 12.23Cep, Epsilon, Star...... 114 12.24Cep, Mu, Star...... 114 12.25Cnc, Zeta, Dbl star...... 114 12.26Com, 12, Star...... 114 12.27Cyg, 16C, Dbl Star...... 114 12.28Cyg, 61, Dbl Star...... 114 12.29Cyg, Beta, Dbl Star...... 115 12.30Cyg, Delta, Dbl Star...... 115 12.31Cyg, Omega, Dbl Star...... 115 12.32Cyg, Omicron, Dbl Star...... 115 12.33Cyg, Theta, Star...... 115 12.34Del, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 116 12.35Dra, 19-20, Dbl Star...... 116 12.36Dra, Eta, Dbl Star...... 116 12.37Gem, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 116 12.38Gem, Nu, Star...... 116 12.39Gem, Zeta, Dbl Star...... 117 12.40Her, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 117 12.41Her, Rho, Dbl Star...... 117 12.42Hya, 27, Dbl Star...... 117 12.43Hya, Alpha, Star...... 117 12.44Leo, Alpha, Star...... 118 12.45Leo, Beta, Star...... 118 12.46Leo, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 118 12.47Lyr, Alpha, Star...... 118 12.48Lyr, Beta, Dbl Star...... 118 12.49Lyr, Delta, Dbl Star...... 119 12.50Lyr, Epsilon, Dbl star...... 119 12.51Lyr, HD175634, Dbl star...... 120 12.52Lyr, Zeta, Dbl Star...... 120 12.53Oph, 61, Dbl Star...... 120 12.54Oph, 71-72, Dbl Star...... 120

VII 12.55Oph, HIP87937, Star...... 120 12.56Ori, Beta, Dbl star...... 120 12.57Ori, Delta, Dbl Star...... 121 12.58Ori, Iota, Star...... 121 12.59Ori, Lambda, Star...... 121 12.60Ori, Sigma, Mlt star...... 122 12.61Ori, Zeta, Dbl Star...... 122 12.62Per, Eta, Star...... 122 12.63Per, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 123 12.64Per, Zeta, Dbl Star...... 123 12.65Psc, Zeta, Mlt Star...... 123 12.66Pup, 2PupA, Dbl Star...... 123 12.67Pup, HIP36251A, Dbl Star...... 123 12.68SH2-275, Mon, Neb...... 123 12.69Sco, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 123 12.70Sco, Beta, Dbl Star...... 124 12.71Sco, Nu, Dbl Star...... 124 12.72Sco, Omega, Dbl Star...... 124 12.73Ser, Delta, Dbl Star...... 124 12.74Ser, Theta, Dbl Star...... 125 12.75Sgr, Epsilon, Star...... 125 12.76Sgr, Zeta, Dbl Star...... 125 12.77UMa, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 125 12.78UMa, Gamma, Mlt Star...... 125 12.79UMa, Zeta, Mlt Star...... 125 12.80UMi, Alpha, Dbl Star...... 126 12.81UMi, Gamma, Dbl Star...... 126 12.82Vir, Alpha, Star...... 126 12.83Vir, Epsilon, Star...... 126

VIII 1 Legends

Seeing Scale (Antoniadi): 1. Perfect seeing, without a quiver 2. Slight undulations, with moments of calm lasting several seconds 3. Moderate seeing, with larger air tremors that blur the image 4. Poor seeing, with constant troublesome undulations of the image 5. Very bad seeing, scarcely allowing the makings of a rough sketch to be made

Transparency Scale (American Association of Amateur Astronomers): 1. Do Not Observe: Completely cloudy or precipitating (Why are you out?) 2. Very Poor: Mostly Cloudy 3. Poor: Partly cloudy or heavy haze. 1 or 2 Little Dipper stars visible 4. Somewhat Clear: Cirrus or moderate haze. 3 or 4 Little Dipper stars visible 5. Partly Clear: Slight haze. 4 or 5 Little Dipper stars visible 6. Clear: No clouds. Milky Way visible with averted vision. 6 Little Dipper stars visible 7. Very Clear: Milky Way and M31 visible. Stars fainter than mag 6.0 are just seen and fainter parts of the Milky Way are more obvious 8. Extremely Clear: overwhelming profusion of stars, Zodiacal light and the gegenschein form continuous band across the sky, the Milky Way is very wide and bright throughout

Target Types: – SN Rem: Supernova Remnant – Neb: Nebula – Galaxy: Galaxy – Quasar: Quasar – CL+Neb: Cluster with Nebula – Opn CL: Open Cluster – Glob CL: Globular Cluster – Pln Neb: Planetary Nebula – Satellite: Satellite or the Moon – Planet or Asteroid or Comet: Solar System Planet or Asteroid or Comet – Star: Star or the Sun – Dbl Star: Double Star – Mlt Star: Multiple Star – Asterism: Asterism

1 Current eyepiece/telescope combinations:

Eyepiece Telescope Power Exit Pupil FOV TV Panoptic 24mm TV60 F6 15x 4.0mm 4.30◦ Zeiss Zoom 25.1-6.7mm TV60 F6 14.3-53.7x 4.2-1.1mm 3.10-1.33◦ Docter 12.5mm TV60 F6 28.8x 2.1mm 3.06◦ Vixen SLV 9mm TV60 F6 40x 1.5mm 1.24◦ Vixen SLV 5mm TV60 F6 72x 0.8mm 0.64◦ ES 30mm 82deg Sky-Watcher 200 F6 40x 5.1mm 2.05◦ Zeiss Zoom 25.1-6.7mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 47.8-179.1x 4.2-1.1mm 0.93-0.40◦ Docter 12.5mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 96x 2.1mm 0.92◦

Current barlows/tele-extenders:

Name Factor Baader VIP 1.76x, 2.0x, 2.39x, 2.6x TV Powermate 2.5x

Previous eyepiece/telescope combinations:

Eyepiece Telescope Power Exit Pupil FOV TV Nagler 13mm TV60 F6 28x 2.2mm 2.80◦ TV Delos 12mm TV60 F6 30x 2.0mm 2.39◦ TV Delos 8mm TV60 F6 45x 1.3mm 1.58◦ TV Nagler 7mm TV60 F6 51x 1.2mm 1.54◦ TV Nagler 3.5mm TV60 F6 103x 0.6mm 0.76◦ TV Nagler 13mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 92.3x 2.2mm 0.84◦ TV Delos 12mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 100x 2.0mm 0.72◦ TV Delos 8mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 150x 1.4mm 0.47◦ TV Nagler 7mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 171.4x 1.2mm 0.46◦ TV Nagler 3.5mm Sky-Watcher 200 F6 342.9x 0.6mm 0.23◦ Celestron SMA 25mm Celestron 114mm F8 36.0x 3.2mm 1.43◦ Orion Sirius Plossl 10mm Celestron 114mm F8 90.0x 1.3mm 0.51◦

Previous barlows/tele-extenders:

Name Factor Bresser SA 2.0x Orion Shorty 2.0x

2 2 Basic Statistics

Target Type Count ASTERISM 1 ASTEROID 1 CL+NEB 12 DBL STAR 21 GALAXY 70 GLOB CL 33 MLT STAR 1 NEB 18 OPN CL 133 PLANET 9 PLN NEB 22 SATELLITE 1 SN REM 7 STAR 9 Location Reports AvgSeeing AvgTransparency AvgDarkness CAMBRIDGE, UK 110 2.2636364 4.3 19.340002 GRANTCHESTER MEADOWS, UK 2 1.5 5.0 NaN LORENZAGO DI CADORE, ITALY 1 2.0 6.0 NaN VENICE AREA, ITALY 29 1.5517242 4.413793 18.955557 WORSTED ST ROMAN RD, CB, UK 2 2.0 4.5 20.6

Year Reports Month AvgReports 2015 75 January 1.6666666 2016 69 February 1.0 2017 1 March 3.3333333 April 5.3333335 May 6.3333335 June 4.0 July 2.6666667 August 10.0 September 6.0 October 4.3333335 November 0.33333334 December 3.3333333

3 3 Solar System 3.1 Sun, Star • 21/05/2017, 10:00-11:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 40x, 72x, 100x, 150x +/- SCF. Finally two (little) sunspots and a bit of granulation in white light. It’s quite windy over here, but time to time the seeing settles just enough to catch some detail. The 2.4mm Vixen HR (150x) without Baader SC filter also allowed me to see the penumbra regions of those sunspots in those stable moments. Curiously, neither the SLV 9mm (40x) or the 9mm + PM2.5x (100x) with Baader SC filter managed to. Detection on AR12657. I’m watching it with the Vixen SLV 9mm plus powermate and I can just hardly spot it. Also invisible with the Vixen NLV 30mm + Powermate 2.5x + Baader solar continuum (SC). This is using the Baader solar continuum filter. Removed the solar continuum filter and I cannot even find it. The little penumbra regions around the larger sunspots are also lost. Going back to the Vixen HR 2.4mm now. I may try holding the Baader Solar Continuum in front of the eyepiece. I’ve just tried my Vixen SLV 5mm. I can detect the position with difficulty just because I know where it is, but no real detail is visible. The Vixen HR 2.4mm now shows a fifth dot. They form a kind of square with an external dot on the right. No Solar continuum filter was used for both the tests. The HR now shows 6 spots. The Zeiss zoom 25.1-6.7mm using Baader VIP 1.25” nosepiece as 1.25” adapter shows the same at about 70x. The Vixen SLV 5mm now shows 5 spots, one of which seems more a penumbra region. Again no SC was used. Another little dot with the Vixen HR 2.4mm. The larger sunspots on the left might miss some details because the seeing has deteriorated and it’s cloudy now.

• 02/09/2016, 12:00-12:45, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 80x, 144x. Group of 8 medium size sunspots in the Southern hemisphere. Each of them was surrounded by penumbra region. Eyelashes in penumbra regions were visible at 80x and 144x. On a slightly separated group, a large facula was detectable.

• 12/08/2016a, 17:30-18:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x, 72x, 75x + SCF. Again, seven little sunspots were visible with the Docter, four of these were paired. The Delos showed ﬁve suspots and missed the pairs. Granulation was more evident with the Docter.

• 06/08/2016a, 9:00-10:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x, 72x, 75x + SCF. Seeing was quite good this morning. First of all, the views were lovely with both these eyepieces. As reference I will use the image posted by SGL member ‘paulastro‘ (here. I could not spot differences on the group of sunspots located near the centre of the Sun, but there were minor differences on the group located at North-West. Although the seeing where the image was shot was not good, it is possible to notice two small horizontally aligned sunspots on the left of one bigger sunspot. Those two sunspots were not visible at 30x with my Delos 12mm but were visible with the Docter 12.5mm at 28.8x on axis. At the edge, they were not visible with the Docter either. Both the eyepieces showed those two sunspots at 72x and 75x, respectively, when a PM2.5x was used. Granulation was also more evident with the Docter. One thing I noticed with the Docter when observing the Sun is the presence of a thin bright-ish ring at the centre of the fov. This ring disappears completely if I protect my eye from environmental light with my hands. Doing so, the full background is just black. If the eyepiece is rotated, the ring does not. After carefully checking, this ring is completely absent in the night or in diurnal observation. My Delos 12mm does not show this ring, but to me at least, eyeplacement is more critical with the Delos 12mm than the Docter on solar observation. Both these eyepieces show a bit of field curvature with my Tele Vue 60mm. Given the larger fov, the Docter shows a bit more near the edge. The required adjustment is very minor I would say though ( 1mm re-focus). Unfortunately I cannot test these two eyepieces with my Baader VIP on solar observation because this barlow requires too much inward refocus than the available travel on my TV60. The eyepieces reach focus if the barlow is placed before the Lunt Hershel Wedge, but as far as I know doing so is dangerous and should be avoided.

• 26/05/2016a, 17:30-18:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x + SCF. The SCF works well particularly at low and medium power (40x, 1.5mm e.p.; 72x, 0.8mm e.p.). Lines on penumbra regions and granulation is more

4 obvious with the SCF than when observed with the GF58. At high power (100x, 3.6mm e.p.), under these conditions the view show similar details. At very high power (180x, 0.2mm e.p.) I feel the GF58 shows more detail. The image seems quite dark with the SCF and faculae are not so easy to spot to my eye. I could not spot granulation, while it was very noticeable with the GF58 as far as I remember. So far, I might use the SCF at low medium power and the GF58 at high power, or just use the 9mm with the SCF and the 5mm with the GF58 so that I don’t need to swap the ﬁlter each time.

• 24/05/2016, 19:00-19:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x +/- SCF or GF58. The image is greener with the SCF than the GF58. To be honest, I started with the SCF and I only noticed this after replacing it with the GF58. The latter shows the Sun more like with a pale green/blue-green tint in comparison with the SCF. As far as contrast concerns, which is what all of us are interested in , there is an increase in contrast with the SCF. This is not huge, but is noticeable. I tested this with my 9mm and 5mm Vixen SLV twins. Granulation was possibly the feature which was more evident with the SCF than the GF58, but also the ”eyelashes” on the penumbra region and faculae were a bit crisper with the SCF. All these features were not impossible to spot with the GF58, but they were just a bit less defined and clear. Right now it is quite windy outside (15km/h N), and although I am not an expert, I found that my GF58 shows granulation nicely when the wind is almost absent. The SCF showed somehow the same if not a bit more granulation now, in presence of wind, compared to the GF58, in absence of wind. I guess this is due to the tighter passing band that this filter has compared to the GF58. To me, the same seems valid for the internal lines on the penumbra region (”eyelashes”). Unfortunately due to the wind, I could not try 100x and 180x successfully, but considering my previous observations at these magnifications with the GF58, I would suspect the SCF will just outperform the former. So, how much can I quantify this improvement..? It is not huge, but is there. It is definitely not as near as the improvement one would get between filterless view and SCF/GF58. To my eye and under these medium quality seeing, if filterless is 0 and SCF is 1 a GF58 would sit at .75 . I know that the GF58 shows better views under good/excellent seeing. Hopefully the SCF will improve proportionally.

• 15/05/2016b, 16:00-17:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x +/- GF58. A group formed by multiple sunspots was placed in the centre. One sunspot from this group was also surrounded by a penumbra region. A couple of sunspots were also located near the edge of the Star. Faculae were also detectable with and without green ﬁlter 58. On the North hemisphere, a large sunspot is approaching. This is quite regular and surrounded by a large regular penumbra. Between this and the border of the star, faculae were also visible. Granulation was visible at all the magniﬁcations.

• 08/05/2016, 12:00-13:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x +/- GF58. Same details as yesterday: a medium sized sunspot now closer to the centre and a group of small sunspots located at the centre. Granulation was visible at all magniﬁcations but deﬁnitely clear at 180x. At 100x and 180x the penumbra region surrounding the medium sized sunspot showed the typical centric oriented lines. At 180x some fainter little sunspots were detectable right outside the border. I could not spot the large reticulum of faculae that I saw yesterday. Some faculae were visible on the East border. These were clear also at 180x.

• 07/05/2016, 11:00-12:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x +/- GF58. A nice medium sized sunspot was visible with an internal structure reminding me of an M. Near the centre of the Sun a collection of small faint sunspots were detectable. Despite the wind and the high haze, granulation was well visible at all magnifications. At 100x with GF58 a faint ramification of faculae located between the medium size sunspot and the Sun border was visible. This was clearer at 40x, but interestingly also at 180x. At 180x with GF58, these faculae revealed a complex ramification with fainter faculae branching the main ones.

• 17/04/2016, 18:00-20:21, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x +/- GF58. The giant sunspot was now located in the Southern Hemisphere. The little nearby sunspots disappeared, but the big one was very similar to the previous week. The penumbra region was particularly extended and showed clear lines with and

5 without GF58 ﬁlter. Best view possibly at 40x with this seeing. Granulation was also detectable as well as faculae at the borders.

• 10/04/2016, 11:00-11:50, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 45x, 51x, 72x, 100x, 180x +/- GF58. Not a great seeing and high clouds too. On the west side of the Sun there was the biggest sun spot I have ever seen. Its penumbra region was very extended and showed eyelashes. A little nice chain of small sunspots was located further West from this big sunspot. Due to the poor seeing, all the eyepieces combinations showed similar amount of detail and due to the high clouds a fair amount of light scatter was present too.

• 25/03/2016a, 10:00-11:50, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 72x, 75x, 112x. The seeing was pretty good today and the sky was clear. Despite the reported wind information by Met Office, to me there was no wind at all and the few clouds were almost static in the sky. I spent most of the time testing the Delos 12mm with PM2.5x (75x) vs the VIxen SLV 5mm from a pure optical point of view (therefore excluding ergonomics from this comparison). Instead of changing quickly trying to match the exact seeing, which can inevitably change slightly in a fraction of second, I observed about 10-15 minutes with each and repeated this about 5-6 times. This allowed me to catch medium to very good seeing conditions with both and allow my eye to collect information gradually. No green filter was used. All these comparisons were done on and off axes up to the eyepiece field stop. There were 3 sunspots of different size but well defined: a large one at East, a small one at West / centre-west, and a medium at west. Both the combinations showed these without problems. Around the largest sunspot there was a region showing faculae. Depending on seeing stability, both the combinations revealed this region without much effort. A faint hint of granulation was detectable with both the combinations. This was very faint without green filter and at this magnification. I spent some extra time on the medium size sunspot. Eventually, although this was largely dependent on seeing, I managed to discern lines on the penumbra region. I do not know the name for this feature on the penumbra area, but these lines connect the black sunspot and cross the penumbra region to its external border. They are are quite faint and require decent seeing. They remind the lines one can see in the coloured region of one’s eye. This feature was visible time to time, but both the combination were able to revealed it. Some time I had a weak impression that the Vixen showed a tiny bit more contrast, but this is more an impression than a fact. I could not discern significant differences in tone colour either. Possibly the Vixen showed a slightly whiter solar surface, but again, this can easily be more an opinion than a fact to me. The only modest difference which was noticeable to my eye was that the image on the Vixen SLV was slightly brighter than the combo delos plus PM2.5x. I don’t think this was due to a difference in exit pupil as a difference of 3x seems quite negligible to me. I suspect this was more due to the higher layers of glasses in the delos plus powermate compared to the Vixen. Although I consider the light transmission in the delos plus pm very good, it could be that there is a slightly reduction detectable only when a small refractor like mine is used. To my eye, the two combinations showed incredible detail. Considering that a delos costs 2.5 times more than a Vixen SLV, I think the latter is a much better purchase for observing this specific target which does not require wide field of view.

• 13/03/2016a, 14:10-16:30, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x, 72x, 103x +/- GF58. A nice day for observing the Sun. 4 dark spots, 3 of them were surrounded by a distinct penumbra region. Granulation was visible up to 72x, whereas faculae were detectable at 51x around the Sun border. Two sunspots were quite close and showed an intricate structure formed by sub sunspots with elongated penumbra regions. The larger sunspot which was located at West from the previous pair, had a more regular structure. Lines in the penumbra region were visible when the atmosphere was particularly steady at 72x. At 103x, the detection was easier.

• 30/01/2016, 12:00-13:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 51x, 69x, 72x, 129x + GF58. There was just one sun spot of medium size. This had a penumbra region. I could not see granulation or faculae at any magniﬁcation. Despite this, I was lucky for few moments of stable seeing when I was observing at 129x. The view of the sunspot in those moments was just brilliant! In the penumbra region, it was possible to see lines orthogonal to the inner black spot and the borders were very crisp.

6 • 23/01/2016, 11:00-12:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x + GF58. There was a nice sun spot near the centre of the Sun with its penumbra region. Next to it, there were tiny spots and near the border an elongated penumbra region without major dark areas. I could not spot granulation or faculae today, due to the haze coming from South.

• 16/01/2016, 11:00-13:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 37.5x, 51x, 69x, 72x, 103x, 129x +/- GF58. The seeing was quite good and the transparency was acceptable time to time. I started with the usual combination of eyepieces: Nagler 7mm, Vixen 5mm, and Nagler 3.5mm. Two sunspots of moderate size were visible at West. They were both surrounded by distinct penumbrae. At centre-East, a faint chain of sunspots was detectable when the transparency improved. Granulation and faculae were visible time to time, transparency permitting. I decided to try my powermate 2.5x on the Sun. An advantage in using the powermate was that I could thread my green filter at the bottom of the barrel without having to change the filter each time I wanted to try a different magnification. With the powermate, I used my Panoptic 24mm, Nagler 13mm, and Nagler 7mm. First of all, I was extremely pleased by the performance of the powermate on the Sun. There was no sign of image degradation at all to my eye. The set PM+(24mm, 13mm, 7mm) is really a good addition to the set (7mm, 5mm, 3.5mm) with the additional benefit of not having to change the filter each time. Using my Pan 24mm+PM2.5x (37.5x, 1.6mm e.p.), I had one of my best view of the Sun for a couple of minutes of good seeing and transparency. Apart from a quite intense granulation, the solar area surrounding the two sun spots showed a considerable amount of patches on the surface. It was similar to granulation, but the ’blocks’ were larger, at least the size of the sun spots. The borders of these patches were faint and slightly lighter. To make the image even more suggestive, a swallow flew in front of the Sun. The combination PM2.5x+13mm was also interesting. My Vixen 5mm SLV always surprises me for its overall quality and particularly on the Sun. The PM+13 (=5.2mm f.l.) was really a good match in terms of detail, apart from an increase in field of view and a modest increase in light scattering. Again, granulation and faculae were visible although less obvious than at lower magnifications. The PM2.5x+7mm also performed well despite of the short exit pupil (2.8mm). At 103x and 129x I could spot more details about the sun spot shapes. Overall, I was very satisfied by this solar observation.

• 10/01/2016, 11:00-12:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 51x, 72x, 103x + GF58. Two moderately large sun spots surrounded by penumbra region. A few other small sunspots were located nearby the main ones and around the solar surface. Granulation was visible at 18x and detectable at 51x. I could only detect faculae at 18x at the edge of the solar disc. While observing I thought about eyepieces. To be honest, I do not need anything else with this equipment. The plossl 20 (3.3mm exit pupil) is great for observing granulation and faculae. The Nagler 7mm (1.2mm exit pupil) is a good all-around. The Vixen 5mm (0.8mm exit pupil) is the best high power. The Nagler 3.5mm (0.6mm) is the high power solar eyepiece when the air is steady. The only thing it would be nice to have is a way to ﬁx the GF58 ﬁlter so that this has not to be screwed to each eyepiece barrel.

• 31/10/2015a, 11:00-12:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 45x, 51x, 72x, 144x, 180x. The Sun was gorgeous today. An elongated set of sunspots were located at East. It was formed by 4 moderately large sunspots combined with other ten small ones at least. Penumbra regions were visible and surrounded the big sunspots but also part of the small ones. Other three small sunspots were in other areas of the Sun. Granulation and faculae were visible at low power. I made a few magnification tests today with and without GF58 or VPF. For viewing granulation and faculae, a low power eyepiece is better with the TV-60. I find these are very distinct with the Plossl 20mm and a bit less identifiable, but still there, when using a the BSA2x (Plossl 10mm) or the PM2.5x (Plossl 8mm). The best view for these features is at 18x (Plossl 20mm). The Nagler 7mm is a good eyepiece, but not at the level of the Plossl 20mm or the Vixen 5mm when used for solar observation to me. All features are just crisper and light scatter is much more controlled. On the other hand, the Nagler extended field of view is not required for this target. The Vixen 5mm SLV is a cracking eyepiece for solar observation. Despite the high power, the Vixen+PM2.5x show an image which was as defined as at 144x using the BSA2x. I think I will replace it with the PM2.5x completely. Instead, I might buy a second green filter (or solar continuum), so that these are left mounted at the eyepiece barrel. In

7 a way, I don’t need a Plossl 10mm as I have a Panoptic9.6mm, and a Vixen 2.5mm can be replaced by a Vixen 2mm or Nagler 2.8mm (Nagler7+PM2.5x).

• 11/10/2015a, 11:10-12:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 45x, 51x, 72x. Granulation was visible at low magnification, whereas there were not many sunspots today. The only sun spot I was able to see was in the South Hemisphere and was surrounded by a large network of faculae well distinguished when observed up to 51x and with GF58. Apart from the magnification, today I was not able to distinguish major or minor differences between the Nagler 7mm and the Plossl 20 in combination with both the focal extenders.

• 04/10/2015, 11:00-11:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 72x. Two joined sunspots at North-West. Other two sunspots formed a little chain with the major ones. Penumbra regions for the larger sunspots were visible at 18x. Granulation was easily detectable at 18x and 36x, but less visible at 72x. No faculae were observed.

• 20/09/2015, 16:10-17:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 72x, 144x +/- GF58. Three moderately large sunspots were located in the South Hemisphere towards West. All of them were surrounded by a distinct penumbra region. These sunspots were made of 3-5 smaller sunspots. In the large sunspot it was possible to spot lines from the inner to the outer penumbra border at 144x. At 72x, the view was just wonderful showing a group of sunspots at Far-East. With GF58, granulation and some faculae were also visible.

• 19/09/2015a, 11:00-12:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 45x, 51x, 72x, 144x +/- GF58. One large sunspot surrounded by a well defined penumbra region was visible near the centre. Three other medium size sunspots were observable at West, and a little chain of six sunspots was located right at the centre. Granulation was visible, better at lower powers even without GF58. The seeing was not sufficiently good for pushing the magnification at 144x. At 72x all the details were still acceptably crisp and defined. I tested the following combinations with and without GF58: Plossl 20mm + Bresser SA 2x (36x, 1.7mm exit pupil), Plossl 20mm + Powermate 2.5x (45x, 1.3mm exit pupil), and Nagler 7mm (51x, 1.2mm exit pupil). Without GF58, independently of the used focal extender, the Plossl 20mm controlled the light transmission better than the Nagler 7mm. Although the light transmission with the Nagler 7mm was noticeably higher, this somehow spread through the field of view. The sunspots and the penumbrae were more defined and crisp with the Plossl. Faint sunspots surrounding the main one were detectable with the Plossl 20mm, whereas these were almost invisible, or not visible at all, with the Nagler 7mm. Granulation and faculae were detectable with some effort with the Plossl 20mm, whereas they were not obvious to spot with the Nagler 7mm. With GF58, the observation for all these features was simpler, although, to my eye, the Plossl 20mm combined with any of the two focal extender achieved the best results. Between the Bresser SA 2x and Powermate 2.5x, I did not find differences aside from the magnification and the slightly longer in-focus travel required for the Bresser SA 2x. Both the combinations were able to separate and distinguish three little pairs forming a chain of sunspots located at the centre. Two faint sunspots were also detectable near this chain with both the combinations. Despite the increase magnification of the Nagler 7mm, these pairs were not easily visible and rather appeared as elongated areas. I do not know whether the Plossl 20mm outperforms the Nagler 7mm, even when a focal extender is employed. My feeling is that this is due to a better control of the light transmission. Although this was obviously higher with the Nagler (different number of lenses?), the image was just clearer and crisper with the Plossl 20mm, whereas the light seemed to spread in a more uncontrolled way with the Nagler 7mm. All these differences were minor or subtle, and required a careful observation though.

• 06/09/2015a, 13:30-15:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 72x, 144x +/- GF58. One medium size sunspot located at West. Two small sunspots at the centre and two at the Western border. At 18x all ﬁve sunspots were visible. Faculae were also visible near the large sunspot and on the Eastern and Western sides of the Sun equator. Granulation was easily detectable particularly when the GF58 was used. At 36x all the previous details were still visible and around the larger sunspot the penumbra region was

8 observable. At 72x the image was not as crisp as it was at lower powers, but the larger sunspot showed more details. At 144x the image was stable only for those instants where there was no wind. For observing the Sun, I found that I prefer eyepieces of 50 degrees afov. The colour tone is more neutral than the naglers on this target and I do not really need 82 degrees afov. In addition, the granulation and faculae seem easier to detect. Possibly this is due to a higher light transmission for these eyepieces. This eyepiece set will become my standard set for solar observation. • 29/08/2015, 11:30-13:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x, 72x, 103x + GF58. Although the sky was a bit windy today and some haze was present from time to time, it was possible to see a large complex of sunspots located at the far East of the Equator. Around this complex there were faculae too. Three sunspots were also visible in the Southern Hemisphere. I could not see any penumbra region for these small sunspots. Granulation was detectable only at 72x today. • 22/08/2015b, 13:30-15:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 51x, 72x, 103x + GF58. Today, there was a group of sunspots located in the South Hemisphere. They were really pretty and five of them were surrounded by penumbra regions. This group was compacted and the image of dark spots, penumbra and the solar surface seemed quite artistic. I used the GF58 most of the time as this enhances the observation for all solar features and provides much more comfort by reducing the white glare that this object has when observed during the day. Although the Plossl has less glass than the Naglers, I have to say that the Naglers deliver a very pretty image also for this target. As far as I can tell, the view is just perfect to my eye. I look forward to comparing the plossl 20 + powermate 2.5x and the Nagler 7mm. Really lovely session today • 13/08/2015b, 18:45-19:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 72x, 103x, 144x, 206x + GF58. Three groups of sunspots. Two of these were at the level of the Equator, whereas the third, largest one, was located at South-East of the star. Penumbra regions were present on all these sunspots. Faculae were very prominent on the surrounding area of the third group of sunspots. Granulation was clear from 51x and higher magnification throughout the Sun surface. At 28x the view of the Sun was stunning, but at magnifications between 51x and 103x, sunspots, penumbrae, faculae and granulation were clear and evident. The green filter improved the view noticeably making small sunspots, faculae and granulation more obvious. In addition it removes a fair amount of brightness delivering a more relaxed observation. • 12/08/2015, 11:00-12:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x +/- GF58. I was surprised to see that the Orion plossl was quite good when compared with the Vixen SLV. Only a group of sunspots were visible today on the West part of the Sun, and penumbra regions were also clearly visible. The Vixen controlled the colours and the image a little bit better, but this was marginal to my eye. The real difference was the eyepiece ergonomics and the Vixen SLV was much more comfortable because of the longer eye relief. Still an interesting test though. • 10/08/2015, 19:50-20:20, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Some sun spots were located in the South hemisphere of the sun. They formed a compact group surrounded by a penumbra region. Faculae or granulation were not detectable due to the wind. Really nice to see the Sun and some clouds forming thin layers over the Sun surface, during the sunset. All together they form a suggestive image. • 05/08/2015a, 09:15-10:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x+GF58. This was the first time I observed the Sun with an Orion green filter. Granulation improved noticeably and the contrast between sunspots and solar surface was largely enhanced. I did not find the observation of the Sun in green as distracting and I think the green filter will replace the variable polarising filter in the future. • 01/08/2015, 16:40-17:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x, 72x, 103x. There were three major sunspots, one of this was surrounded by a nice penumbra. In this penumbra at 103x it was possible to discern some internal structure. Faculae were also visible around all these sunspots. When the wind was somehow calmer, granulation was also visible in the centre of the star. Very pretty.

9 • 19/07/2015, 15:50-16:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 72x, 103x. It was generally windy, but sometimes the wind was mild for a few minutes. There were not many sunspots today. One was located at about the centre and was formed by a penumbra region followed by four little spots. A little bit North of this spot region, there was a chain of six spots. Faculae were detectable around these two areas when the wind was calm. 51x was generally the best magniﬁcation for today, whereas 72x could be used when the wind was mild.

• 06/06/2015, 15:00-18:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x +/- VPF or SPF, 72x +/- VPF, 103x +/- VPF. I enjoyed observing the Sun a lot today. There were more than 30 sunspots and also a hint of granulation when the wind became calm for short moments. Very nice day. The wind did not allow to see Sun granulation most of the time. The seeing improved after 5pm when the wind became more moderate. Many sunspots were visible. Three larger umbrae were surrounded by nice areas of penumbra. One of this had an irregular shape and the South part vanished gradually. This at all powers. It was very attractive. A central area contain 4 well defined sunspots and many little grey spots. Around the larger sunspots, there were brighter and extended areas on the Sun surface. 51x gave the best view most of the time. 72x and 103x were interesting powers but only suitable when the wind was calm, which was rare! A VPF increased the detail noticeably. Apart from reducing image brightness, I appreciate this filter because it stabilises the image, particularly under average seeing. Surprisingly I found that I prefer the view through a SPF rather than VPF. A VPF reduces image brightness, whereas a SPF improves contrast to me. Through a SPF I could see a hint of granulation at 51x even when there was moderate wind. This did not happen with a VPF. I am considering whether separate the two filters. Having them separate would also be quite comfortable when watching planets in the twilight. SPF also improved contrast for all the sunspots. This works as follows: 0 (or 180) degrees shows the brightest image, 90 (or 270) degrees shows the darkest image. For observing both planets and the Sun, I found that I prefer the view when the SPF is positioned at 45 (or 135 or 225 or 315) degrees. The image was still bright, contrast was highest than all other options and the number of details was maximised. Nagler 7mm, Vixen 5mm, and Nagler 3.5mm form my best eyepiece combination for watching the Sun with the TV-60. All of them are really useful, although the first two achieve best results almost every time. The Nagler 3.5mm can show some very nice close-up of umbrae and penumbrae.

• 14/04/2015a, 18:00-19:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x +/- VPF; 72x, 103x. Today at 4pm there was a gigantic flare (CME) about 1 sun radius long. Unfortunately I was not at home. I looked at the Sun, but the flare was gone by the time I set up the telescope. A large group of black spots was visible in the North hemisphere. Around them granulation was clearly visible. Granulation was also detectable, although with some difficulty, on the Sun surface at 51x using a VPF. At 72x the Sun revealed a nice image where Sun spot details were visible as well as surface granulation. 103x was just too much for this seeing. Although it can be used for magnifying the solar spots, granulation is completely lost. In addition, floaters become a real issue when watching the sun using 0.6mm exit pupil. I think the best magnification is between 51x and 72x. The Vixen 5mm works very well with the Sun. This was used without VPF filter.

• 11/04/2015, 18:00-19:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x +/- VPF; 72x. Two spot areas: one in the north, the other one in the south. 5 small spots where visible in the north, 4-5 in the south spot area. 2 small spots in the centre of the sun. Best view 51x, using variable polarising ﬁlter. No granularity was visible due to the bad seeing.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 50x; 15x, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

3.2 Moon, Satellite • 14/12/2016, 19:25-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Gibbous 98%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x. It is not completely parfocal throughout the zoom, but the shift is minimal. It comes to focus on my TV60 using a TV

10 Everbrite diagonal with the coarse focuser all in, and the fine focuser about five millimeters out. This scope (f.l. 360mm) shows some field curvature with the Zeiss zoom. At low power (25.1x) chromatic aberration is noticeable in the last 15% of the field of view. This might appear higher on this telescope because of the field curvature. At this magnification it is quite difficult to discrimi- nate the aberrations because they might overlap. In this first impression some rectilinear distortion is also there. Further tests are certainly needed. As soon as one zooms in, these aberrations largely decrease to an almost absent level though. Due to the full moon, I couldn’t really test it on a star field, but it seemed to me that the aberrations at the last 15% of the fov described for the Moon are also visible for stars only at very low power while they rapidly decrease when zooming in. The colour rendition was neutral to my eye. I could not distinguish the Zeiss colour tone from the colour rendition of the Docter. When set at the equivalent magnification, the Zeiss seemed to show less light scattering then the Docter on the Moon. This was quite impressive as I consider the light scatter in the Docter very low. At this magnification I observed the Northern craters which were the only ones showing some shadows. Despite having swapped the two eyepieces for nearly one hour, the details shown by these two eyepieces on the Moon were essentially matching. My first impression is that this eyepiece seems to be very sharp on axis and colour rendition is excellent. The zoom function is a joy to use in my opinion. I really enjoyed to zoom in and out catching more details on the Moon surface. Zooms are not normal fix length eyepieces though. They require some time to get familiar with them. In my opinion, the Zeiss zoom is not a cake for everyone. I believe that it has certain features that not necessarily everyone will like. It is not as user friendly as the Docter or the Panoptic 24 or Vixens SLV for instance. Eye placement is easier than the Delos in my opinion. Eye relief is good, but not as comfortable as Docter / Delos eyepieces. Therefore, I don’t think thick spectacles wearers will like it. The FC (and chromatic aberration if this is independent) at low power is not something everyone will accept. It might be due that the FC is largely associated to the short focal length of the TV60. I will test the Zoom with my 8” dobson as soon as I can. I think this is a great zoom for those interested in observing on axis (like me), but I believe that people looking at the all fov might be disappointed at low power if using a very short telescope. • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 90x. Lovely and crisp view of this waning crescent Moon. • 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Lovely view at 96x. • 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Observing the Moon with the Docter is true passion: it was superb. The image was just pure and perfect. It reminded me of the panoramic view of Saturn in the film Interstellar. It was as if I was a spectator in space and just observing the Moon directly. Its view was intense and vivid I would say. The Docter showed a whiter and sharper Moon than the Delos. The Docter showed noticeably less light scatter, showing a black background. The coloured ring at the field stop in the Docter is smaller (half I would say) than the ring at the field stop in the Delos. In the Delos the view of the Moon was beautiful, no doubt, but to me, it didn’t reveal the same passion and feeling of reality that was delivered by the Docter. The Delos was like watching a pianist playing Beethoven in a very accurate and precise way. The Docter was like forgetting the pianist and just going deeply inside Beethoven’s emotions while he was composing. • 07/08/2016, 21:00-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 22%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x +/- VIP 3x. The wind was too strong for comparing features between these two eyepieces. The views were just lovely without VIP, but unfortunately unstable at higher magnifications. Regarding colour, I did not see any major axial chromatic aberration (chromatic aberration of the first type) with the two eyepieces. Of note, my TV60 shows a minimal amount of colour fringe (purple fringe when the Moon is moved to the extreme right, yellow fringe when it is moved to the extreme left) with all my eyepieces. This because the TV60 is a doublet and not a triplet refractor. This colour fringe was very minimal and only noticeable near the edge. Both the Delos and the Docter showed minimal transverse chromatic aberration (chromatic aberration of the second type or lateral colour). Both the Docter and the Delos showed chromatic aberration of the exit pupil as a blue ring at the field stop. This

11 blue ring seemed thinner to my eye. With the Baader VIP transverse chromatic aberration seemed almost removed on both the eyepieces. This test should be repeated with the dobson.

• 10/07/2016, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 80x, 120x. The VIP reaches focus if placed before the diagonal on the TV60. It seems to work with all the spacer, including the 2.6x. This is a positive news as it limits the length of VIP+eyepiece and the weight that the diagonal has to sustain. It also means that the Leica Zoom could be used with the VIP when the VIP is used before the diagonal. I believe the Zeiss Zoom would also reach focus with the VIP placed before the diagonal as there is about 1.5 inch travel left. The problem with the Zeiss Zoom is that it will not reach focus when used without the VIP. Possibly it would if the diagonal is removed, but that is not a nice option.

• 20/06/2016, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 70x, 79x, 100x, 112x, 126x. Only the Lower East side showed some appreciable detail. It seemed to me that the image was more stable with the VIP than the PM2.5x. It just appeared a touch crisper with both the Vixen 9 and Delos 8. Said this, the VIP was at 1.76x, whereas the PM at 2.5x, so the magniﬁcation / exit pupil was not completely fair for the PM.

• 13/06/2016, 21:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 73%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 70x, 80x, 96x, 104x, 126x, 144x, 172x, 187x. Unfortunately, the Baader VIP barlow set at 2.39x and 2.6x does not reach focus on the TV60.

• 16/05/2016, 21:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 79%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. The Moon was nicely crisp up to 180x. In particular, the Copernicus crater was lovely too see. Very nice details on the Mons Apenninus.

• 22/04/2016, 20:30-21:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 100x, 250x. A lovely red Moon at this time of the evening. Some shadow was visible on the very North-West edge. No many details, but viewing the Moon with this colour was really nice.

• 21/04/2016, 22:30-1:35, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 50x, 100x, 150x, 240x, 250x, 300x, 375x, 480x, 600x. Due to the full Moon, I spent most of the time on the South border as this was the only region showing mountains and presenting a little amount of shadow. The seeing was steady for almost 10 days. There was no sign of turbulence on the Southern border of the Moon up to 300x and only a very little amount up to 600x. At magnification higher than 375x a sort of flyby effect was noticeable. The borders of the mountains and hills were well distinct and numerous types of ground undulations emerged. At 600x (V5+PM2.5x) these hills were still well observable. The image was a bit blurred but still impressive. To avoid nudging the telescope I simply pointed the telescope to a border of the Moon and left the Moon pass through. The best view to me was at 250x-300x.

• 19/04/2016, 21:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 95%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 112x, 180x. I focused on the crater Clavius and particularly on the small craters Clavius Y, N, and J. These were not detectable at 72x. The Vixen SLV showed them easier than the Delos 8. I believe this was due to the white colour of these small craters. The Vixen shows the Moon with a whiter colour compared to the Delos. At 180x these craters were far more obvious than at 100x and 112x. Clavius Y, N, J have

12 diameters of 7km, 13km, and 12km, respectively. According to a formula I found on the Internet, a 60mm should show craters with diameter at least of 7.5km (formula: ((231.65/60)∗3476)/1800km, 60 = objective diameter). Overall the view of the Moon was lovely with both eyepieces in my opinion. Notes on Clavius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clavius (crater)

• 17/04/2016, 18:00-20:21, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 30x, 40x, 45x, 72x, 100x, 180x. The sky was still blue and the Moon emerged with its pale colour. To me the Moon is nicer at low power when the sky is not dark. The Panoptic 24 gave a wonderful 3D view.

• 13/04/2016, 21:30-22:13, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 42%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 45x, 100x, 112x. I managed to observe the Moon a little bit longer than the other targets as this was free from clouds for a while. I spent about 20 minutes ﬂoating over our Satellite, magniﬁcently dominating the sky. How many craters, how many minute details on its surface! A pure crystal image with gentle or craggy hills. A really lovely sight!

• 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 112x. This was terriﬁc. The view was deﬁnitely crisp. I could see many small craters and minute details that I did not expect. Superb view.

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 51x, 75x. The moon was still quite low for studying the delos colour neutrality. Overall, the view was very pretty at 30x although a variable polarising filter would have helped (I forgot mine at home!). I pushed the magnification a bit further, but I am not a big fan of the full moon at medium/high power, so eventually I did not dedicate much time on this target. I could not spot major differences in colours, but this was due to the Moon position in the sky. As for the Sun, the Delos can show some blackout when observing the Moon when the eye is not properly placed. This placement is less critical for the Moon than the Sun, and is far less critical for all the other targets (planets included).

• 30/12/2015a, 01:00-03:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 125x, 171x. Phase 0.79. I spent most of the time observing Mare Nectaris and the near craters: Theophilus, Cyrillus, Catharina, and Fracastorius. Mare Nectaris is quite dark and shows internal long hills which are very beautiful to see. Its diameter is 860km and the mare was formed 3.8 billion years ago. The crater Theophilus is characterised by an internal mountain 1400m high, with 3-4 summits. The crater was formed from 3.2 and 1.1 billion years ago.

• 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 69x, 103x, 256x. First Quarter 60%. Nice view of the Moon. The Montes Apenninus were gorgeous.

• 19/10/2015, 20:30-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x. Waxing crescent 38%. The image was reasonably crisp at this magniﬁcation. Wonderful view of a 3 dimensional moon with a nice terminator separating a bright from a dark moon. The dark side of the Moon was visible and even some details of it were detectable (e.g. the seas). On the North Hemisphere, the tips of few mountains were also visible on the dark side. While getting low, a layer of horizontal clouds partially hid the Moon leaving a suggestive and immersive view. A simple low power session but still interesting.

• 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. Mountains at East. Nice low power view of a Full Moon (Phase: 100%). There will be a Moon eclipse within few hours. At East it was possible to see some ’mountains’ on the border. These were very clear at 103x. Pretty view!

• 24/09/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 69x, 103x, 129x, 256x. Waxing Gibbous, 93 %. The atmosphere was sufficiently steady for pushing the magnification. Interestingly, at 256x, I saw less floaters than at 103x. I think this is due to a very small exit pupil which essentially hid most of the floaters.

13 Now wobbling on the surface due to bad seeing. At this magnification, it was possible to spot some roughness on the lunar surface which was not visible at lower magnifications. The image simply looked as if an antialiasing effect was applied. At 129x I had the most beautiful view: a considerable amount of details yet a crisp view. The positive thing of observing at these high magnification was the noticeable reduction of visible scatter light. Outstanding view also at 69x and 103x. At all magnifications, the terminator showed interesting features and several hills were observable beyond the terminator.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 38x, 51x. Waning Gibbous, phase 85.9%. This evening I had one of the best view of our satellite. The Moon was just coming up from the trees and a soft gentle layer of clouds was above. At 15x, this suggestive scene was all visible with plenty of little details across the Moon surface near the Terminator line but also on the main surface. Sometimes, a bird ﬂew away from a tree and crossed the Moon which meanwhile was slowly and partially covered behind soft clouds. Eventually it emerged bright and candide again. As a whole, that picture was splendid and the surrounding clouds gave a spectacular grey faint tint to the landscape. At 28x, 38x, or 51x the Moon was gorgeous and many details were much more visible, although the whole context faded away to leave space to the Moon’s portrait.

• 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 129x, 257x. Waxing Gibbous, phase 95%. Very nice view of the Moon, particularly near the terminator at East. At the North Pole, I visited the crater Philolaus where inside there was a lovely illuminated hill. Then at West, it was the turn for the crater Cavalerius and Hevelius A. 129x was the best view I had tonight for the Moon, although the ﬂyby at 257x was just spectacular.

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 45x, 69x, 72x, 103x, 129x, 257x. Waxing Gibbous, phase 0.89%. My TV Plossl 20mm shows the moon a bit elongated when this is placed near the edge of the eyepiece (18x). This elongation is far less noticeable when the eyepiece is used with the Bresser SA 2x (36x) and not noticeable when used with the Powermate 2.5x (45x). The image of the Moon is gorgeous with the plossl 20mm. Despite the more light collected, I think that the plossl generally has a noticeable larger transmission on this target. The view between the Nagler 13mm + Powermate 2.5x and Vixen SLV 5mm was very similar. Both the eyepieces showed a touch of yellow colour when the moon was near the edge although this did not really affect the view to my eye. The same colour was more modest but still visible with the Plossl 20mm suggesting it is due to the Doublet optical scheme of the Tele Vue 60. The image of the Moon was well defined and crisp with both the eyepieces (69x or 72x). I could not see a real difference between the two combination apart from the larger field of view of the Nagler which again shows the Moon as if it were floating in space. I then decided to push the magnification more. At 103x or 129x, the Moon was still very crisp and can surely provide details for several hours of observation. As extreme test, I used a magnification of 257x. Focusing at this power was more difficult but still feasible. No new details, but everything was impressively larger. Crater borders were quite soft.

• 25/08/2015, 23:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 69x, 72x. Waxing Gibbous, phase: 0.80%. Very cloudy sky and the Moon was visible at moments. It was still possible to compare the Vixen SLV 5mm with the Tele Vue Nagler 13mm + Powermate 2.5x. This is only a preliminary test due to the bad sky condition. As expected the N13+PM2.5x showed a wonderful larger field of view, where a detailed Moon was floating in space. I am very happy with it, as this was the first reason why I decided to buy the PM2.5x. Possibly the Nagler showed a bit more light scattered than the Vixen, although this was a bit difficult to analyse because the Moon tonight was surrounded by clouds which were only visible through the Nagler due to its larger field of view. In terms of details on the Moon surface, I could not see obvious differences. Both the contenders showed a very crisp image of the Moon. When the Moon was near the edge (+90%), the Nagler showed a little yellow border on the Moon disc facing the edge. This was minimal and did not really affected the view to my eye.

• 23/08/2015, 21:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 36x, 51x, 56x, 72x. Waxing Gibbous 57%. The naglers work really well with the Moon and to my eye they contain internal reﬂection a bit better than the Plossl 20mm. The

14 dark side behind the terminator was visible easily and the image remained very crisp to the edge. Wonderful view.

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 260x. I was just curious to see how the terminator appeared at this high magnification. In contrast to what I thought, the image was quite crisp likely due to the steady air. Looking at our Satellite using such a high magnification provided me with a nice flyby over these lovely details. Apart from the terminator, the Moon appeared as a flat land with almost homogeneous features.

• 02/08/2015, 0:10-1:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x. Almost full Moon. From my bedroom (which is towards South), I opened the window, and a beautiful Moon was there. Following Shaun (Pig)’s recent advice on SGL to look at the moon at low power, I had a lovely time at 18x in combination with a VPF for dimming the brightness. Really gorgeous and still crisp image of our satellite. Interestingly, I found a specific target for my plossl 20mm, which has not been much used recently. Competing with the 24 Pan on a full-ish Moon, it is a clear winner showing a fully flat and wholly focused image. For this target, the fov is not a problem either as the plossl 20mm covers about 5 times the Moon diameter, which is enough for giving a feeling of observing a target floating on space. I quickly tried the tele-extender 2x in combination with the plossl 20mm (36x), but the image was already degraded and the details were not as crisp as the image at 18x. Although not a serious session out because of a fever, it was still an enjoyable time spent seeing our satellite. Most of the time was spent observing the Mares Imbrium, Serenitatis, Tranquillitatis, the wonderful Mare Crisium, Mare Fecunditatis, Oceanus Procellarum, Mare Insularum and Mare nubium. Some crater were observed too: Langrenus, Plato, Aristoteles, Eudoxus, Kepler, Tycho, Copernicus, Dionysius, and Menelaus.

• 30/07/2015, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x + VPF. Full Moon. Cloudy sky, but the moon was visible from time to time. From Montes Apenninus, Eratosthenes at South, Aristoteles and Eudoxus at North. At far East of the Moon, Grimaldi and Riccioli. At North of the Moon, Plato. At North West, Atlas and Hercules. Finally I observed Theophilus in the centre-West.

• 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 144x, 206x. Observation at twilight. Waxing Gibbous and phase 97%. I observed Tycho, Copernicus and Kepler.

• 29/06/2015, 21:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 103x, 206x. Observation at twilight. Waxing Gibbous, 94%. The moon was not very crisp tonight due to a little layer of high clouds caused by the high temperature during the day. I moved from Montes Apenninus to Copernicus. A small crater was visible inside, but many details on the circular border were not clear. Therefore I moved to Kepler as this was farther East hoping to improve the visible contrast. This showed a little shadow on one border. At 206x, from Kepler I moved North-East, following the crater chain formed by Kepler C, Marius D, F, A, C, and B. All these craters are relatively small and close to each other. Finally I moved North reaching Aristarchus which appeared beautiful. This white crater shows an impressive contrast and is close to a little half circle of hills at North-East and a dark crater (Herodotus) at East. Really nice view.

• 23/06/2015, 21:40-23:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x, 103x, 206x. Observation at twilight. Waxing crescent at about 40%. At 72x, the Moon was really beautiful and crisp. Very soft little clouds passed over the South hemisphere and the view was really suggestive. At 103x, some more detail were visible, although these were somehow lost at 206x due to the non perfect seeing which did not allow to get a perfect focus. At 28x, the Moon appeared as a lovely target ﬂoating on the sky. The ultra wide ﬁeld of the Nagler 13mm really shows the Moon and the surrounding context.

• 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF. Phase 96%. No many detail were revealed. The moon is not really interesting when full. Craters and seas were detectable but not immersive.

15 • 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF, 206x + SPF. Observed in the twilight. Visible almost 60% of its phase. The SPF seems to stabilise the image if the seeing is not good. This is a lovely target with the TV60, and keeps magniﬁcation pretty well. At 206x the moon surface appeared like a bubble at the poles due to the seeing, but there were moments in which it was possible to see a quasi stable image. Subtle details on the surface were observable as well as minute craters and shades on the ground. Interestingly, on the terminator mounts tips were illuminated whereas their bases were obscured. There is so much to see at 206x that one could spend the entire night observing our satellite! Montes Apenninus, Caucasus, and Alpes were incredible targets and appeared just beautiful. The crater Cassini and all the small nearby craters were spectacular. While I am not sure the SPF increased image contrast, I prefer the view with SPF as it seems that the image is just stabler at both 103x and 106x. • 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x, 103x. Moon phase 91%. The moon at 103x did not need a ﬁlter. It was very crisp and showed details in the South hemisphere despite it was almost full. At 51x, the moon is simply scaled of a factor of 1/2, indicating that the Nagler 3.5mm behaves as a perfect 2x Nagler 7mm. It would be useful to have a Moon map to check the crater’s names. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Waxing crescent 25%. Very crisp details. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x, 90x, 180x; 15x, 51x, 72x, 103x, 144x. C114F8, Italy (IT); B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

3.3 Mercury, Planet • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

3.4 Venus, Planet • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Half planet was visible. Dark area near the terminator. No feature on the atmosphere. • 23/06/2015, 21:40-23:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. Phase about 40%. Again, the Vixen revealed a wonderful Venus. Very crisp on the border and a clear arc defining the phase. A few times I had the impression of a slightly darker patch on the clouds located in the South hemisphere near the centre centre of the planet. This happened with Venus at different position in the eyepiece. At 103x Venus was still a pleasure to see, but not as much as at 72x. At 28x the phase was clearly there too, and the image was still crisp. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 144x +/- SPF. Gorgeous with the Vixen SLV 5mm. The best view of Venus I have ever had so far. Phase was about 45%, and Venus appeared crystal clear without any glare and perfectly focused. The borders were very crisp. At 144x the planet was bigger, but no additional detail was detectable. At both 72x and 144x, I felt that at the center of the visible part of the planet, the colour was just slightly dimmer as if a soft darker cloud was there. Really beautiful. SPF did not help much with the Vixen, so I removed. • 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. Phase about 50%. No detail visible, but the image was sufficiently stable. A SPF would have helped, but I forgot it at home. • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF, 206x + SPF. Observed in the twilight. Visible 60% of its phase. No cloud detail was detectable even with the SPF. Planet glare was reduced but it was very difficult to focus, likely due to the average seeing and high magnification.

16 • 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. Observed in the twilight. Visible 60% of its phase. No cloud detail was detectable. At 206x, on one side of the focus, Venus appeared violet, on the other side green/yellow. When in focus, there was no colour aberration. Curiously, at this magnification it was still very bright suggesting that a variable polarising filter might be beneficial.

• 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Observed in the twilight. Visible 60% of its phase. No cloud detail was detectable. A polarised ﬁlter might help on this target.

• 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 144x. 144x was too much. Possibly because the planet was too low, or because the eyepiece did not cool down properly. In any case, even at 72x, no planet atmosphere detail.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 72x, 144x. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

3.5 Mars, Planet • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Very small. Slightly darker feature near the centre of the planet.

• 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Too small and low to see features.

• 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Syrtis Major was detectable. Mars was around 10 arcsec now.

• 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Angular diameter: 11.9, central-meridian longitude: 88 degrees. Low from the horizon. Quite small for this aperture and magniﬁcation. However, a hint of Mare Acidalium was visible in the North hemisphere with the Docter. In the Delos, the same feature was a bit less noticeable.

• 20/06/2016, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 70x, 79x, 100x, 112x, 126x. Mare Cimmerium was visible in the Southern hemisphere with all the eyepieces or barlow/telextender. A hint of the North polar cap was detectable and appeared as a faint white light.

• 11/06/2016, 22:50-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 44%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x. Angular diameter 18.2 arcsec, longitude: 320 deg. Syrtis Major was well defined and formed a sort of triangle with Iapygian and Mare Tyrrhenum. The seeing was not sufficiently good to spot differences between the VIP and the Bresser SA. B. Possibly the colour using the VIP was slightly more natural.

• 06/06/2016, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 4%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. Essentially the same features were visible, but the contrast seemed higher with the Vixen SLV. Mare Acidalium was particularly darker. Mare Erythraeum was also more noticeable with the Vixen. Overall it was a very interesting view with both.

• 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x. Mars’ diameter was 18.6 arcsec and the central-meridian longitude was 102 degrees. Some darker areas were visible after spending a bit of time. These were Mare Sirenum and Mare Erythraeum. They only reveal a slightly darker area rather than a marked feature.

17 • 28/05/2016a, 1:00-1:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Gibbous 64%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. Compared to last time, the seeing was much better tonight. Said this, I could not discern any features on this planet except for the colour of course. It was intense red. The polar region was not detectable either. I suspect it was still showing us its boring face.

• 26/05/2016b, 22:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Gibbous 74%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.74; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x. From the UK Mars is really low and the little aperture does not help. A white glitter was visible on the North pole suggesting a hint of the polar cap. I sometimes had the feeling to see a darker region on the West side of the planet, but the seeing was not good enough to be sure. The best magniﬁcation was 72x tonight.

• 21/05/2016, 22:10-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x, 300x, 375x. Angular diameter: 18.3 arcsec, central-meridian latitude: 123. Homogeneous landscape covering Amazonis, Memnonia, and Tharsis. Near the border dark features were detectable but without a clear structure. These were slightly more visible at high power. A hint of North polar was also detectable.

• 15/05/2016a, 01:00-02:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 58%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 112x, 180x. My ﬁrst view of Mars with the TV60. The North pole was slightly detectable. Its white light was visible although the border was not clear. In the South hemisphere a long darker region directed to the South pole and then going up was very clear instead. I suspect that area was Syrtis Major and Mare Tyrrhenum, although it could have also been Syrtis Major and Mare Serpentis. According to Mike (mikeDnight on SGL), the dark feature was Hesperia with Tyrrhena. The dark area was visible at all the magniﬁcations.

• 21/04/2016, 22:30-1:35, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x, 250x, 300x. Thankfully Mars emerged from the high clouds and I managed to see it for about 20 minutes. As for the Moon, the best view was at 250x-300x. Unfortunately, I had to reduce magnification as clouds were slowly covering it. Considering the map of Mars published by Sky and Telescope, April 2016, I think the orientation of Mars was longitude 315 degrees. The Polar region was visible although I expected it to be a bit more obvious. On the left (at the eyepiece), there was what in the map seems to be Syrtis Major. This region was considerably darker than the rest of the planet and well noticeable. On the right there was another darker area although less detectable. I think this was Sinus Sabaeus. In between these two darker regions, there was a distinct red region which, if I am correct about Mars orientation, should be Aeria Arabia Moab Eden. These features were somehow visible at lower magnification although less obvious. This was the first time I observed Mars with adequate aperture and more seriously. Overall, I really enjoy observing Mars. I could not spot Phobos or Deimos. Not sure whether they are feasible, but certainly not tonight due to the layer of humidity on the atmosphere. At 250x-300x the size was more than adequate to see enough details. These should be clearer next month when Mars will reach a diameter of 18.6”. Tonight it was about 14”.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x, 90x,180x. C114F8, Venice (IT).

3.6 Ceres, Asteroid • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Dwarf planet. Quite bright. Not sure a disk was detectable at 192x or the increased shape was simply the eﬀect of Airy disk.

18 3.7 Jupiter, Planet • 20/06/2016, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 70x, 79x, 100x, 112x, 126x. I could spot the GRS with the vixen 9 + VIP 1.76x at 70x on the East side of the SEB. I think this is the ﬁrst time I spot it at this magniﬁcation. Also it was almost obvious to see it.

• 06/06/2016, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 4%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. Two equatorial belts, South polar region and a line above the NEB which I think it was the North temperate belt. One festoon near the centre of the NEB. No GRS. It was clear that the two equatorial belts were not homogeneous lines, but that there were features on them. However, it was too diﬃcult to spot shapes. Jupiter was below 40 degrees above the horizon though. With the Vixen, colours were more vivid and in particular browns/dark reds on the belts were somehow a bit nicer.

• 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x. The seeing was pretty good. Beside the two equatorial belts and the polar regions, I could spot one large festoon on the NEB. The GRS was not out tonight.

• 26/05/2016b, 22:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Gibbous 74%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.74; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x, 100x, 180x. The daylight is getting longer as shown by the darkness measurement. Jupiter showed the two equatorial belts and the South polar region. I could not spot the GRS and in fact it was not out at this time (no false negative). I believe a festoon was discernable though. No moon event tonight. The best magniﬁcation was 72x.

• 16/05/2016, 21:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 79%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. The seeing was very good tonight. No GRS, but NEB, SEB, NTB, and the two polar regions were visible. In the NEB I identiﬁed two festoons and one of them was particularly large. It was placed on the Centre-West side of the NEB.

• 15/05/2016c, 20:45-21:54, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 67%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x. North and South equatorial belts, North temperate belt and the two polar regions were visible. On the SEB, the GRS was located near the centre. This was darker compared to the SEB and the separation between GRS and SEB was discernible by diﬀerent colour. On the NEB, I suspect there were at least two festoons one near the centre and the other one at centre-East. These feature were not well marked though. The four moons did not overlap with the planet.

• 03/05/2016, 21:30-22:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 9%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear, Darkness: 19.4 (when lights off); Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 100x, 112x +/- SPF. Despite a very good seeing, transparency was affected by high clouds. In the beginning of this session, a true beacon of light coming from the neighbour’s garden almost blinded me. Unfortunately he had to work in the garden as he is moving out soon, so I could not really ask him to switch that light off. Thankfully the TV60 is very light and was placed in an area of the garden that was less affected by the light. Jupiter looked beautiful and I am convinced that if the transparency had been a bit better, many delicate features would have been observable more clearly, in particular festoons. The two main events tonight were the transit of Europa and the GRS. I was not able to spot Europa, but its shadow was visible without much difficulty. The GRS was well distinct and appeared like a darker, but not black, little area, at the centre of the South Equatorial Belt, before gradually moving towards East. The SPF enhanced the colour of the equatorial belts which appeared more vivid, and the shape of the GRS making its contour more noticeable. Regarding the eyepieces, my vixen 9mm SLV is quite sensitive to external light sources and bright targets on axis to me. This works as follows. As soon as Jupiter was approaching the centre of the eyepiece the light of the target spreaded in two opposite directions. After the target has passed that critical small area (few seconds), the image was fine again. I believe this was affected by the external light from my neighbour as the area changed slightly when the telescope was moved. However, after careful examination, I noticed that the beams rotated accordingly as the eyepiece was rotated suggesting that there could be a bit poor light control for bright targets

19 to me. This eﬀect was repeatedly visible on Jupiter tonight, but I have not ever noticed anything similar on other bright targets like the Sun or the Moon. Venus would be an interesting test of course. This eﬀect is completely absent on both my 12mm and 8mm Delos eyepieces, and as far as I know I never noticed it on my Vixen SLV 5mm.

• 22/04/2016, 20:30-21:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x, 300x. Best view at 200x. The sky was getting clouded and I only managed to observe jupiter for less than ten minutes. Despite this, I was able to see the two equatorial belt, the North temperate belt, the two polar region, a couple of festoons on the North equatorial belt, something that resembled the GRS on the South equatorial belt, and possibly some white ovals. Unfortunately, a longer observation time was needed to assess all these features.

• 19/04/2016, 21:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 95%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 112x. My eyes were not great tonight at picking faint details on the belts. Overall, possibly on this target, the view might be slightly better with the Delos. To me this eyepiece showed just a tiny bit more contrast. This may be possibly very slightly reduced in the Vixen because this eyepiece shows a slightly whiter image than the delos. Being Jupiter largely white, it may be that to my eye very faint details are slightly reduced. The two eyepieces are very close though, so any diﬀerence is hard to justify.

• 13/04/2016, 21:30-22:13, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 42%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. I could detect the North temperate region but the sky transparency was not good due to high level of humidity. I could not spot features or irregularities on the equatorial belts.

• 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. Vixen 9mm SLV + PM2.5x or Delos 8mm + PM2.5x. I could spot the GRS with both. This was well distinct in the Southern equatorial belt and its colour was dark. The seeing was not sufficiently good to spot the North temperate belt. After eye adaptation, heterogeneities on the two equatorial belts were detectable. These appeared with different colour intensities. It was still possible to detect a fair amount of turbulence on the two equatorial belt, meaning that they were not flat at all but there were several details in it. I actually think I saw three festoons in the North Equatorial belt. Time to time, the Delos seemed to offer a better view, but other times it was the opposite. The image was slightly brighter on the Vixen, but this could have been the different exit pupil (3.6 vs 3.2). The delos showed the details a tiny bit better more often but this is largely due to the increased magnification 112x vs 100x which is quite a lot for a planet and using a 60mm. So far I would say that they are at a very very similar level.

• 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x. Despite the poor seeing, I still managed to spot the North temperate belt with this new eyepiece plus powermate. The view seems sharp to my eye. I will need to check this on the Sun and under better seeing.

• 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 75x, 112x. I thought the seeing was a bit better. Therefore no much time was spent on this target.

• 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 112x. All moons were located at East of the planet. Three of them formed a suggestive little triangle right near the planet. Two equatorial belts, North temperate belt, both polar regions were visible. Not sure about a potential GRS at west in the South eq belt..

• 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 112x. How many features tonight. At 10pm at 112x, I could see the North and South equatorial belts, a faint North temperate belt, the North and South polar regions, four satellites of which one was placed just close to the North polar region, the shadow of Callisto on the North polar region, and I believe I also spotted two festoons on the low part of the North equatorial belt.

20 • 10/03/2016, 19:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 9%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear, Darkness: 18.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 75x, 112x. With the Delos 8mm (45x) I was able to see the two equatorial belts. Interestingly the view remained intact when the planet was moved near the eyepiece ﬁeld stop. The belts were detectable without having to refocus. Unfortunately, due to the high humidity levels, I could not see the North and South temperate belts tonight even at higher magniﬁcations (75x and 112x). They were just invisible. The jovian moons were really sharp even at 112x (0.5mm e.p., 3.2mm f.l.). After many attempts, it results to me that there was a dark feature near the centre of the North Equatorial belt. Due to the poor transparency I am not sure whether this was an artefact of my eye or not, but I believe I saw something in there. No occultation as all the moons were visible. Possibly a large feston? As far as I know the GRS is in the South Equatorial belt, so this is also excluded. The mystery of the Dark Feature!

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 51x, 75x, 129x. Jupiter appeared different from what I expected at 75x. The two equatorial belts were easily visible, but also the two polar belts were detectable without much effort. Jupiter looked like noticeably prettier than when observed with the Nagler 13 T6 and PM2.5x (69x) I remember. Actually, for the first time I had a feeling that the view could have possibly been a tiny bit better than my Vixen SLV 5mm (72x). The four moons appeared like dots, but were differents from the dots as I saw with the Naglers. The former dots were distinctly clear and precisely depicted, whereas the latter dots (with the Naglers) were a bit obfuscated and less defined. Not sure, but I think I saw a small dark region on the North equatorial belt at West (opposite from the side where Io was coming out from the planet’s back).

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 69x, 103x, 129x. Four moons visible, two equatorial belts clearly distinct whereas other two belts at the poles were just detectable. No GRS spotted if present. Wonderful view at 129x. The moons still showed a reduced Airy disc, and the belts were well deﬁned.

• 30/12/2015a, 01:00-03:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 92x, 125x, 171x, 231x, 343x, 428x. The best view was at 125x and 171x. The seeing was not optimal though due to the rapid decrease in fog in the last two hours. The GRS was detectable at 3am with some difficulty. The polar belts were also visible but their observation required some time. Io was approaching the planet. I decided to push the magnification on Jupiter’s moons. At 343x and 428x, the moons were larger but I do not believe it this feature is entirely real. After careful evaluation, these appeared like small bright circles with poorly definite borders, surrounded by a kind of halo similar to stars when out of focus. I think the bright circles are the moons, whereas the considerable amount of light surrounding these circles is due to a sort of Airy disc artefact, caused by high magnification.

• 24/12/2015, 02:00-02:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 92x, 125x, 171x, 231x, 343x. The sky was not transparent enough for seeing subtle details on Jupiter’s clouds. At all magnifications, the two equatorial belts were visible, but did not show inner details most of the time. After the eye became adapted to the view, I was able to perceive some shade on the central part of the belts, but nothing more. These shades appeared as small irregularities of tones which were inclined with respect to the belt direction. At 343x, Ganymede seemed to show a tiny disc. The other 3 main moons also appeared more rounded but still smaller than Ganymede. Although details were not visible for this target, it was amazing to be able to see a tiny increase in size for a moon orbiting on another planet. On Jupiter, the amount of detail was similar to the amount visible at lower magnifications, but the features were much softer. In this region in Italy, I believe one can push to 250x quite often because air turbulences are quite rare. I tried 343x because I have a 3.5mm with me. I did not expect to get better views of Jupiter, but was curious to see whether its moon changed in size. The fact that the moon looking bigger was Ganymede was checked later using an online application. There was no detail on the surface and the target was not crisp, but very soft. That is the reason why I wonder whether this was due to the increase in Airy disc size due to high magnification. On the other hand, its size was larger than the other 3 visible moons, and this was noticeable.

21 Possibly, measuring the diameter of the visible disc and comparing this with the airy disc size of a star at that magniﬁcation would give an answer.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 92x, 125x, 171x, 231x. Jupiter was impressive to observe. Although at 125x most of its features were visible, I achieved the best view at 171x. The primary mirror was already collimated but collimation was not top notch. For this reason I will test high power again as soon as I get the proper key to collimate the mirror. The secondary mirror was perfectly collimated instead. At 171x, the North and South Equatorial belts were visible. The north eq belt showed the presence of small obliquus shades. These were not obvious but detectable. The south eq belt was somehow more interesting. Two distinct lines formed this belt. On these two lines on one side of the planet, it was detectable the red giant spot (GRS). Again, this was not trivial but doable. The polar regions showed other two belts respectively. The south polar belt gradually fainted approaching the pole. The four satellite were all visible.

• 23/06/2015, 21:40-23:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. All four moons were visible tonight. At 72x 4 belts were detectable and colours were also visible. These appeared as brown-red for the belts and slightly darker white for the zones. At 103x the image was a bit degraded compared to 72x. I believe the Vixen SLV is just a tiny but noticeable bit better than the nagler 3.5mm

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 144x +/- SPF. Jupiter was visible with North and South Equatorial Belts and four moons. No other detail was detectable. SPF did not help with the Vixen. The planet did not appear much crisp in contrast to Venus. Also here, I preferred the view of Jupiter at 72x (without Barlow). It is as if the barlow lens introduces some imperfections which remove the additional beneﬁt of using a Vixen vs a Nagler. The same can be said for the SPF with the Vixen. Vixen alone gave the best views (without Barlow or SPF).

• 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. 206x was too much for Jupiter tonight. Mostly seen it at 103x. Three moons visible, whereas the fourth seemed behind the planet. North and South Equatorial Belts were visible. On the North Hemisphere another belt was also detectable. No GRS visible.

• 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF, 206x + SPF. Just a quick look until the sky became darker. No particular event tonight. It was very nice to see it. The two main belts revealed some subtle detail appearing like tiny shades. In particular these were more detectable in the North Equatorial Belt.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF. Observed in civil twilight. The seeing was not enough good for pushing magniﬁcation beyond 103x. At 103x, two major belts and two moons were visible. I did not spend much on this target tonight because it was too windy when I observed it.

• 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- SPF, 206x + SPF. Observed in the twilight. The SPF noticeably improved the view. Four belts and the transit of Callisto were easily visible at both 103x and 206x. The use of a SPF seemed to stabilise the image and improved contrast. A fair amount of shades were also perceptible on the main two belts. The transit appeared as a crisp black dot on the planet atmosphere. Without the SPF it was only possible to see the two main belts and no shade on them. They simply appeared as two thick lines across the planet. Interestingly the transit shadow appeared a tiny bit better without the ﬁlter. To me, using the SPF requires a bit of experience in order to rotate the eyepiece to gain the best contrast. However this is feasible.

• 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. Observed in the twilight. The idea started as a joke because I thought the image would have been too dark for discerning any detail. Instead, it was possible to perceive a little amount of shades on the two major belts of the planet. The boundaries of the other two less visible belts (North and South hemisphere, respectively) were also there. At 103x I was able to see the boundaries of these two belts on the ’equator side’, but not on the ’pole side’. At 206x these were noticeable. 4 moons were detectable and one was just about to get closer to Jupiter. I agree

22 with Gerry (sgl: jetstream) that watching Jupiter in twilight shows more contrast. I was also able to see some red-ish colour on the major two belts, which instead is less noticeable when watching Jupiter in the dark. Looking at a bright source before watching the planet did not help me instead. I found I had more difficulty to notice details. Although the exit pupil was only 0.3mm, floaters did not cause me serious problems. Interestingly, I found floaters to be a problem when watching the Sun at 103x. Could these be related to overall image brightness?

• 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. Observed in the twilight. Still visible at 206x with some detail but the new tripod is not up to this sort of magniﬁcations. To be fair, the new tripod was ﬁne at 103x but only when there was no wind. 3 belts and 4 moons visible. It would be interesting to try 206x with my solid tripod.

• 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. At 103x Jupiter showed 4 moons and 4 belts. No speciﬁc events were visible this evening.

• 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 72x. Transit of Ganymede on Jupiter. Little black dot on the Equatorial zone. All the other three main satellites were well distict on right.

• 09/04/2015, 21:20-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x; 103x +/- VPF. At the eyepiece from right to left: Callisto, Io, Jupiter, Europa and Ganymede. This evening I decided to test my new eyepiece (Nagler 3.5mm). Due to the lack of transparency, I only tested this on Jupiter. This was the first time I observed at 103x without using a Bresser 2x SA. The difference was quite substantial. I had the impression that the Nagler 7mm with Bresser 2x SA was more colour corrected than the Nagler 3.5mm only at the edge (last 10% before the field stop). This might have been caused by the presence of light fog though, instead of the eyepiece. I will test this again. On the other hand, the lack of the Bresser 2x SA (4 lens less) improved transparency, and this was detectable. With a Nagler 7mm and Bresser 2x SA, I am able to see a bit more than the two main belts only when the seeing is quite good. Tonight, although the seeing was acceptable, but the sky was quite foggy. The main two belts (North and South Equatorial Belts) were visible and other two belts at the poles were easily detectable (North Polar Region, S.S. Temperate Belt). In the North and South Equatorial Belts, some shades were also detectable. No direction was visible but it was possible to see that the borders and belt colours were rough and not homogeneous. This was particularly true for the North Equatorial Belt. No GRS was detectable. The use of a single or double polarizing filter did not improve image quality. The whole image only appeared too dark and the minute details previously described were lost. Possibly, the VPF is more appropriate for brighter objects (e.g. the Sun and the Moon) or Jupiter during sunset or dawn.

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Two belts clearly visible and a faint one in the South hemisphere was detectable. All four satellite were visible. Io and Europa were very tight at East of the planet.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Quick observation. Two belts and four satellite were visible.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 144x. Order: Europa, Callisto, Jupiter, Io, Ganymede. Two belts very visible. The lower one was visible on the left (refractor). On the right the great red spot was detectable. Very minor belts north and south.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 144x. A bit of wind, but the image stays crisp at high magniﬁ- cations. No aberration.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x, 90x, 180x; 72x, 103x, 144x. C114F8, Italy (IT); B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

23 3.8 Saturn, Planet • 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. The seeing did not allow 192x. No Cassini division.

• 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x, 266x. Cassini division and equatorial belt were visible. Titan, Thetis and Rhea were also visible.

• 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Higher than Mars from the horizon. The Docter showed one belt and a clear hint of Cassini’s division on the outer rings. The shadow of the planet on the rings was also detectable. The image was very sharp. In the Delos, the belt was detectable but the image was somehow less sharp. This was suﬃcient for not seeing any Cassini’s division or the shadow visible with the Docter.

• 09/08/2016, 21:20-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 40%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. On Saturn there was no coloured fringe at all to my eye. On axis, there was no coloured fringe on Saturn to my eye. To my eye the Docter shows more contrast than the Delos. Light scatter also seems a bit more controlled in the Docter.

• 08/08/2016, 22:00-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 31%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 2x or 3x. Saturn was fairly low when observed. When the Baader VIP was used in 2x mode (between the diagonal and the eyepiece), a hint of Cassini division on the lateral sides of the rings was detectable with both the eyepieces (Docter: 72x, Delos 75x). Titan, but not Rhea was visible with both. When the Baader VIP in 2x mode was placed between the telescope and the diagonal (I have not calculated the exact distance within the diagonal yet, but I suspect it is around 3x), the view through the Docter was sharper. The faint line of the Cassini division on the lateral parts of the rings disappeared with both. When Saturn was moved next to the ﬁeld stop, its size was a bit reduced with the Docter 12.5mm suggesting the presence of angular magniﬁcation distortion (AMD) in the Docter. To me this distortion is noticeable in the Docter 12.5mm if one compares a target between on axis and at the edge straightaway. To my eye the size of Saturn was reduced by not more than 15-20

• 20/06/2016, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 70x, 79x, 100x, 112x, 126x. The Cassini division was detectable on the outer part of the rings at 70x and 79x. I sometimes add the feeling of seeing it at 126x too. I could not spot it with my 9mm + PM2.5x tonight.

• 11/06/2016, 22:50-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 44%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x. Titan, Rhea and Tethys were visible. The Cassini division was detectable time to time on the outer border of the rings. The equatorial belt was visible. No real diﬀerences between the VIP and the bresser due to the poor seeing. Again, the VIP seemed to show a more natural colour.

• 06/06/2016, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 4%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. I saw Titan and Rhea with both the Vixen and the Delos. Equatorial belts with both. A hint of the Cassini division on the edge with the Vixen only. This is the ﬁrst time I spotted it at 100x. At 72x-75x is generally easier, but over 100x it is not easy to catch that contrast. Rhea was slightly easier with the Vixen.

• 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x. The North equatorial belt was detectable to my eye. A hint of the Cassini division on the edge was noticeable even at 100x. Titan but not Rhea was visible.

• 28/05/2016a, 1:00-1:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Gibbous 64%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. Nice view with this steady sky.

24 The Cassini division was detectable on the outer border of the rings at all the magnifications. This was the first time I was able to spot it at 180x. Titan was out too, but I could not spot Rhea. I could not spot the equatorial belt either unfortunately. Generally, it was a lovely view of the most beautiful planet. • 21/05/2016, 22:10-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Full Moon 100%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 240x, 300x, 375x. Great view! The Cassini division was visible almost throughout the planet. At the border of the rings, it was a clear black line. On the planet it seemed that there was a bit of rings shadow. A tiny bit of planet shadow seemed to be projected on the back side of the rings. The equatorial belt was nicely observable and to me this was nicer at +300x magnifications. Titan and Rhea were well visible. Between Titan and Saturn there was Dione. Between Rhea and Saturn there was Thetys. Tethys and Dione were not straightforward to spot initially, but after a bit they were easily visible. I tried my best to spot Enceladus, but the Moon was just too bright. • 15/05/2016a, 01:00-02:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 58%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 112x, 180x. A hint of the Cassini division was visible at 72x on the outer part of the rings. At this magnification a belt, likely the equatorial belt was also visible. Titan was well placed too. At 112x, the Cassini division was no longer detectable, although the belt was still there. At 180x the previous features were not clearly detectable, but Rhea was visible with direct vision. After spotting Rhea at 180x I managed to see it at 112x but only with averted vision placing the planet beyond the field stop. At 180x it was very clear instead. What I am not sure I really spot with averted vision was Dione at 180x. The location where I thought I spotted it was correct but this is at 11mag, which is at the very limit if not possibly beyond the limit of my 60mm. • 21/04/2016, 22:30-1:35, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; SkyWatcher 200 F6, 150x, 200x, 250x. Only managed a very short observation due to the approaching clouds. Saturn was already partially covered when I started and the Cassini division was just faintly detectable on the rings border for the first few seconds. Despite the overall decrease in brightness, the Southern equatorial belt was still visible for another couple of minutes before the area was going to be slowly covered. • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. At 72x, the North Equatorial Belt was easily visible. The Cassini division was detectable at the lateral sides of the rings, and the rings A and B were clearly distinct. Titan was visible and appeared like a small star. At 28x or 51x the planet looked crisper, but the NEB was not easily detectable. At 103x the Cassini division was not visible. The seeing was not good enough for higher power, unfortunately. • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. At 28x I could spot the rings and Titan. At 51x Saturn was very crisp but not additional detail was detectable. At 72x, the North Equatorial Belt and the Cassini division on the lateral rings were visible. At 103x those gained details were somehow lost unfortunately. Saturn was lovely at 72x. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Observation at twilight. Due to the poor seeing, I did not push magnifications higher than 72x. Even at this zoom, the planet was not very crisp. • 23/06/2015, 21:40-23:15, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 18x, 28x, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. At 72x, Titan was clearly visible and appeared yellow-orange. The planet appeared yellow globally, whereas one the North Equatorial Belt was more orange. The Cassini division was detectable on the lateral parts of the rings and the Ring A was distinguishable from the Ring B, due to the difference colour intensity. At 103x, no additional detail was visible, but the Cassini division was still there on the lateral parts. At 28x, the rings were visible and well separated from the planet. Titan’s colour was a bit more orange. It is really interesting that these colours appear much more evident when the sky is clear rather than dark. I believe this is due to the eye cones which are more active than the eye rods. At 18x, I could not really distinguish the rings from the planet, although the non spherical shape was observable. No additional moon was detectable at these low powers.

25 • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x +/- SPF, 144x. Saturn was wonderful with the Vixen at 72x. The North Equatorial Belt was detectable particularly when in contrast with the Equatorial zone. The Cassini division was visible on the left and right parts of the rings when the planet was at the centre of the eyepiece. It appeared as a soft grey line which separated more dense rings (B rings) from lighter rings (A rings). The shadow of the planet on the ring or details on the polar region were not visible. Titan was also visible. A SPF did not help and actually degraded the image for Saturn with the Vixen. At 144x, the image degraded and was not as nice as at 72x. At 28x, the planet was very small, but the rings and the empty part between the planets and the rings were visible. Titan at South-West of the planet in the eyepiece was much brighter at this magniﬁcation (due to the larger exit pupil) and I felt a small faint dot was detectable at South-East of the planet in the eyepiece. This was closer to the planet than Titan. After checking Saturn’s moons positions with Sky and Telescope software application, the only moon at that distance and position was Rhea. I am not sure I saw this moon of magnitude 10. It would be at the limit of my TV60. This dot was more visible with averted vision although it was also detectable via direct vision.

• 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. Very nice view of Saturn tonight. At both 103x and 206x, the Cassini division was detectable when the sky appeared steady for few seconds. It appeared as a soft grey shade on the lateral parts of the rings. Possibly what I was seeing was the shade between the A and B rings. This was not always visible, but just for few seconds when the seeing was steady and no wind blew, the diﬀerence in colour intensity was noticeable. Titan was also visible on the South of the planet. It seemed a grey dot. The North Equatorial Belt on the planet appeared as a soft darker gradient compared to the planet equatorial zone. The North Polar Region was not clearly detectable.

• 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Seen during civil twilight and later in the nautical twilight. Although the seeing was not great, Saturn appeared very crisp. The rings had a very nice inclination. The Cassini division was generally not detectable. For few seconds when the seeing stabilised, a hint of dimmer colour was visible on the external part of the rings. A nice belt was visible all the time in the North hemisphere (North Equatorial Belt) of the planet. Titan was visible too. The view was really nice generally. Possibly due to the seeing, but I preferred the view when the sky was darker.

• 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x, 206x. It is still fairly low on the horizon. Titan was visible. The Cassini division was not detectable, but it was possible to see a shade in the middle of the ring. At 206x the image was just degraded and diﬃcult to focus. I have to wait for a higher position of the planet.

• 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. It was a bit higher than yesterday, but unfortunately, my telescope and eyepieces were soaked with humidity and could not really see this target after the ﬁrst 5 min. Rings were clearly deﬁned, and I believe the Cassini division could have been detectable.

• 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Very low on the horizon and therefore not the best moment for viewing this target. Despite this, rings and titan were visible. Neither the Cassini division nor belts were detectable.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x, 90x, 180x. C114F8, Venice (IT).

3.9 Uranus, Planet • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 144x, 375x. No moon was detectable.

• 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 144x, 375x. Grey - green disk. No moon was detected.

26 • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x, 266x. Grey disc. No feature. • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x, 182x. Due to the presence of soft wind, the humidity decreased reducing the effects of light pollution. The Pisces constellation was not visible at naked eye, but more dim stars were visible through the finder and eyepiece. To find Uranus, I star-hopped from Gamma Peg (Algenib), reaching Delta, Epsilon and finally Zeta Psc. Uranus was very next to Zeta Psc. Uranus’ colour is slightly greener than Neptune, and was visible as a little circle already at 91x. This was much more evident at 182x. • 13/08/2015a, 2:00-3:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Uranus and nearby stars in Pisces were entirely covered by light pollution. Therefore, it was very difficult to spot the location of this target. Eventually I did not find it for this reason after some research and comparison with a star atlas. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 10x; 15x; 15x. B10x50, Lorenzago (IT); B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

3.10 Neptune, Planet • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 144x, 375x. No moon was detectable. • 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 144x, 375x. Disk was distinct but no sign of Triton. Not sure if I manage to spot this faint moon. • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x, 266x. Blue disc. No feature. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 129x, 257x. Easy to find from Delta Aqr. It looked like a steady star at 15x and 51x. A blue fat star at 129x and a blue disc at 257x, although this seemed a low resolution smudge. • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x, 182x. Tonight, it was clearly distinguishable as a grey blue pinpoint star but with firm light. This pinpoint shaped object became slightly larger, almost like a little circle, at 91x and 182x. The blue colour was a bit more evident at these magnifications. • 13/08/2015a, 2:00-3:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x, 182x. Not too difficult to spot due to moderately bright nearby stars. At 36x it appeared as a grey tinted star and was detectable using a star atlas. At 91x its shape was still punctiform and possibly a hint of blue-green was added to the grey tint spotted at 36x. This colour might have been altered due to the light pollution in the sky though. At 182x, the planet appeared as a very small circle or large pinpoint object of blue-ish / grey colour.

3.11 Mercury Transit, Planet • 09/05/2016, 17:30-18:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 180x. Transit of Mercury on the Sun. Mercury entered at about 11am and exited at about 19pm (UK time). There were many clouds so I only managed to see Mercury for few moments. I knew Mercury was small but I did not imagine so small. Even at 180x it was just a small circle. I guess it is a target requiring +350x for being observed. The planet was essentially featureless and placed on the South hemisphere when I started observing. The circle was the size of a small-medium sized sunspot and appeared black. No ring was visible.

27 3.12 Venus - Jupiter, Planet • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Very low in the sky. The two planets were overlapped. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x, 103x. Observation at twilight. Conjunction Venus-Jupiter. The two planets were about 0.3 / 0.5 degrees apart. Venus was largely brighter and bigger than Jupiter. Venus phase was less than 40%. The planet border was well deﬁned. Jupiter bands were only visible at low power (28x) due to the mediocre seeing. It was possible to see 3 satellites but the sky was still too bright for detect them easily. It was nice to see this conjunction, but unfortunately the seeing did not allow suﬃcient resolution for Jupiter which was not easy to focus. At 28x the North and South Equatorial belts were visible in the early evening. It was an interesting conjunction but not as great as the one I saw when I was teenager. At the time the two planets were elongated at naked eye. It was spectacular.

28 4 Milky Way 4.1 Milky Way, Galaxy • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Milky way was visible from Aquila to Auriga. I spanned through Cygnus largely and saw the numerous NGC objects located on the Cygnus body. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. A nice observation of the Milky Way moving from Aquila around the star Altair to Deneb, observing the numerous clusters in the Cygnus’ neck. Then I continued towards North gradually reaching Cepheus. I stopped for a while in the area where M39 is located. After reaching Cepheus and the Garnett’s Star, I moved inside the square until I reached NGC7160. Finally I moved East, towards M52 and finishing off in Cassiopeia. • 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. I spanned from Cygnus to Cepheus, Cassiopeia and finally Perseus. Rich star fields and many clusters were observable or detectable on the way.

29 5 Messier Catalogue 5.1 M1, Tau, SN Rem • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x +/- UHC or OIII. Crab nebula. I finally managed to spot this supernova remnant. I could barely spot it at 15x without filter. It was more detectable at 28x or 51x. Pushing Zeta Tauris out of the eyepiece fov helped considerably. My OIII did not work very well on this target. Actually it made more complex the detection. Slightly better with a UHC filter, possibly because of the more band passing although this was also the case at 2mm exit pupil, which is still usually quite generous with an OIII. The nebula appeared as a grey patch without structure and with indefinite border. • 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x; 51x +/- OIII, UHC. Crab Nebula. Invisible after trying with different magnifications and averted vision. Filters did not help either. Darker skies are required for this target. Possibly try with an eyepiece at 2.0mm exit pupil. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x. Crab Nebula. C114F8, Venice (IT).

5.2 M2, Aqr, Glob CL • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x. M2 was amazing showing a rich portion of stars. • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Resolved some star. • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x. Resolved stars on the borders. • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 103x. Another lovely globular cluster easy to ﬁnd. It appeared as a grey ball a bit larger than M15. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for M15. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.3 M3, CVn, Glob CL • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Resolved some star. • 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. After spotting NGC5466 (see target for reference), I reused the checkpoint stars Boo 9 and Boo 11 for reaching M3. This was well visible at 45x and appeared as a grey large cloud. Some granulation was also detectable, although no star was resolved. • 30/12/2015a, 01:00-03:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 92x, 125x, 171x. Star hopping from Arcturus. Not easy to spot due to the Moon, location above the horizon and light pollution. The best view I achieved was at 125x. It revealed an amount of star granulation at the borders if observed carefully. This is the ﬁrst globular cluster I saw with this telescope.

30 • 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As all the globular cluster seen with a small telescope, M3 also appears like a little grey cloud. This is a bright globular cluster and a hint of ’granulation’ is perceptible although no star can be resolved. Not very easy to ﬁnd due to the lack of bright stars to star hop from Arcturus. • 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Again, not easy to ﬁnd. I used the axis from Gamma to Beta Com. This cluster is brighter than M54 and at 51x seems a large white/grey blob.

5.4 M4, Sco, Glob CL • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. It forms a triangle with the stars Alpha Sco (Antares) and Sigma Sco (Al Niyat). The sky at South is not the best from here. I could vaguely spot this target with averted vision. Weather permitting, I will try this in Italy with the dobson 8”. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. I was not able to detect this cluster. I suspect the reason was that it is too low in the sky for my TV-60 and Antares brightness did not help either. Therefore I decided to focus on the beautiful open cluster of this region of Sky, which was the only area not aﬀected by clouds and actually transparent.

5.5 M5, Ser, Glob CL • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Resolved some star. • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star-hopping from Alpha Ser (Unukalhai) towards Epsilon Ser, Psi Ser, 10 Ser and ﬁnally 5 Ser. Lovely globular cluster. It should be amazing with more aperture. Some granulation was detectable. • 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. It appears like a grey cloud. From the star Unukalhai (Alpha Ser), go South and you ﬁnd it. It is a relatively easy target.

5.6 M6, Sco, Opn CL • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Butterﬂy Cluster. Another pretty open cluster in Sagittarius, but much smaller than M7. It is located at North-West of M7.

5.7 M7, Sco, Opn CL • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Ptolemy Cluster. To me, this is one of the best open clusters out there. It is large, made of dimmer and brighter stars, and its shape is majestic. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x. Ptolemy Cluster. C114F8, Venice (IT). Large and beautiful open cluster. It was just above the horizon and the last cluster visible if moving towards East.

31 5.8 M8, Sgr, CL+Neb • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Lagoon Nebula. Viewed quickly and without nebula ﬁlter.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Lagoon Nebula. Giant nebula covering the cluster of stars. The nebula extended considerable at North and South of the star cluster.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC or OIII, 28x. Lagoon Nebula. At 28x the stars in this cluster with nebula are much better separated. I decided to use a low power eyepiece on the nebulae in this area. The OIII was too strong mainly because the sky was not dark enough and this target is just above the horizon. Instead a UHC was ideal and revealed the nebula via direct vision clearly. This is one of my favourite targets in Sagittarius.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Lagoon Nebula. About 1-1.5 degree large, this is a very nice cluster with nebulosity. I did not have a OIII ﬁlter with me, but the nebula was detectable without ﬁlter. It appeared a soft gray patch surrounding the cluster. This cluster is quite elongated. Superb.

5.9 M9, Oph, Glob CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Due to the poor transparency, M9 was tricky to identify. It was a grey smudge slightly distinguishable from the background sky.

5.10 M10, Oph, Glob CL • 08/08/2016, 22:00-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 31%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Fuzzy blob. I could not spot any diﬀerence between the Docter and the Delos. Low targets, little aperture, low power.

• 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star-hopping from M12. This does not have nearby stars.

• 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Nice globular cluster. It does not have nearby stars, but is relatively large. Stars are not really visible, but the cluster appear with some hint of granulation particularly detectable on the outside.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x. C114F8, Venice (IT); B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.11 M11, Sct, Opn CL • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Wild duck cluster. I think I could identify the duck shape at 192x: stars make a contour of a duck shape. The right wing is quite distinct on the left.

• 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x. Nice to observe. Many stars were visible. High powers supported.

32 • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Cloud of stars was visible and much clearer at 51x. • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x. Stars started being resolved and a pretty expanded cloud was visible at 36x. At 72x the object was still bright and allowed to see more stars. Really pretty view. • 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 72x. The first time I observe M11 this year. Gorgeous. Stars were visible with averted vision at 51x and 72x. At this last magnification, the cluster appeared really nice and clear. Apart from the limited field of view, it seems to me that the Vixen SLV works really nicely also on DSO. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Wild duck cluster. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.12 M12, Oph, Glob CL • 08/08/2016, 22:00-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 31%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. As for M10. • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star-hopping from Lambda Oph (Marﬁk) towards 14 Oph. Distinguishable for the stars at its left. Due to the light pollution it was a bit faint but visible with direct vision. • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. It appeared as a little faint smudge in the sky. Some stars were located on the border. The sky was not very clear on that area due to light pollution though. • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Like M10, this is another nice globular cluster. Somehow I preferred it to M10 because of the presence of surrounding close stars at east. I believe this cluster is slightly bigger than M10, or at least it seemed so. Like M10, a hint of granulation was detectable. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.13 M13, Her, Glob CL • 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. A bit diﬃcult with the moon out. Some star were resolved. • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Great view due to the high position in the sky. A few stars were resolved. Majestic at 192x. • 08/08/2016, 22:00-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 31%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x +/- VIP 2x. Both the Docter and the Delos 12mm showed the same amount of detail. When the Baader VIP was used in 2x mode (between the diagonal and the eyepiece), the Delos 12mm (now 75x) showed a larger grey blob with an hint of granulation, whereas the Docter 12.5mm (now 72x) showed some more granulation and hints of bright stars. These appeared as few little glitters across the target. • 06/06/2016, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 4%; Seeing: 1 - Per- fect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x. Granulation was detectable at 45x. • 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. It looked good and a bit of granulation was detectable.

33 • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Great Globular Cluster in Hercules. Globular clusters are targets which seriously beneﬁt from darker skies. At 51x, a vague granulation was perceivable as a form of glare.

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x. The Great Cluster in Hercules. Lovely globular cluster. It was not possible to see any star although a hint of granulation was perceivable at 69x.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 103x. It was possible to distinguish some star at the cluster edge and shining stars were also visible in the centre.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Same as M3. Very bright and large globular cluster. Some granulation is perceptible but no star could be resolved.

• 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Detectable at 15x, but nicer at 28x. No star was resolved. It would be interesting to try 51x although I guess this might be too much.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 51x. Hercules Globular Cluster. C114F8, Venice (IT); B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

5.14 M14, Oph, Glob CL • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Bright globular cluster and relatively easy to ﬁnd. As all the globular cluster I have observed with the TV60, no star is resolved.

5.15 M15, Peg, Glob CL • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. M15 was glorious! So many stars!

• 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x. Fuzzy. No detail.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. Spottable at 15x. I pushed the magniﬁcation at 103x. No star was resolved.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Another little grey ball much more distinguishable from the context sky than M12.

• 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x. Large globular cluster near Epsilon Peg (Enif). In- creasing the magniﬁcation did not allow separation of any star. However a bit of granulation was detectable.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. One of the most brightest globular cluster.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

34 5.16 M16, Ser, CL+Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. The nebula reminded me of a mail stamp. Very pretty and the shape was clearly deﬁned.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC or OIII. Eagle Nebula. As previously found, the UHC seems to work better on these targets. I believe it is due to the lower position and to the sky which is not fully dark. The OIII largely shrank the nebulosity. Beautiful target as always.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. Eagle Nebula. This nebula was only visible with averted vision. Whereas I did not see much diﬀerence in the Omega Nebula between averted and direct vision, for the Eagle Nebula averted vision showed a much wider nebula extension.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Eagle Nebula. After seeing M25, I moved North-West towards M16. This appeared quite bright with some stars at the centre.

5.17 M17, Sgr, CL+Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. The nebula was a bit smaller than M8, but still very distinct and with clear bounds. A few stars were also visible.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC or OIII. Omega Nebula. As for the Eagle nebula.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. Omega Nebula. The nebula was clearly visible at 15x with direct vision. It appeared as a small but quite dense cloud.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Omega Nebula. From the Eagle Nebula, I simply moved South and saw this target. It is a bit smaller than the Eagle, but still bright.

5.18 M18, Sgr, Opn CL • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Small open cluster located between M17 and M24. Quite pretty.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. A small open cluster at South of Omega Nebula.

5.19 M19, Oph, Glob CL • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. I star-hopped from Saturn which was located just North. Alternatively, one could star-hop from Theta Oph. There are three pairs of stars North-East of M19. These pairs somehow point to M19. This cluster is quite faint from this altitude.

35 5.20 M20, Sgr, CL+Neb • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Triﬁd Nebula. Viewed quickly and without nebula ﬁlter.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Triﬁd Nebula. The red part appeared as a grey nebula. The blue part was invisible. Much smaller than M8 but was still gorgeous.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. Trifid Nebula. The Southern part of this nebula benefitted from the UHC filter and showed a patch of cloud around the cluster. The Northern part of the nebula was not visible instead.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Triﬁd Nebula. Positioned at North of M8, M20 is a bit smaller, but still impressive. Also here, the nebulosity was detectable and the shape of the cluster was elongated connecting M20 with M21.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x. Triﬁd nebula. C114F8, Venice (IT).

5.21 M21, Sgr, Opn CL • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Cluster located at North of the Triﬁd nebula and connected by a chain of stars.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. M21 was a condensed group of stars on one extremity of M20. M8, M20 and M21 are really spectacular targets.

5.22 M22, Sgr, Glob CL • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Granulation was detectable with direct vision.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x. Already at 36x, this open cluster showed a large area. Stars were not resolved and the target appeared like a cloud visible via direct observation. Light pollution was too severe for catching some detail.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Lovely globular cluster. It appeared very similar to M13. Outer stars were resolved and shined nicely.

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x. Large globular cluster. Stars were not resolved although a granulation was detectable at both 36x and 72x.

• 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Large globular cluster quite similar to M13 in Hercules. There is a little star triangle at South West from this cluster. At about 2.5 degrees in the same direction there is Lambda Sgr (Kaus Borealis), a fairly bright star shining at magnitude 2.8. At 51x a hint of granulation was perceptible but no star was really resolved. Really beautiful.

36 5.23 M23, Sgr, Opn CL • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This cluster was a little bit at North-West from M21. It was a bit dim, but if the sky were more transparent and darker it would be a lovely target, I think.

5.24 M24, Sgr, Opn CL • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Sagittarius Star Cluster. About 50 stars were visible. Really pretty.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Sagittarius Star Cluster. Fabulous target. Many faint shining stars were detectable and it was almost impossible to count them all.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Sagittarius Star Cloud. Always superb to see this dense cloud of stars.

• 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Sagittarius Star Cloud. Large open cluster.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Sagittarius Star Cloud. I counted about 50 stars, although the sky was not dark yet. Fantastic cluster

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Sagittarius Star Cloud. Impressive and large group of stars. Really spectacular. It covered a ﬁeld of almost 2 degrees populated by stars. The surrounding stars were quite bright. Globally this appeared as a bright area with a few faint stars.

5.25 M25, Sgr, Opn CL • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. Lovely open cluster. The little aggregation of stars visible in the centre was easier to see at high magniﬁcation and was just beautiful. To me, this is the treasure inside this cluster.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Much more compact than M24, but this target shows stars of diﬀerent magnitude really nicely.

• 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This cluster is located at about 4-5 degrees West from M24. To me this is one of the best open cluster in this area. It is surrounded by bright stars, but dimmer stars are also present.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. This is a nice open cluster of medium size. Some star are bright, others much dimmer.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This cluster showed a mix of bright and dim stars. The size is suﬃcient for the Nagler 13 and the details are quite rich.

37 5.26 M26, Sct, Opn CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x. From M11, follow the chain of stars leading to an asterism reminding me of a ﬁsherman’s hook. M26 is right below this asterism. It was quite small and made of faint stars. I guess this was the reason why I struggle so much to identify this cluster with my TV60. It showed 5-6 dim stars and a few faint stars visible via averted vision.

5.27 M27, Vul, Pln Neb • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Dumbbell Nebula. Nice view at 51x.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Dumbbell nebula. Apple shaped planetary nebula visible without ﬁlter.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC, 51x. I preferred the view without a ﬁlter for this target and under this sky. No real detail but a very circular shape reminding me of an apple.

• 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x +/- UHC or OIII, 51x. Great open cluster of medium size. About 20-25 bright stars were visible and another 20-25 faint stars detectable. This is a nice open cluster with a decent size, shape and a mixture of bright and dim stars.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC. The Dumbbell Nebula. This planetary nebula is clearly distinguishable from the background sky and shows up like a grey ball. No detail at this magniﬁcation was visible though. Really pretty target.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Dumbbell nebula. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.28 M28, Sgr, Glob CL • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This cluster was a little grey smudge, much smaller than M22.

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Located very close to Lambda Sgr (Kaus Borealis), this globular cluster is much smaller than M22. Stars were clearly not resolved and it appeared as a little soft cloud.

5.29 M29, Cyg, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Cooling tower.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Nice target at 51x. I could only see the brightest stars, but this tower is pretty.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Cooling tower. Quite compact open cluster with 6-7 moderately bright stars.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Cooling Tower. About 8 stars were visible, 2 were very faint.

38 • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Cooling Tower. Easily detectable as it is in the same ﬁeld of view of Sadr. It is at about 2 degrees South from Sadr and 2 degrees East from the Cygnus’ neck. • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Cooling Tower. At 51x the cluster revealed 2-3 dim stars but not much else. The full moon did not help though. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Cooling Tower. From Sadr (Gamma), this cluster is East - South-East. The main six stars forming a little tower, or an academic hat, were easily visible. No dim star was detectable likely due to the Moon. This is a nice cluster which might be interesting to see at higher power (e.g. 51x). • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.30 M30, Cap, Glob CL • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x. Some granulation was visible. Really nice! • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 96x. Visible but no granulation. • 13/08/2015a, 2:00-3:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. Not very easy to spot due to the severe light pollution in this area. The stars at the edge were resolved without much diﬃculty even with this small telescope aperture. At 91x this globular was much easier to see and resolve. It is not very bright and a moderate light polluted sky should be enough for showing this cluster nicely even with small-ish telescopes.

5.31 M31, And, Galaxy • 05/10/2016, 21:00-22:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 27%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x. Andromeda Galaxy. I used this as a pointer towards NGC278, NGC185, and NGC147. At 28.8x its core was bright and the very core was much brighter. In the second part of my session, there was enough extension to detect how large this target is. • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Visible with naked eye. No peripheral part was visible. • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 40x. Core well visible. No other detail. • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Large nucleus at 96x. • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 30x. Andromeda galaxy. Both the Delos 12mm and the Docter showed similar detail about this galaxy. • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Andromeda galaxy. Just the core was visible due to the light pollution coming from Cambridge.

39 • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Andromeda Galaxy. It was beyond the Zenith in an area of sky aﬀected by Cambridge sky glow from the position I observed. For this reason only the core was visible. M32 and M110 were invisible. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x. Core plus the peripheral region next to the core were visible. • 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Only the core was visible. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Only the core was visible. The sky was not transparent enough. • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Andromeda Galaxy. Core visible at 15x. Just a little bit of disc was detectable near the core at 28x. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Andromeda Galaxy. This was rising at East, an area which is partially covered by the light pollution in Cambridge. Only the core was really visible but not much else. • 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Andromeda Galaxy. Faint patch. Just the nucleus was visible. • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Andromeda Galaxy. Nice view at 28x (2.2mm exit pupil). The core was largely visible. • 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Andromeda Galaxy. Largely extended galaxy. • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Andromeda galaxy. Visible at naked eye. Very beautiful view with Andromeda spanning largely in the eyepiece. • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Only the core was visible. It appeared like a large cloud with well deﬁned perimeter. M32 was detectable (see M32), whereas M110 was not. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Andromeda Galaxy. It is still low in this season. The core was very bright but the disc was loosely visible. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x. Andromeda Galaxy. C114F8, Venice (IT); B15x70, Luton, Devon (UK); TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

5.32 M32, And, Galaxy • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Small smudge. • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 40x. Easily detectable. • 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Obvious at 96x. • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Both the Delos 12mm and the Docter showed similar detail about this galaxy.

40 • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x. Visible at 15x, but a much better view was at 51x.

• 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Visible at 28x, but more obvious at 51x.

• 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Visible at both 15x and 28x.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. The little dwarf galaxy of Andromeda Galaxy was easily visible at South.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Easily seen below M31.

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. It appeared like a little cloud South of M31. This cloud was relatively packed.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Companion to M31. B15x70, Luton, Devon (UK).

5.33 M33, Tri, Galaxy • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x +/- OIII. Faint and extended shape. No trace of NGC604 with OIII ﬁlter.

• 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This actually show more area extension than M31. No detail.

• 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Located near the zenith, it showed a large faint shape with undeﬁned contour.

• 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 40x. Barely visible. Grey smudge.

• 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 30x. Triangulum galaxy. Roughly the same detail between Delos 12mm and Docter 12.5mm. I checked this as I was in the area. In my opinion, this target looks better with exit pupils longer than 2mm.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Triangulum Galaxy. Just spottable with averted vision. Still a tricky target with this sky though.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Triangulum Galaxy. From this location, M33 is detectable via direct vision, but appears as a soft grey patch without any structure.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Triangulum galaxy. Large galaxy visible via direct vision. It has a circular shape without structure.

41 5.34 M34, Per, Opn CL • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Spiral cluster. Lovely.

• 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Great view.

• 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. A quick view to this beautiful open cluster between Andromeda and Perseus.

• 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Spiral Cluster. Pretty double cluster which to me resembles a mini Perseus.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Nice open cluster at both 15x and 51x. 15-20 stars were visible.

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Lovely open cluster at the left of Almaak. This is quite packed.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Wonderful open cluster easily visible and reachable from Gamma And (Almaak).

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

5.35 M35, Gem, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x. Great view with the zoom. Many stars popped up. This target was just amazing with the Docter + VIP 1.5x (142x).

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x. Great view with the zoom. Many stars popped up. This target was just amazing with the Docter + VIP 1.5x (142x).

• 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 40x. Lovely view at all magniﬁcations.

• 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Gorgeous open cluster. So many stars were visible.

• 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Majestic! The Delos 8 gave me a wonderful view for this target. I believe an exit pupil between 1.8-1.4mm is a good match on very small telescopes for this target. I think I counted about 50 stars, although some were a bit faint.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Amazing open cluster formed by bright and dim stars. Spec- tacular.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for M38. To me it was spectacular. Nagler 13 works really well here.

• 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Under dark sky this object emerges clearly. A few bright stars with many little faint stars in background. Averted vision helps, but this object is not too demanding if the sky is suﬃciently transparent.

42 • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Many other stars are visible.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Under transparent night, many stars are visible inside.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Detectable but not much detailed.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 72x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.36 M36, Aur, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Ideal mag.

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Great view with the zoom. Many stars popped up.

• 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 40x. Quite nice at 40x although this requires darker skies.

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 96x. Nice one at 2mm e.p.

• 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 96x. Stars nicely resolved.

• 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. In the Auriga trio, this is my favourite. 20-30 stars were counted. Lovely open cluster with a good size for small telescopes and containing stars with mix brightness.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Another beautiful cluster. Again 28x is just perfect for this telescope.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Easy to find after finding M38. A bit difficult to see inside as it is quite dim.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Very poor detail, but detectable.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

5.37 M37, Aur, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Ideal mag.

• 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 40x. At 40x many stars were visible, particularly using AV.

43 • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 96x. My favourite of the trio. Nice one at 2mm e.p. • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Possibly the most difficult to see in the trio. Stars are a bit dimmer. Not easy to count them under this light polluted sky, but I would say 15-20. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Very impressive. As for M36. • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Easy to find after finding M36. Still difficult to see inside. • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Very poor detail, but detectable. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

5.38 M38, Aur, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Ideal mag. • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Great view with the zoom. Many stars popped up. • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 40x. Very nice to see this again. • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 96x. Nice one at 2mm e.p. • 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 96x. Stars nicely resolved. • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. The largest of the trio. Its stars are not as bright as those making M36, but it is a nice open cluster located in the centre of Auriga. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Starfish cluster. One of the best open cluster in Auriga. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This cluster just jumps up at this magnification. So many stars were visible that I could barely count them. Really impressive to me. • 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Although Auriga is low at this time of the year (and night hour), a fair amount of stars was still detectable. • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Quite clear under transparent skies. • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. The first of the group to find. Poor detail. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

44 5.39 M39, Cyg, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 37x. I spotted a nice red star in the centre of this cluster formed by blue stars. Really pretty.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Fantastic open cluster mainly formed by bright stars but some surrounding dust made this object really beautiful.

• 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Nice medium size open cluster. 20-25 stars visible. Others required averted vision.

• 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Great open cluster of medium size. About 20-25 bright stars were visible and another 20-25 faint stars detectable. This is a nice open cluster with a decent size, shape and a mixture of bright and dim stars.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Quite large open cluster position at North North-East of Deneb. Some stars are faint but still visible without much diﬃculty with direct vision. The clouds were slowly coming from West. I decided to move to South for the last observations.

5.40 M41, CMa, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Medium power.

• 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Nice open cluster. Medium power recommended.

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Nice open cluster. Medium power recommended.

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. A quick look at this open cluster. The almost full moon and its low position in the sky certainly did not help much. Said this, about 20-30 bright-ish stars and at least the same number of dimmer stars were visible.

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15, 28x. Located at South from Alpha CMa (Sirius), this is a nice medium size open cluster. Worth a look.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Quit rich open cluster formed by bright stars and dim stars in the background. It was fantastic.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

5.41 M42, Ori, Neb • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x +/- DGM. E and F were visible in the trapezium. Nebulosity was extended. Shades were visible with DV.

45 • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x +/- DGM. Clouds revealed more details with increase in magniﬁcation. Trapezium: E and F stars were visible with dv.

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x +/- DGM. Lovely sight. Clouds of gas of diﬀerent intensity were visible. Border also showed high contrast. Trapezium: E and F stars were visible with dv. The DGM is just perfect on this target.

• 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x +/- DMG NPB or OIII. The DMG NPB shows far more nebula extension than the OIII or ﬁlterless. Stars are both green and red, but the nebula’s colour is quite neutral. This ﬁlter seems very promising.

• 05/10/2016, 21:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 38%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x +/- VIP 3x. M42 was just gorgeous. I could split the 4 stars of the Trapezium at 14.3x. If the vip 2x is used be before the diagonal, the zeiss still reaches focus. It becomes an approx 3x barlow though. Again, M42 was still amazing up to about 150x. E and F stars in the trapezium were not visible. I tried at all the magniﬁcations w/ and w/o VIP. They were not visible. At this point I believe they have a too low apparent magnitude for this sky transparency and aperture. North of the Trapezium I could see a very faint star. Another very faint star was visible near the three bright stars to the East of the Trapezium. Overall, the nebulosity was extended. Shades were visible with DV. The border of M42 next to the trapezium was clear and showed an obvious contrast even without a ﬁlter.

• 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 112x. E and F invisible. I believe what I missed tonight was enough darkness. Anyway, I will persist.

• 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 112x. E and F invisible. Some new ideas though. At 75x the trapezium is a bit better than at 112x. If it is possible to see E and F on this 60mm telescope, I think it will be at 75x. Need to test this under a darker sky.

• 10/03/2016, 19:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 9%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear, Darkness: 18.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 75x, 112x. At both these magniﬁcations, I could not spot E and F. Again, some time at 112x I had the impression to discern F, but the view was too ambiguous. I believe the high level of humidity did not help despite the steady air.

• 04/03/2016, 20:20-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 18%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x, 72x, 75x, 112x, 180x. The Great Orion Nebula. The nebula showed a nice extension even without filter and was visible with all the magnifications. Tonight, my test was to try to spot E and F stars in the trapezium with the Delos and Vixen SLV. To avoid biasing the result, I did not look at the positions of these two stars. Although some time I had the impression to see something near C (there is F near C), I doubt this impression was reliable as I could not spot any trace of a potential E, which is easier than F. The four stars were clear and distinct with all the magnifications. With this target under this average sky, I could not spot any difference between the image quality produced by the Vixen SLV 5mm (72x) and the Delos 12mm+PM2.5x (75x). Using both these eyepieces, stars are noticeable more ”pin-points” than when observed with a Nagler T6 (7mm and 3.5mm) to my eye. I believe that this reduced Airy disc is the reason why these eyepieces give slightly more details on planetary targets. Although the powermate 2.5x works extremely well with the Delos eyepieces, the combo is quite heavy and long for the TV60. After seeing the great performance of the Vixen SLV compared to the Delos, I am even more convinced to get a Vixen SLV 9mm and use this for solar and planetary targets together with the powermate 2.5x. This gives 3.6mm f.l., 0.6mm e.p., and 100x.

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x +/- OIII. I tried to observe this target before

46 the Moon rose high in the sky. Trapezium was perfectly distinct and the bright Northern part of the nebula were reasonably clear. The OIII filter helped considerably due to the almost full Moon. The filter allowed me to see a fair amount of nebula extension. I will need to revisit this target under a darker sky. • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x. Orion’s Nebula. I saw this target through this session. Possibly the best view I had tonight was at 69x. I tried to spot E and F in the Trapezium, but did not succeed. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 125x, 171x, 231x +/- OIII or UHC. Majestic nebula. Shadows and shades near the trapezium were visible, making this nebula a lovely target. The trapezium was well distinct: stars from A-F visible without much difficulty at all magnifications. No detections of stars fainter than F. • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x, 171x +/- OIII. Great Orion Nebula. Impressive at exit pupils of 4.0mm and 2.2mm. A nice mixture of bright and dark areas which emerged when using an OIII filter. After the telescope cooled down properly I observed the Trapezium. The stars E and F were detectable at 92x, but the best view was at 125x. E was easier, but F was not tricky either. Both appeared as dim grey stars next to their companions. A lovely portrait! • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x. Trapezium visible. I searched for E and F for 40 minutes at different magnifications. None. There were times where C reminded me of the two stars forming the double double when seen at 50x. In other words, there were times where C seemed a tight coupled double, but it could have just been an artefact of my eye to be honest! If visible, I reckon the exit pupil should be larger than 0.8-1.0mm otherwise the Airy discs tend to be too large and the brighter stars forming the trapezium might cause issues. The dimmer star was barely visible at 103x and 129x, whereas observable distinctly at lower magnifications. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. To my eye and with this telescope, a UHC filter shows the best view. Very clear and extended shape well visible at 15x and 28x. The elongated bright extension near the core of the nebula near was visible at all magnification. Trapezium was distinct at 28x. I was surprised how beautiful it was at 69x (0.9mm exit pupil). Amazing target. • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII, 51x. Well balanced contrast at 15x with OIII. 51x shows trapezium • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x. Great Orion Nebula. M42 benefits from both UHC and OIII filters, but in different way. The OIII shows a sublime image where the border between the nebula and sky background really emerges. The same can be said about the North part (that one linked to M43). In the centre of the nebula, some ’waves’ were also visible. It is a super target to my eye. The UHC shows a much larger extension for this nebula and this is amazing with a wide field telescope. Small fine details visible within the nebula with the OIII are less obvious with the UHC, but the nebula just appears as massive globally and faint details on the outside borders are accessible as pure diffuse bright areas. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 18x, 30x, 36x, 51x, 72x. Orion nebula. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

5.42 M43, Ori, Neb • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x +/- DGM. Neb around the star was evident.

47 • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x +/- DGM. Nebula detected with ﬁlter and dv.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII or UHC. Nebulosity was visible with either UHC or OIII ﬁlters. Located right below NGC1977.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. De Mairan’s Nebula. Nice little patch just above M42. Again, I prefer a UHC to a OIII.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 18x, 30x, 36x, 51x, 72x. Detached part of Orion Nebula. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

5.43 M44, Cnc, Opn CL • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Praesepe. I generally observe this at 15x, but I was too curious to see it with the Delos 12mm. Lovely view of one of my favourite wide ﬁeld open clusters. There are 9 galaxies inside. Not sure which aperture is required for spotting them, but could be an interesting challenge for dobson users.

• 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. The Nagler 13mm oﬀers the best view. Its fov covers the whole object nicely. Image not degraded at all and the background sky was darkened just the right amount for maximising contrast. Exit pupil of about 2.0mm shows a really nice brightness / contrast for point source DSO.

• 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Beehive cluster. One of the best wide open cluster. Not many faint stars were visible because of almost full moon. However, the cluster still emerged in the sky.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Praesepe. Spectacular at 15x.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Praesepe. Spectactular at 15x.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Beehive Cluster. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

5.44 M45, Tau, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x. Better with a wide ﬁeld telescope, but still nice with the ES30.

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x. Lovely sight with the ES30 or the Docter UWA. I think the Docter showed some nebulosity around the brightest stars.

48 • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x. At 28.8x they almost ﬁt the fov of the Docter. I had a feeling to spot some nebula around Merope and the other two brightest stars.

• 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 96x. The ES 30mm shows a better view with its 2 degrees afov.

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Pleiades. Stars were punctiform throughout the ﬁeld. Despite the sky brightness, the blue colour of the stars was visible.

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Pleiades. Wonderful open cluster formed by blue young stars. I could not spot the reﬂection nebulosity near Merope.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Although the 24 Pan did not cover the cluster completely, the view was very pretty. It seemed to me a faint hint of nebulosity surrounded the brightest stars.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Plejades. The panoptic showed this reﬂection nebula in a crystal clear way. I had the impression that there was a hint of blue nebulosity which was not there when I used the Nagler 13. Anyway, the 24 Pan gave an elegant portrait for this amazing open cluster. Just beautiful.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Pleiades. Still low on the horizon, but impressive. At 28x (2.8 deg fov) it was really impressive.

• 24/09/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Pleiades. Lovely view of this open cluster at 28x. The ﬁeld is just perfect. I could spot about 15-20 dim stars.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Pleiades. Still low in the sky, but always beautiful. Very happy to see it again.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Very clear and deﬁned. 15x oﬀers the best fov.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 51x. Pleiades. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

5.45 M46, Pup, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Medium dim-ish cluster. It contains planetary nebula NGC2438.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. Located South of M47, this is much dimmer than M47. I wanted to try to spot the planetary nebula near the centre, but clouds came after I put my OIII ﬁlter at the bottom of the eyepiece barrel. Another time.

49 • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Spectacular open cluster. It looks like a great cloud of dim- medium brightness stars. It reminded me of the Sagittarius star cloud (M24). Near the centre there is the planetary nebula NGC2438 which I was not able to spot unfortunately.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This is a compact cluster. It is detectable.

• 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Missed as I confused it with the aggregation of stars at North-West of 2 Pup A and 4 Pup.

5.46 M47, Pup, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Medium bright cluster. One of the best in the sky.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. This is a bright, moderately large open cluster. Really pretty.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. This is the most impressive target I saw tonight. A concentra- tion of bright blue-ish stars shapes this open cluster.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Rich of stars. These are quite spread, making this cluster easy to detect and study.

• 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Superb anchor shape. 51x reveals many more details. Quite tight double star near the centre. From Alpha Mon, go 5 degrees South.

5.47 M48, Hya, Opn CL • 30/12/2015a, 01:00-03:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Star hopping from Procyon. Moderately extended open cluster located between Mon and Hya. App mag: 5.5, about 300 million years old.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Dim open cluster. It requires transparent skies to shine properly.

• 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Not easy to see if the sky is not very dark. Fortunately it is quite large. It is the third vertex of the triangle formed by the trio of stars ”1Hya C Hya 2Hya (CHya mag 3.8 is the brightest in the middle of the trio) and 29 Mon (mag 4.35).

5.48 M49, Vir, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. I star hopped from M61, but it is possibly from Delta Vir to 31/32Vir. M49 is quite bright and similar to M60 to my eye. Clearly visible with direct vision.

50 5.49 M50, Mon, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Heart-Shaped cluster. Medium size cluster on the line between Sirius and Procyon.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. Heart-shaped cluster. Star hopping from Alpha CMa (Sirius). Lovely cluster with a nice red star in it.

5.50 M51, CVn, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Whirlpool Galaxy. Star hopping from Eta UMa (Alkaid) and the pointers HIP66385 and 24CVn. The two bulges were detectable with direct observation. It was essentially one object with two cores.

• 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Whirlpool Galaxy. Star hopping from Eta UMa (Alkaid). I already saw this target from a dark sky. Under this sky, it looked like a grey blob with direct vision. With averted observation and jiggling two diﬀuse source of light were detectable. No deﬁned shape.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Whirlpool galaxy. The Main and secondary spiral galaxies were visible. With averted vision it was possible to see a soft binding between the two galaxies.

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Whirlpool Galaxy. Grey patch without a structure visible with averted vision. A darker sky will make the diﬀerence on this target.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Whirlpool Galaxy. From UMA-Alkaid, move south to 24CVn. Continue on that direction until HIP65768. This forms a triangle with HIP66004 and HIP66116. They are all 7mag stars. HIP65768 is the brightest in the area. M51 lies externally of the line between HIP65768 and HIP66004. Averted vision for 10min is required. You will see a grey patch. No structure.

5.51 M52, Cas, Opn CL • 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x, 72x. At 28x this open cluster was not so obvious potentially due to the bright Moon. The shape was clearer at 69x where 8-10 stars were visible better with averted vision. The view of this cluster with the Vixen SLV was slightly less obvious to my eye. Possibly the larger ﬁeld of view with the Nagler helped showing the nearby stellar context.

5.52 M53, Com, Glob CL • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. I was aiming at Alpha Com, but instead I pointed M53. Nice little but still dense globular cluster.

51 • 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Eta Boo (Muphrid). Quite a nice walk in the space. Once I reached the Sand Shovel asterism, M53 was very easy to spot. Grey cloud visible with direct observation. The Sand Shovel is made of 6 stars forming a kind of hexagon and four stars forming the handle. M53 is located just below the handle.

• 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x, 51x. This object is not easy to ﬁnd. It is just 1-2 degrees east of Diadem (Alpha Com), but this star is very dim to be seen, unless the sky is enough dark. Instead use the Virgo trapezium and point to north following the star Vindemiatrix (Virgo). You can ﬁnd Diadem just going some degree north from Vindemiatrix. M53 appears as a little grey cloud at 15x. No detail of this globular cluster is visible. At 18x, the contrast is a bit improved, but the image is the same. At 51x this objects is larger and well detectable, but still appears like a grey cloud.

5.53 M54, Sgr, Glob CL

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. From Zeta Sgr (Ascella), M54 is easily reachable. Its brightness is similar to M69, therefore slightly easier to identify than M70.

5.54 M55, Sgr, Glob CL

• 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Finally spot this globular clusters which is quite low even from here near Venice. Not an easy target under a light polluted sky. M75 is trivial in comparison. I reached this target from the teapot and from the arrow of 4 stars located between Capricorn and Sagittarius. The latter way was easier. The arrow is just in between M75 and M55 and is visible with the ﬁnder. M55 is very elusive from here: just detectable at 96x with averted vision, easier at 196x with direct vision. Only few faint stars were detected.

5.55 M56, Lyr, Opn CL

• 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Dense open cluster. I could not resolve the stars due to the Moon.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Easy open cluster of small size. This beneﬁts from a dark sky though.

• 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. This is the first time I detect this target. It is quite challenging to find with a 60mm but not impossible. I used the Sheliak (Beta Lyrae) and Sulafat (Gamma Lyrae) as pointers to target M56 along the line passing through these two stars on the side of Sulafat. M56 was detectable with a 15x using an atlas but was very faint and averted vision was almost required to find it. At 28x the object was more visible, but did not show much detail as it only appeared as a soft grey patch. This target required larger aperture and / or darker skies.

52 5.56 M57, Lyr, Pln Neb • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x +/- DGM. Ring nebula. Ring structure visible with DV at all mag.

• 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 40x, 72x + OIII. Ring nebula. Ring easily visible with averted vision at all magniﬁcations, but somehow nicer at 72x.

• 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x +/- OIII. Ring easily detectable.

• 15/05/2016a, 01:00-02:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 58%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 112x. Ring nebula. The ring was distinct at 40x and a little bit faded at 112x. Easy to ﬁnd without any nebula ﬁlter.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Ring Nebula. The ring was easily visible at 51x.

• 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Ring Nebula. The ring was visible with averted vision at 103x.

• 24/09/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Ring nebula. Easily detectable at 28x. At 103x the ring was visible, particularly with averted vision.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x, 69x + OIII. Ring Nebula. The ring was visible with averted vision at 38x. At 69x the ring was easily observable.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 72x. Ring Nebula. The ring was detectable via direct observation. To me, an exit pupil around 1mm is better than 0.8mm, just to make this object a bit brighter.

• 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. It was lovely to see this planetary nebulae at 1.2mm exit pupil. The ring was clearly visible and the size was acceptable. No colour of course, but averted vision showed this object pretty well, although it was visible also via direct observation. As expected, the Nalger 7mm is perfect for this target and I expect that is more than adequate for many other planetary nebulae.

• 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x +/- OIII. Ring nebula. The ring was visible with averted vision, but no other detail really. The contrast between the ring and the internal area is much more visible with an OIII ﬁlter. Still nice planetary nebula.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x +/- UHC, 103x +/- UHC or OIII. Ring Nebula. The UHC filter increases a little bit the visibility of this target at 28x, but does not improve the contrast. The object appears as a grey blob without a shape. At 103x the ring was detectable using an UHC filter using averted vision, but this was not easy too see. The ring shape was more noticeable with a OIII filter despite the severe loss in image brightness. Without filter the nebula appeared just as a grey blob and no ring was detectable. Generally, I think an exit pupil of 0.6mm is just too small for nebula filters. It seems to me that 1.0mm is the maximum usable effectively. As this is the exit pupil typically used when observing planetary nebulae, I would say that an OIII filter is a better choice for these targets as it allows to increase contrast which is needed on these targets. Conversely, for bright extended nebulae to watch with low power eyepieces (or exit pupils larger than 3mm), a UHC filter can be beneficial for targeting and maximizing nebulae extension.

53 • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x +/- OIII. Ring Nebula. I tried the OIII filter with the Nagler 3.5 (103x). Although the ring shape was noticeable, it was just too much magnification and the overall image was largely degraded. At 28x + OIII the Ring Nebula emerged from the background sky and appeared as a colourless bubble. I believe that an exit pupil of 1-1.5mm can improve the view for this target. • 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Ring Nebula. The OIII filter largely improves the detection of this nebula at 15x. Without a filter, its detection is not easy. It emerges in the sky as a grey little ball. I believe the Nagler 7mm or even the Vixen 5mm can give great views when combined with an OIII filter. • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x. Ring Nebula. For the first time, I managed to see this object with the TV-60. I find extremely difficult to detect it at 15x unless I map the nearby stars with Stellarium. At 28x M57 is clearly visible and appears as a grey blob. At 51x the ring is detectable. I did not try to use an OIII filter because I was freezing due to lack of cloths and about to leave. I believe this target will show much more detail at 51x with OIII filter. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 37x; 15x. Ring Nebula. C114F8, Venice, Lorenzago (IT); B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.57 M58, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. As for M59.

5.58 M59, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. A bit more diﬃcult, but detectable with averted vision.

5.59 M60, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. The ﬁrst galaxy from Epsilon Vir (Vindemiatrix). Easy to spot. Rounded shape. No trace of the daughter galaxy NGC4647. • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Epsilon Vir (Vindemiatrix). Used 41 and 34 Vir as pointers. It appeared as a faint grey patch with averted vision. • 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. It was detectable with averted vision at 28x. It appeared as a grey patch without a structure. I tried M58, but it was not visible. I believe that to see these targets with this small telescope, very dark skies are required. • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Turn West to Vindemiatrix. A little crown of star is visible slightly South. Continue and you see a little arrow of stars and a single star in the North. M60 is between these two objects. Not detectable at 15x. Detectable via averted vision at 28x. A patch of grey. The sky was not fully dark though and my eye was not dark adapted. I believe this object can show more detail.

54 5.60 M61, Vir, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Star hopping from Eta Vir (Zaniah) and then move North in direction of 16 Vir. M61 is faint and not easy to spot initially. Averted vision can help.

5.61 M63, CVn, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Sunﬂower Galaxy. See M51 and continue the line. Grey smudge detectable with direct observation. • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Sunﬂower Galaxy. Star hopping from Eta UMa (Alkaid) and M51. Far smaller size than M51. Just a grey blob with a circular shape.

5.62 M64, Com, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Alpha Com. There are not many stars in the area. I used 38 and 36 Com as pointers to reach an asterism similar to a crow’s claw. From this, moving to 35 Com was straightforward. M64 showed a grey round fuzzy shape and was visible with direct vision.

5.63 M65, Leo, Galaxy • 13/04/2016, 21:30-22:13, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 42%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. Just detectable with direct vision. Even at this reduced exit pupil, the moon glare was just too much for observing more about this target.. • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. Here a benchmark. Visible with averted and direct vision. Elongated shape. Same field with M66. • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. Star hopping from Theta Leo (Chertan). Elongated shape just discernable with averted vision. • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Leo triplet. Star hopping from Theta Leo (Chertan). After 20 minutes spent observing HIP55262, the closest bright star, I managed with difficulty to spot M65 and M66 with averted vision at 28x. Both of them appeared as elongated faint objects. My thought was that more aperture was required for these targets or at least a far darker sky than my current one. Counterintuitively, I decided to increase the magnification at 51x (1.2mm exit pupil), and both M65 and M66 were more distinguishable than earlier. I moved slightly away from the area and then returned for 6 times. Every time I spot them. This was not straightforward, but it was much more feasible than at 28x. The third galaxy forming the Leo Triplet, NGC3628, was simply invisible. I never managed to spot this. Likely a darker sky is required. • 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x. This object requires aperture and dark sky to be detected and viewed properly. Just very faint object visible through averted vision. An exit pupil of 3.3mm is better

55 than 4.0mm. I wonder whether something between 2.5 and 2.0mm can improve this view even more.

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Leo triplet. Elongated grey patch visible with averted vision. Shape of a cigar. At 30x, the patch is visible more easily than at 15x. The leo triplet is more easily detectable when the telescope is slightly moved. The patches will move accordingly.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x, 30x. Invisible. Sky not transparent enough. I think an exit pupil of 3.3mm is a good compromise between 4mm and 2mm. 2mm is too much for the TV60 on this targets.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Leo triplet. From Chertan (theta Leo), use the star pointers HIP54688 and HIP54711 to reach eta Leo. Eta Leo forms a 90Deg triangle with HIP55033 and HIP55262. From the latter look at south slightly. Galaxy detectable as patches. M56 is elongated. Averted vision for 10min is required. Cover the other eye to relax the observing eye nerve.

5.64 M66, Leo, Galaxy • 13/04/2016, 21:30-22:13, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 42%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. As for M65.

• 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. As for M65, but rounded shape.

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. See M65.

• 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x. See above

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Leo triplet. As for M65.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x, 30x. Invisible. Sky not transparent enough.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Leo triplet. As for M65. Maybe using an exit pupil of 2.7-2.0mm is better.

5.65 M67, Cnc, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Interesting with the zoom. Easier to spot faint stars inside this cluster.

• 30/12/2015a, 01:00-03:00, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Star hopping from Zeta Hya. Not easy to ﬁnd due to the Moon. At 92x the view was beautiful and revealed a few faint stars surrounding other bright stars. This cluster is the nearest old open cluster.

56 • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. King cobra. Not to easy to detect. Nicer at 51x.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. King cobra. Not to easy to detect. Looks like a grey patch, more visible using averted vision.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. The King Cobra Cluster. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

5.66 M68, Cor, Glob CL • 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Invisible.

5.67 M69, Sgr, Glob CL • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. From Epsilon Sgr (Kaus Australis), this globular cluster is located at North-East via easy star hopping. It is quite dim and appears as a little cloud not clearly distinguishable from the background sky.

5.68 M70, Sgr, Glob CL • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. From M69, I reached this other globular cluster, which is even dimmer than M69. It was almost invisible.

5.69 M71, Sge, Glob CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. This globular cluster appeared very faint, but noticeable via direct vision when the sky became suﬃciently dark. No much diﬀerence at 51x. It requires larger aperture telescopes.

5.70 M72, Aqr, Glob CL • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x. Although not easy, M72 was still feasible (and much easier that M55!).

• 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Almost invisible.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x. Very faint globular cluster, barely seen at all magniﬁ- cations I tried.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Very diﬃcult to detect. Even with averted vision, this target was very faint. It appeared like a grey faint patch.

57 5.71 M73, Aqr, Asterism • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. An asterism of 4 stars. Not really special.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Slightly easier than M72, but still very diﬃcult. This target was wrongly classiﬁed as an open cluster, but is actually just an asterism of four stars.

5.72 M74, Psc, Galaxy • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Extremely faint grey area. Averted vision and jiggling telescope.

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Invisible. sb: 14.13. I have no idea how Messier spotted this galaxy. Might he have spotted NGC660 instead?

5.73 M75, Sgr, Glob CL • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x. Some granulation was visible. The target was much easier than M55.

• 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 69x. A tedious star hopping from Omi Cap and hidden by a Moon at ﬁrst quarter. This globular cluster was faint and 51x helped make it more visible by reducing the exit pupil. Not easy to ﬁnd as there are no bright stars in the neighbourhood.

5.74 M76, Per, Pln Neb • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x +/- UHC. Little Dumbbell. Visible with AV without ﬁlter and with DV with ﬁlter. It looked like an irregular cloud.

• 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x + OIII. Little Dumbbell. Easy to find as it is close to the 4 mag star Phi Per. Invisible at 15x without filter OIII. Therefore, I put the filter at the end of the diagonal and with this it was faint but detectable. Increasing the magnification helped to make the object larger although did not show any relevant detail. This object remained as a grey fuzzy patch.

5.75 M77, Cet, Galaxy • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Easily spotted with dv.

• 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 40x. Cetus A. Easy to spot. SB seemed similar to M81.

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Easily visible.

58 • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x. Cetus A. Clearly visible as a little cloud.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. Cetus A, the brightest Seyfert galaxy. It’s a barred spiral active galaxy located 47mly away from us and with apparent mag 9.6. Seyfert galaxies and quasars are the two largest groups of active galaxies. From wikipedia: ”They [Seyfert galaxies] have quasar-like nuclei (very luminous, distant and bright sources of electromagnetic radiation) with very high surface brightnesses whose spectra reveal strong, high-ionisation emission lines, but unlike quasars, their host galaxies are clearly detectable”. While observing this galaxy I literally fell in love with these small faint targets. I was capture by a sublime and exotic thought of very distant targets, new forms of intelligent life spread across the universe, and diﬀerent galactic islands separated by this silent dark vacuum. There is a chance I will become a galaxy junkie one day!

5.76 M78, Ori, Neb • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x +/- OIII. Star hopping from Zeta Ori (Alnitak). I really wonder how Messier managed to spot this target as it is quite faint to me. It might be a challenge for me due to the light pollution in this geographical area though. An OIII ﬁlters helps, although the target remains faint.

• 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x +/- UHC. From Alnitak, I star hopped until I reached the pattern of stars nearby this nebula. It was very faint and I could spot it with difficulty at 38x without filters. With a filter I was no longer able to see it. At 15x, it was just invisible, possibly due to the insufficient sky transparency.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Unsuccess

5.77 M79, Lep, Glob CL • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. From Alpha Lep (Arneb) follow the line to Beta Lep (Nihal) and move South for another segment of similar length until the double star HIP25045 (mag 5.3). Due to light pollution, the observation of this globular cluster was limited. I found the best view at 92x. A bit of star granulation was detectable with diﬃculty at the borders.

5.78 M80, Sco, Glob CL • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star-hopping from Alpha Sco (Antares), through Sigma Sco (Al Niyat) and Omicron Sco. It was faint but detectable. Featureless.

5.79 M81, UMa, Galaxy • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x. This is not well placed at the moment, but it is still detectable as a round grey patch.

59 • 05/10/2016, 21:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 38%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x +/- VIP 3x. The Docter revealed them nicely, but the zoom allowed me to study the best view for this target. In particular, higher magniﬁcations showed this target much better. The oval shape was visible with DV.

• 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Bode’s galaxy. I felt the Docter showed a bit more contrast than the Delos 12mm with respect to the background sky (which should be darker in the Delos 12mm as far as exit pupil concerns though).

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Bode Galaxy. After spotting the Leo Triplet, or better Leo Doublet, I was curious to apply a high-ish power eyepiece on this target. Already at 28x the view was very pretty. An oval shape was clearly visible via direct vision, and I also had the impression that its core was distinguishable as a bit brighter than the rest. At 51x, it was a very nice target. No really more detail in it, but the increase in magniﬁcation made the object just a hint more appreciable.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Eyes not yet dark adapted, but oval shape was visible.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Bode’s Galaxy. Much clearer at 28x via both direct observation or averted vision looking at M82. Oval shape.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Bode’s Galaxy. I could recognise the oval shape via direct vision, although this was clearer with averted vision when pointing at M82.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Bode’s Galaxy. The oval shape was visible but very tiny.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Bode’s galaxy. The oval shape with a slightly brighter core was visible for this galaxy.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Bode’s nebulae. Not easy to ﬁnd it at 15x with half moon, but M81 and M82 were detectable via star hopping from Dubhe. At 28x this large galaxy shows its core and a bit of brightness on the body. I was very impressed at seeing these two targets and I believe M31, M32, M101, M81, and M82 are the most appreciable galaxies for small telescopes. Averted vision improved the visibility of this target signiﬁcantly.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Bode’s Galaxy. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.80 M82, UMa, Galaxy • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x. Not well placed at the moment, but still detectable as a grey line.

60 contour was quite well marked. The Delos 12mm showed the Cigar shape but with less contrast and only via averted vision. The galaxy was visible with direct vision with the Delos 12mm but it’s shape was noticeably less deﬁned.

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Cigar Galaxy. As for M81. Its structure was clearly elongated although its shape reminded me of a rectangle. At 51x, the image was very suggestive.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Elongated shape was visible also directly.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Cigar Galaxy. As for M81, it was visible with direct and averted vision. Elongated shape was detectable.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Cigar Galaxy. I could recognise the cigar elongated shape with averted vision.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Cigar Galaxy. Elongated shape was visible, but very tiny as for M81.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Cigar galaxy. The elongated shape of M82 was quite obvious and made a wonderful image with M81.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Cigar galaxy. Its elongated shape was visible. It was amazing to see this galaxy and its neighbour M81 in the same ﬁeld. These two targets are going to become one of my favourite objects.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Cigar Galaxy. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.81 M84, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. M84 and M86 are placed in line. Detectable with direct vision. I tried to spot The Eyes (NGC4438) and there were times I thought I could discern a grey faint patch with averted vision, but I am not entirely sure.

5.82 M85, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Quite easy to spot as it is close to the star 11 Com (4.70 mag).

5.83 M86, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. See M84.

61 5.84 M87, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Round shape visible directly. Easily spottable.

• 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Not sure I saw this. Star hopping from Ro Vir. I was certainly in the area where M84, M86, NGC4438 (The Eyes) and M87 are. One grey patch was detectable while star hopping but it was quite faint. I suspect this was M87. I need darker skies to spot these Messier galaxies.

5.85 M88, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Faint light with averted vision.

5.86 M89, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. As for M59.

5.87 M90, Vir, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. A bit easier than M59, detectable with direct vision.

5.88 M91, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Very faint light with averted vision.

5.89 M92, Her, Glob CL • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Great view. Resolved a few stars.

• 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. It looked good and a bit of granulation was detectable.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Faint granulation detectable at 51x.

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x. Soft hint of granulation was detectable at 69x but not much else.

62 • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. A reduced version of M13. Some stars were detectable on the border.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

5.90 M93, Pup, Opn CL • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x, 100x. Star hopping from Zeta Pup. Zeta Pup forms a chain of 3 stars of decreasing brightness. Star hopping is quite easy. At 30x and 45x this object reminded me of M67. At 100x, many stars appeared clearly. It’s a ﬁne open cluster this worth being observed to me. Unfortunately it is quite low in the sky from the UK.

5.91 M94, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Alpha CVn (Cor Caroli). Round shape visible with direct vision. It was quite bright to my eye.

5.92 M95, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. I needed averted vision for spotting this. It is on the line formed by M96 and HIP52833.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Unsuccess

5.93 M96, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Alpha Leo (Regulus). M96 is easier to spot and is next to the star HIP52833 (9.7mag). A faint shape visible with direct vision.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Unsuccess

5.94 M97, UMa, Pln Neb • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Owl nebula. A grey faint blob, but I managed to spot it without any ﬁlter.

• 26/05/2015, 21:15-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x +/- UHC. Owl Nebula. Invisible at 28x with or without UHC filter. This target requires an OIII filter for being detectable with small aperture telescopes. Consistently with what said for M57, the OIII filter is a better choice for planetary nebulae (and for extended nebulae where we want to maximise nebulae contrast).

63 • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x +/- OIII. Owl Nebula. Interesting target. Completely invisible without OIII ﬁlter. With the OIII, it emerges from the sky and the nearby stars. It is a quite large planetary nebula. No colour or shape was detectable, but it simply appeared as a grey bubble. At 15x + OIII was detectable, but was too small to see any major detail.

5.95 M98, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. From M99, I quickly star hopped. This target is faint and a bit more diﬃcult to spot than the other messier galaxies in this area.

5.96 M99, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Pinwheel nebula. It is surrounded by a curious asterism. This makes its location relatively easy. Faint target, spottable with averted vision.

5.97 M100, Com, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Blowdryer galaxy. I used the asterisms near M98 and M99. Rounded shape.

5.98 M101, UMa, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Pinwheel Galaxy. Star hopping from Eta UMa (Alkaid) to Iota and Kappa Boo. Then star hopping for about 3 degrees North West. Faint and large target visible with direct observation. No core was detectable, but it appeared like an extended cloud.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Pinwheel galaxy. A grey faint patch which was much larger than M51. It was visible with direct vision but no structure was detectable.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Unsuccess

5.99 M102, Dra, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Easy star hopping from Iota Dra (Edasich). Another grey blob visible with direct observation.

64 5.100 M103, Cas, Opn CL • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x. 8-9 faint stars were detectable. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 38x. Still quite packed cluster, but the view was much better at this magniﬁcation. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Quite compact open cluster near Delta Cas (Ruchbah). • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Very distinct in the sky. Dim stars were visible. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This cluster has less impact than NGC663, but is still pretty. It is more compact than NGC663. • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Not sure whether I saw M103 or NGC457 (the Owl Cluster) though. A clear double star was well visible and there were a few dim stars in the background were also detectable. This object starts being visible at 28x. It is relatively small, but a lovely target. I think it was M103 as my memory seems more similar to the images.

5.101 M104, Vir, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Sombrero Galaxy. Star hopping from Delta Crv (Algorab). 3 degrees North there is a large triangle which indicates the direction to M104. Firstly, 4 close bright stars are found. Secondly other 4 close stars follow. M104 appeared like a grey little and featureless cloud. Still glad to have managed to spot one of the most beautiful galaxies out there.

5.102 M105, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Located 1 degree North of M95, it was not too diﬃcult to spot. Faint shape.

5.103 M106, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Beta CVn (Chara). Large galaxy. This should be a nice target under darker skies and larger aperture.

5.104 M107, Ser, Glob CL • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. From Han, Zeta Oph, go slightly South and see a triangle. M103 is on the outside of one of the vertices. It was barely visible at 15x, also due to the bright sky. At 51x was detectable but still with diﬃculty. Not much to see. Just a grey smudge visible with averted vision.

65 5.105 M108, UMa, Galaxy • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Surfboard galaxy. I could not spot it. • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Surfboard Galaxy. Invisible at both 15x and 28x. This object as well as most of the other galaxies require larger aperture and / or a darker sky.

5.106 M109, UMa, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy. Reached from Gamma UMa (Phad). Gamma UMa was put out of the field of view. Detectable with averted vision with difficulty. Congratulations Messier to spot this. It seems one of the most difficult to me. • 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Vacuum Cleaner Galaxy. Invisible largely due to the Moon. It seems more difficult that what I thought. I could not spot anything in there. Despite the high position in the sky, gentle telescope jiggling, averted vision, relaxation of the non-observing eye, and dark adaptation at the eyepiece for about 15-20 minutes, did not help. Not even a faint trace of it. I have not found a reference for its surface brightness, but I believe it is fairly low for a Messier object. Mag is 9.8.

5.107 M110, And, Galaxy • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Small smudge.

• 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Both the Delos 12mm and the Docter showed similar detail about this galaxy. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x. Visible at 15x, but a much better view was at 51x. • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. I think I spotted it at 28x, but it was very faint. • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. I could not see it tonight. There was a little cloud in the North of Andromeda Galaxy, but I was not sure it was exactly M110. • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. A bit more diﬃcult to see than M32, but still detectable. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. M31 Companion. B15x70, Luton, Devon (UK).

66 6 New General Catalogue (NGC)

6.1 NGC40, Cep, Pln Neb • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x +/-OIII. Mag:10.7, SB:7.3. From Gamma Cep (Alrai), I easily star hopped to the location of NGC40, also called C2. Nothing was visible without a OIII ﬁlter except for some faint stars of mag 9.5-10 visible directly. With OIII ﬁlter, the nebula was not visible or if it was, it was extremely faint with averted vision. I cannot exclude that that faint light was due to those faint stars rather than the nebula itself though. As for C1, also this target requires a darker sky or a larger aperture to be spotted and appreciated.

6.2 NGC129, Cas, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Nice bright-ish target for a small aperture.

6.3 NGC188, UMi, Opn CL • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Also called C1. I was a bit in a rush for this target as the ﬁrst group of clouds for tonight was covering the sky. Very few stars, possibly 3-4, were visible with averted vision. This target requires a darker sky or a larger aperture for being slightly appreciated.

• 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. The detail of this target seemed accessible, but I did not manage to see anything in the position suggested by Stellarium. Unfortunately, I did not have a star atlas with me.

6.4 NGC225, Cas, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Sailboat Cluster. A bit sparse group of dim stars. Nice target.

6.5 NGC246, Cet, Pln Neb • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Skull nebula. North of Beta Cet (Diphda). Invisible. sb: 14.38.

6.6 NGC253, Scl, Galaxy • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Sculptor galaxy. South of Beta Cet (Diphda). Invisible. sb: 13.42.

67 6.7 NGC278, Cas, Galaxy • 05/10/2016, 21:00-22:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 27%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8, 40x. SB: 12.20. From M31, move towards Omicron and Pi Cas. The correct position is not difficult to find from Omicron Cas. Not sure if I saw this threshold target for my 60mm. If I did, it appeared like a faint smooth dot (so not exactly as defined as stars are) and located near a star. It was only visible with averted vision and the detection was impossible to hold. The trick was done by moving gradually from direct vision to averted until the most sensitive part of the rods allowed the detection. To me it worked at about 20 degrees away from direct vision. Still, I was not able to hold the image.

6.8 NGC281, Cas, CL+Neb • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x + OIII. Pacman nebula. Distinct nebulosity, but no pacman shape.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Pacman Nebula. A patch of soft nebulosity was detectable but not pacman shape.

• 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x + UHC or OIII. Pacman Nebula. A very soft layer of nebulosity without a structure was visible at 15x with OIII ﬁlter. I could not see it with UHC or at higher magniﬁcation.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x + UHC. Pacman Nebula. Invisible. Although the Moon was not yet visible, the sky was just too bright due to the combination of light pollution and clouds. Possibly it was not suﬃciently transparent either due to humidity.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Pacman Nebula. Nice cluster plus nebulosity surrounding the brightest star. This nebulosity was somehow circular.

• 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x +/- OIII or UHC. Pacman Nebula. I was able to detect some nebulosity around the star HIP4121C with the OIII filter without knowing exactly where this was. This nebulosity was not visible without filter or with a UHC filter to my eye. The associated cluster did not reveal specific features.

6.9 NGC288, Scl, Glob CL • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. South of Beta Cet (Diphda). Invisible. sb: 13.26.

6.10 NGC381, Cas, Opn CL • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

68 6.11 NGC392, Psc, Galaxy • 08/09/2016, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 42%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.21.

6.12 NGC410, Psc, Galaxy • 08/09/2016, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 42%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.48.

6.13 NGC436, Cas, Opn CL • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

6.14 NGC457, Cas, Opn CL • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x. Dragonﬂy cluster. Nice open cluster with two bright stars at its base.

• 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 38x. Dragonﬂy Cluster. Really pretty arrow-shape cluster with two bright stars at the bottom.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Dragonﬂy Cluster. Two main stars at the bottom. This cluster has the shape of a bell to me.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Dragonﬂy Cluster. Very beautiful open cluster. Not sure why it is called Dragonﬂy. It reminds me of a bell where the two bright stars are at the bottom.

6.15 NGC495, Psc, Galaxy • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 13.04.

6.16 NGC499, Psc, Galaxy • 08/09/2016, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 42%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.68.

• 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.68.

69 6.17 NGC513, And, Galaxy • 08/09/2016, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 42%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 11.83. • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 11.83.

6.18 NGC517, Psc, Galaxy • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.50.

6.19 NGC529, And, Galaxy • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape.

6.20 NGC536, And, Galaxy • 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 40x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.83.

6.21 NGC559, Cas, Opn CL • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This cluster is relatively small compared to NGC663, but shows a little bit more content than the nearby NGC open clusters.

6.22 NGC604, Tri, Neb • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- OIII. Nebula inside M33. I tried to spot this nebula, but I did not succeed. It was invisible.

6.23 NGC637, Cas, Opn CL • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

6.24 NGC654, Cas, Opn CL • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x. Smaller than NGC663. 5-8 faint stars. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

70 6.25 NGC659, Cas, Opn CL • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x. Smaller than NGC663. 5-6 faint stars.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Visible on the same ﬁeld of view of NGC663, this is much smaller, but still nice to see.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

6.26 NGC660, Psc, Galaxy • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Faint.

6.27 NGC663, Cas, Opn CL • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x, 72x. Nice medium size open cluster. I always wonder whether Messier confused M103 with this cluster. It shows about 20 stars.

• 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 38x. Open cluster with a round shape. More details were visible at 38x although with a Nagler I believe it could be pushed to 80x-100x easily.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. A nice little cluster but still bigger than M103. It is located above the Double Cluster and Stock2 towards Cassiopeia.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Medium size open cluster. Really pretty dense target showing stars of diﬀerent brightness.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Very pretty medium size open cluster. About 10-15 stars were visible. It contains some bright stars and the background is dusty.

6.28 NGC744, Per, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Tiny open cluster (11’) located at West of the Double Cluster. Compared to the latter, it is almost insigniﬁcant.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC957.

71 6.29 NGC752, And, Opn CL • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Wonderful open cluster near Gamma And (Almaak).

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Lovely open cluster located at South of Almaak.

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Also called C28. Really nice open cluster at the right of Almaak. Many dim stars were visible.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. To me this is even prettier than M34 because of the surrounding stars at South possibly. Lovely organisation.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

6.30 NGC890, Tri, Galaxy • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Very faint.

6.31 NGC891, And, Galaxy • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Very faint.

• 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. I tried a high magniﬁcation (51x) to see whether this object was detectable. I am not sure I succeeded though.

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Also called C23. This target was just spottable with averted vision and jingling the telescope. Only a very faint little cloud.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This galaxy is located between Gamma And (Almaak) and M34. It was very faint and appeared as small and slightly elongated to me.

6.32 NGC896, Cas, Neb • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. I believe I saw the patch corresponding to NGC896 located at West of IC1805.

6.33 NGC925, Tri, Galaxy • 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Very faint.

72 6.34 NGC956, And, Opn CL

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Not very interesting. Few stars.

6.35 NGC957, Per, Opn CL

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Like NGC744, this is another small open cluster (11’), but located at East of the Double Cluster.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Faint small open cluster. Few dim stars were visible via direct vision.

6.36 NGC969, Tri, Galaxy

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Very faint.

6.37 NGC1027, Cas, Opn CL

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This open cluster is located at East of the Heart Nebula. It is quite interesting to see as it is made of bright and dim stars and its size is more than adequate for small telescopes.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Cluster just below Heart Nebula.

6.38 NGC1055, Cet, Galaxy

• 09/09/2016a, 0:30-1:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Faint.

• 07/09/2016, 0:30-2:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 33%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.2; SW 200 F6, 96x. Fuzzy shape. sb: 12.90.

6.39 NGC1245, Per, Opn CL

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Medium size open cluster located at West of Mirphak. About 10-15 stars were visible.

73 6.40 NGC1501, Cam, Pln Neb • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x +/- OIII. I tried this in the past unsuccessfully. It is described as a 13 visual magnitude target (SB:12.42), beyond the limit of this telescope. At 40x without filter it was completely invisible. With OIII filter a faint filled little circle typical for planetary nebulae at low power was detectable with DV. I repeated the path 4 times from NGC1502: HIP19139, UV Cam, HIP19222, so the jump to HIP19314 and the planetary nebula is slightly at the east. Not sure why it is reported as dark as a 13 mag target. It was definitely there.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x + OIII. I tried my best to see whether I could spot this planetary nebulae with averted vision and blinking technique. I could not see it. I believe this is beyond the limit of my telescope.

6.41 NGC1502, Cam, Opn CL • 10/10/2016, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 66%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x. Lovely open cluster at the bottom of the Cam star chain. Star hopping from CS/CE Cam stars, through the false double star HIP 17342. The latter is a 5.7mag orange with a close 8.40mag blue/grey star. NGC1502 showed about 10-15 stars. The box inside might have more at larger apertures.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. At the bottom of the star chain, two main stars with 8 faint stars detectable.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Located at the end of the Kemble’s cascade, this object is part of the group of stars forming Kemble1.

• 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. At 28x this open cluster starts being observable with suﬃcient detail. I could detect about 10 faint stars and the two bright stars ”making eyes” were well separated. Lovely image.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 38x, 51x. One of the most beautiful chain of stars ending in little lovely open cluster. The cluster is not big and to me it requires a magniﬁcation above 25x for being appreciated. At 38x I had the best view and I could spot about 10-12 dim stars next to the brightest ones.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Little open cluster gem at the end of multiple chains of stars. Some of these stars are faint but their alignment is gorgeous to see.

6.42 NGC1514, Tau, Pln Neb • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Just detected next to the star.

74 6.43 NGC1528, Per, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Still quite low on the horizon, so it was not really appreciable. It will be an interesting target in the next few months.

6.44 NGC1545, Per, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. As for NGC1528.

6.45 NGC1647, Tau, Opn CL • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Medium power recommended. • 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. In this period of the year, Taurus is quite low on the horizon. This object did not show many stars due to the light pollution and atmosphere. You will need darker skies or look at it when it is higher on the horizon. From Aldebaran, go east for 4 degrees. It is near a couple of stars and i Tauri (mag 5), which is the brightest star in the area. 51x did not help tonight, as the object became too dim. I suspect a 30x, exit pupil 2.0mm would be the best for these targets. • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Beautiful open cluster easily detectable from Aldebaran

6.46 NGC1662, Ori, Opn CL • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Open cluster of medium-small size located on Orion’s shield. It shape is similar to an m letter. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Located on Orion’s shield, this cluster has a few blue bright stars and a couple of red ones. Quite pretty. • 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. A little open cluster near the top of Orion’s shield. It is also reachable from Aldebaran (Alpha Tauris) moving towards south for about 8deg. At 15x it only shows it compactness. At 51x it shows some stars. This is a compact open cluster formed by relatively visible stars. • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Found casually while scanning from Aldebaran to Beltegeuse. Very small little open cluster at 15x. Much better at 51x. Not easily detectable, because of its small size

6.47 NGC1664, Aur, Opn CL • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Located at the West end of Auriga, I star hopped from Epsilon Aur. Cluster made of dim stars. I think a 200mm aperture is required for starting appreciating this target.

75 6.48 NGC1746, Tau, Opn CL

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. After ﬁnding NGC1647, from i Tauri, go east for other 4-5deg until you see iota(?) Tauri (102 Tau, mag 4.6). NGC1746 is a medium size cluster at 15x at west of 102 Tau. It also appears very nice at 51x.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Not sure I found it. It appeared smaller than NGC1647. Possibly a darker sky reveals more interesting features.

6.49 NGC1750, Tau, Opn CL

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

6.50 NGC1807, Tau, Opn CL

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. It forms a pair with NGC1817. The two clusters are moderately compact clusters located between Orion and Taurus.

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. See NGC1817. NGC1807 is more spectacular than NGC1817 at 51x possibly because it has brighter stars.

6.51 NGC1817, Tau, Opn CL

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. See NGC1807.

• 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. After finding NGC1647, from i Tauri, go south-east for 5 deg until you see m Tauri (mag 4.9). NGC1817 and 1807 appear on the same field of view at both 15x and 51x. 15x is not sufficient for seeing details of these two clusters. These are accessible at 51x. NGC1817 seems less visible than NGC1807

6.52 NGC1893, Aur, Opn CL

• 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. I was just observing the ”parallelogram”, the asterism near the centre of Auriga formed by two blue stars (IQ, 17 Aur) and two white stars (18, 19 Aur). This cluster with associated nebulosity is located at East of this parallelogram (and at South of the vertical chain of stars in the middle of Auriga, another great asterism). I could just see 3-4 packed stars, one of which was considerably brighter than the others. From wikipedia, there are about 10-12 stars around 12mag.

76 6.53 NGC1977, Ori, Neb • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x +/- DGM. Neb around the star was evident. • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x +/- DGM. Running man nebula. Easily visible with DV. • 05/10/2016, 21:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 38%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x +/- VIP 3x. Running man nebula. Patch of nebulosity around the main star. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII or UHC. Nebulosity was visible with either UHC or OIII ﬁlters. Located right below NGC1981. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. Running Man Nebula. Not sure why this name. It appears like a little bubble surrounding a moderately packed group of stars. Somehow a smaller and brighter version of the Rosette nebula. Averted vision showed this nebula quite clearly. Again UHC.

6.54 NGC1980, Ori, Neb • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII or UHC. Nebulosity was visible with either UHC or OIII ﬁlters. Located right below M42. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. Small patch of nebula surrounding the star Hatsya which is a bright star located South of M42. Hatsya is not marked as a double star in Stellarium, but there is a bit darker companion next to it. It was visible already at 28x if I remember correctly. • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. With 4mm exit pupil, OIII shows a bit of nebula around the star Hatsya • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

6.55 NGC1981, Ori, Opn CL • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Open cluster located north of Orion’s sword. It is formed by few bright stars. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

6.56 NGC1990, Ori, Neb • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII. I was looking for the nebulosity surrounding Alnilam. Tricky to say whether the detectable hint of nebulosity was due to the real nebula or the star brightness though.

77 6.57 NGC2169, Ori, Opn CL • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. The 37 cluster. It is located between Lambda Ori (Meissa) and Gamma Gem (Alhena) on Orion’s right arm. A chain formed by 8-10 stars is immediately detectable south of this open cluster. Following this chain to north, one reaches this little gem. I could see 9-10 stars, some of them really faint.

6.58 NGC2204, CMa, Opn CL • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Finding this cluster under light pollution was quite painful, and eventually it disappointed me. After viewing images of this cluster, I realised it required dark skies in order to be appreciated. It is formed by many faint stars, which I could not see.

6.59 NGC2237, Mon, Neb • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Rosette nebula. Detectable with OIII ﬁlter. A grey patch 2 degree large. No structure visible

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x. Rosette nebula. Detectable with OIII ﬁlter. Very soft grey patch. No structure. Invisible with UHC ﬁlter.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Rosette Nebula. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

6.60 NGC2244, Mon, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Satellite cluster. The best starting point for open clusters in the area.

• 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x. Rosette neb and Satellite cluster.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII. Satellite cluster. Nice bright cluster. I tried to see the Rosette Nebula using an OIII ﬁlter but I do not think the sky was transparent and dark enough for this target. It is also too large for my current ﬁeld of view.

• 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Satellite Cluster. Observed more in detail. Its shape reminds me of a broken domino piece. It is at the centre of the Rosette nebula. I didn’t try the latter because the sky was not suﬃciently transparent.

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x + OIII. Satellite cluster. I moved along the line from Phi (Meissa) to Alpha (Betelgeuse) Orionis which naturally points to this cluster and the Rosette Nebula.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Satellite cluster. Six stars in two columns

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Satellite cluster. Six stars in two columns

78 • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x. Satellite cluster. Six stars in two columns

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Satellite cluster. TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

6.61 NGC2251, Mon, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Nice medium-small open cluster with some coloured stars.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Nice moderate cluster at South-West of NGC2264.

6.62 NGC2254, Mon, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Very small open cluster. I barely detected at 96x. The zoom helped quite a lot.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Same as NGC2251. This cluster is located slightly south of NGC2251.

6.63 NGC2264, Mon, CL+Neb • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Cone nebula. I could not see the nebula, but focused on the Christmas tree.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Christmas Tree. Now I understand why it is called tree. With a refractor this is upside down instead. Gorgeous target with two bright stars at the extremes and moderately bright stars all surrounding forming tree branches.

• 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Christmas tree. A nice open cluster formed by moderately bright stars. No trace of the Cone nebula surrounding the brightest star of this cluster.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Christmas tree.

• 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Christmas tree + Cone nebula. Christmas tree is easily visible. Cone nebula is not detectable with or without an OIII filter near. Apparently apertures of at least 300mm and H-beta filter or UHC filters are required beside a moderately dark sky.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 51x. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

79 6.64 NGC2301, Mon, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Lovely cluster with a nice red star near the centre. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x. Heard about this cluster from Nick, and I am very glad I observed it. It is a gorgeous open cluster with a weird shape. At 50x, a chain of stars lead to a close shape. It reminded me of a vacuum cleaner. At 92x many dim stars were visible. From the central base, another star branch is found. Mostly formed by blue stars, although two-three red stars are also present.

6.65 NGC2353, Mon, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Nice open cluster.

6.66 NGC2354, CMa, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Diﬀuse open cluster with stars of similar brightness.

6.67 NGC2362, CMa, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Tau-Canis Majoris cluster. Medium small cluster near the dog tail. • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Tau CMa cluster. Quite interesting. A bright star at the centre surrounded by 10-15 dim stars.

6.68 NGC2367, CMa, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Not sure I spot this.

6.69 NGC2383, CMa, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. NGC2383 and NGC2384 are two close open clusters. NGC2383 is slightly at north. Their sizes are small but they are quite characteristic because some bright stars are also in there.

6.70 NGC2384, CMa, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. See NGC2383.

80 6.71 NGC2392, Gem, Pln Neb • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. The ﬁlter enhanced the view, but not detail.

• 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 45x, 112x. Eskimo Nebula. Spotted at 15x without atlas. Best view at 45x. At 112x it appeared like a ball without detail.

• 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 171x +/- OIII. Eskimo nebula. Detectable without OIII filter, it appeared like a grey blob at both these magnifications. An OIII filter made the object more clear from the background sky, but its details did not improve.

• 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Eskimo nebula. At 15x it was detectable with averted vision. It was easily visible at 51x and appeared like a fuzzy blue/grey small patch next to the star.

• 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x +/- OIII, UHC, 72x. Eskimo nebula. From Wasat (Delta Gem) move east to 63 Gem. 63 Gem is the brightest star of a ’half moon’ of 7 stars. The Eskimo nebula is next to the star HIP36370 (mag8.2), which is a bit isolated but very close to 63 on the opposite direction of Wasat. You can spot it at 15x without filters, but you see it only with averted vision. It appears as a very small patch next to the star. At 51x the nebula is visible as a grey little ball. The boundaries are obfuscated. An UHC filter helps increasing the contrast between the sky and the nebula. An OIII filter shows even more contrast, although I think an UHC filter is better at this exit pupil (1.2mm). Using these filters, the boundaries of the nebula appear much clearer although no structure is visible at this magnification. At 72x (and no filter) is still visible as a grey little ball. Boundaries are obfuscated.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 51x, 72x. Eskimo Nebula. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

6.72 NGC2396, Pup, Opn CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Small open cluster next to the double star HIP36251A.

6.73 NGC2419, Lyn, Glob CL • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Intergalactic Tramp. Star hopping from Alpha Gem (Castor). A bit faint small globular cluster.

6.74 NGC2421, Pup, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. A small cluster (8’) with some bright stars surrounded by medium brightness stars.

81 6.75 NGC2423, Pup, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. From M47, there is a short chain of stars at North which leads to this open cluster. It is quite pretty, but I believe it is simply forgotten due to its proximity to M47.

6.76 NGC2432, Pup, Opn CL • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Smaller than NGC2421 (4’) and it did not seem much populated. Stars were dim.

6.77 NGC2438, Pup, Pln Neb • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x +/- DGM. Invisible without ﬁlter. With ﬁlter, a ring shape was detectable with AV. Quite impressive. High powers needed.

6.78 NGC2440, Pup, Pln Neb • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 171x +/- OIII. It was detectable at 50x without a ﬁlter with a bit of diﬃculty, but it was visible. It appeared as a grey blob. Stellarium 14.1 wrongly reports this as a target of apparent mag 18.9. It is actually of mag 9.4 on wikipedia. Accordingly to this source, its central star HD62166 is the hottest known white dwarf. Clearly not visible with this telescope!

6.79 NGC2903, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x. I visited this target to check the transparency. The target appeared brighter than my previous observations. No clear shape. Just a faint cloud.

• 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x. Faint but visible grey patch, located about 1 degree South from Lambda Leo (Alterf). Visible with direct vision.

• 10/03/2016, 19:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 9%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear, Darkness: 18.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 45x. Star hopping from Epsilon Leo to Lambda Leo (Alterf). Then move slightly South. There is a rectangle and this target is just below the dimmer star of this rectangle. Invisible at 30x, whereas barely detectable at 45x. Due to the very high humidity, only a very faint shade of brighter gray was visible via averted vision. Jiggling the telescope did not help. To be sure it was detectable I had to go back to this rectangle a few times. Clearly no detail was visible, but just a very faint patch of gray. I want to go back to this target when transparency is better than tonight.

82 6.80 NGC3115, Sex, Galaxy • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Spindle galaxy. Star hopping from Lambda Hya, moving North until reaching 17, 18 Sex. I was not sure what to expect, but it was suﬃciently bright to be spot with direct vision. I suspect this should be an interesting target with a dobson.

6.81 NGC3242, Hya, Pln Neb • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 112x +/- OIII. Ghost of Jupiter. Star hopping from Mu Hya. It was nice to come back to this target. Last year I observed with my Nagler 7mm T6. The Delos 8mm also showed this target relatively easily without filter and direct vision at 45x. At 112x and OIII the target did not show additional detail apart from a larger image scale. Sometimes I had the impression to see a kind of ring shape at 45x and 112x when the OIII was used. I am not entirely sure of this I saw this feature, although this planetary nebula has a ring shape. • 06/04/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x; 51x +/- OIII, UHC; 72x. Ghost of Jupiter. By naked eye, from Alphard (Alpha Hydrae, mag 1.95), move east and detect the Lambda Hydrae (mag 3.6). This star appears like a star system extending north and south from Lambda Hydrae. Continue moving east following Hydrae body. The next star is slightly south of Lambda. This is Mu Hydra (mag 3.6). Then next one is Nu Hydra (mag 3.10). Mu Hydra will appear Yellow/Orange and almost isolated. It has a little star on the north. Slightly south, you see two bright couples of stars: two more distant at east (HIP50693, HIP50764), two closer at west (HIP51170, HIP51193). Consider the tight couple at west. There is a little star (near this couple in the direction of the other couple. If you use the tight couple and the little star as pointer and you move for another segment in the direction of the little star, the planetary nebula will appear. This appears as a faint tiny and diffuse light. No structure. At 51x it appears like a little full circle. An OIII seems more effective than an UHC filter here possibly because the planetary nebula is low on the horizon. The OIII filter makes it appear from the sky, whereas really few nearby stars are visible. 72x does not show more detail. UHC filter works fine but does not boost the object at the same level as the OIII does.

6.82 NGC3377, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Located about 1 degree North from M105. Faint but detectable.

6.83 NGC3384, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Located adjacent to M105. The two resembles two faint eyes. Quite pretty. At this point I got really excited!

6.84 NGC3628, Leo, Galaxy • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Leo triplet. For the ﬁrst time I suspected to see this via averted vision while jiggling the telescope. Using star references and geometry no know exactly where to look at was essential. It appeared like a miniature of M65. Brighter stars had to be excluded from the ﬁeld of view.

83 6.85 NGC4449, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from Beta CVn (Chara) and NGC4490. Faint target. Just a soft cloud.

6.86 NGC4490, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Quick star hopping from Beta CVn (Chara). Not too diﬃcult to spot with direct vision.

6.87 NGC4494, Com, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from 12 Com. This form an asterism with the adjacent stars which is similar to a hammerhead shark. Following the direction of this shark, there is the prey which is formed by 17 Com. Less than 1 degree ahead there is this galaxy. It appeared faint but detectable with direct vision although averted vision helps particularly for spotting it.

6.88 NGC4526, Vir, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Lost Galaxy. From M49, move 1 degree East until a triangle is found. NGC4526 is located in this triangle. It is faint and visible only with averted vision.

6.89 NGC4535, Vir, Galaxy • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. McLeish’s Object. See NGC4526 for star hopping. It is placed outside the triangle of stars found 1 degree East from M49. This object is very faint and averted vision is required.

6.90 NGC4565, Com, Galaxy • 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Invisible. I am sure the Needle was doable tonight but I was just too tired and my eyes had diﬃculties to focus tonight.

• 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 36x, 40x, 45x. Needle Galaxy. Star hopping from 12 Com and then following 17 Com (see NGC4494 for detail). I was able to spot this after about 20 minutes of averted observation. It was incredibly faint. The image was slightly easier to detect with the Vixen 9mm SLV, but this could have been due to the increase in exit pupil. The Panoptic 24mm + PM2.5x (9.6mm) made the galaxy more diﬃcult to spot than the vixen 9mm. Not sure whether the shape was elongated. I could just detect a very faint light which was clearly not a star. At 30x it was invisible.

84 6.91 NGC5005, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Star hopping from M63. There is a larger triangle ﬁrst followed by a smaller triangle pointing in the opposite direction. Not diﬃcult and visible directly.

6.92 NGC5033, CVn, Galaxy • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Located next to NGC5005. It was extremely faint in comparison and required averted vision. Very faint light.

6.93 NGC5053, Com, Glob CL • 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Invisible. I am not convinced the previous time I really spotted it. Need to try at 2.0mm exit pupil.

• 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. I tried this target last year without succeeding and decided to try it again as it is very close to M53. Its mag is 9.8. I spent about 30 minutes at the eyepiece without spotting anything. When I decided to give up, and moved the telescope a little bit more than the usual jiggling, I thought I saw an extremely faint patch of gray light. I came back and repeated the action for 10 times. For 7 times I managed to see that vague shapeless gray patch. It did look very diﬀerent from NGC5466 and I guess this is a much more sparse globular cluster. While checking its surface brightness on the Internet for assessing whether my statistics was due to my brain or had some foundation, I found this thread http://www.cloudynights.com/topic/61738-globular-clusters-m53-and-ngc-5053/ , where D. Knisely reported that he managed to spot it using an 80mm. So maybe I really spot it with a 60mm?

• 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 18x, 51x. Invisible. This is a bit smaller and dimmer than M53. I could not ﬁnd it.

6.94 NGC5466, Boo, Glob CL • 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Still very low in the sky. Due to the moon placed high in the sky, I star hopped directly with the 45x (1.5 deg fov) from Alpha Boo (Arcturus), crossing 12 Boo until reaching the checkpoint stars Boo 11 and Boo 9. Star hopping in this desolate land of sky covered by moon skyglow and limited fov was quite fun actually. From Boo 11 I could spot NGC5466 initially with averted vision, but later also directly. It appeared as a faint little cloud. No star was resolved of course. Despite its mag of 9.10 and low position in the sky its view was feasible.

6.95 NGC6210, Her, Pln Neb • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 69x + OIII, 103x, 129x, 256x. Turtle planetary nebula. SB:5.9, Size:20x13”. Although visible at 28x as a star without a clear border, this object revealed a ball shape only at 100x at least. This rounded shape was much clearer at 129x. Not an easy target to observe I

85 suspect. I did not use the OIII filter at magnifications higher than 103x because of the very low exit pupils achieved with these eyepieces. It would be interesting to use an UHC at these high magnifications when there is no Moon.

6.96 NGC6229, Her, Glob CL • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Star hopping from Phi and Tau Her. This globular cluster is relatively easy to ﬁnd. It is quite dim, but still detectable particularly with averted vision. A soft faint grey patch. At 51x, it was more distinguishable from the background sky.

6.97 NGC6526, Sgr, Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Very soft nebula located in the area between M8 and M20.

6.98 NGC6530, Sgr, Opn CL • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Cluster inside the Lagoon Nebula. With this aperture, this open cluster was easier to see. As for M25, it reminds me of a little collection of gems inside an already stunning open cluster.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Cluster inside the Lagoon Nebula. It was nicely covered by the nebula.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. Cluster inside / East the Lagoon Nebula. This cluster emerges at 28x to me.

6.99 NGC6543, Dra, Pln Neb • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x, 69x +/- OIII. Cat’s eye nebula. Star hopping from Zeta Dra (Aldhibah). This planetary nebula is quite bright. It was visible at 28x without ﬁlter and at 51x it appeared like a ball. An OIII ﬁlter help isolated it from the background stars although it was not necessary. I was a bit in a hurry due to clouds coming, but I think its colour was blue-ish.

6.100 NGC6595, Sgr, CL+Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. A little cluster surrounded by a soft little nebula.

86 6.101 NGC6604, Ser, CL+Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Faint nebula plus cluster just above M16. At 15x this object is just above M16 and it should not be confused with NGC6625. NGC6604 has a nebula, NGC6625 has not.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC, 28x. This cluster with associated nebulosity is located at about 1.5 degrees North of the Eagle Nebula. It is a fairly spread cluster without many stars. The nebula shape was not really identiﬁable, but it was possible to spot the presence of diﬀuse nebulosity in the area.

6.102 NGC6605, Ser, Opn CL • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Quite compact open cluster near M16 and M17. Not too diﬃcult to observe.

6.103 NGC6625, Sct, Opn CL • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Open cluster near NGC6604. The two are quite similar apart from the nebula present in NGC6604.

6.104 NGC6633, Oph, Opn CL • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Star-hopping from Alpha Her (Rasalgethi) to 71-72 Oph. One of my favourite open clusters.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Easy star hopping from 71-72 Oph. Lovely moderately packed open cluster.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. An equilateral triangulum is drawn by joining the stars Alpha, Beta and the couple 71-72. From 71-72, just continue Southeast for about 4 degrees. NGC6633 can be easily reached. Its size is about half than IC4665.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x. C114F8, Venice (IT); B15x70, Newcastle (UK). A beautiful chain of stars.

6.105 NGC6633, Sct, Opn CL • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. From 71-72 Oph to East, NGC6633 and Cr386 appear in succession. Both are suﬃciently large to be appreciable with a low power eyepiece. They are quite rich in stars.

87 6.106 NGC6664, Sct, Opn CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. This open cluster appeared dimmer than M26 and somehow less interesting to me. This might have been due to the terrible combination of light pollution and humidity which made targets quite hard to ﬁnd tonight.

6.107 NGC6709, Aql, Opn CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. From NGC6738, move 2.5 degrees west and you ﬁnd this cluster. This target is much prettier than NGC6738 and formed by a mixture of moderate and dim stars.

6.108 NGC6738, Aql, Opn CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. Use the pair of stars forming a triangle with Epsilon and Zeta Aql, as a pointer to reach this open cluster. Its stars are quite separated.

6.109 NGC6755, Aql, Opn CL • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. A medium size open cluster. I was not particularly impressed with this target.

6.110 NGC6790, Aql, Pln Neb • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 192x + OIII. Star shape. Brightness largely enhanced with OIII ﬁlter.

6.111 NGC6791, Lyr, Opn CL • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Mag:9.5, Size:16x16’. Star hopping from Delta Lyr. Only visible 4-5 faint stars with averted vision.

6.112 NGC6811, Cyg, Opn CL • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Hole in a cluster. I do not think I saw this cluster. Interestingly there is a nice asterism of stars next to it which is quite pretty.

6.113 NGC6818, Sgr, Pln Neb • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x +/- OIII. Little Gem nebula. It looked very good at 96x and 192x. An OIII improved noticeably at high power enhancing a kind of little ring.

88 6.114 NGC6819, Cyg, Opn CL • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. The Foxhead cluster. Mag:7.3, Size:5x5’. I think I only saw three aligned and faint stars.

6.115 NGC6822, Sgr, Galaxy • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x. Barnard’s Galaxy. Invisible.

6.116 NGC6823, Vul, Opn CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. This cluster is located on the line formed by M27 and NGC6823. From it, two roads of stars form and converge at 3 degrees South East with Cr399, the Brocchi’s cluster. Also this cluster is relatively smallish and emerges at 51x.

6.117 NGC6826, Cyg, Pln Neb • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x - OIII, 28x, 51x + OIII. Blinking Nebula. Mag:8.8, SB:6.9. Invisible at 15x without OIII ﬁlter. At 28x with OIII ﬁlter, it appeared as a luminous dot compared to the nearby stars which were dimmer. At 51x it appeared as a fat dot. The shape was quite regular and did not show the classic fading border that many other planetary nebulae show.

6.118 NGC6830, Vul, Opn CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Located next to 12 Vul, this medium-small open cluster is detectable at 15x, but is more appreciable at 51x.

6.119 NGC6866, Cyg, Opn CL • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Invisible. To repeat with new Moon, although it might be likely require a bigger telescope.

6.120 NGC6871, Cyg, Opn CL • 24/09/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. This cluster is located on the Cygnus’ neck and contains two double stars. One pair is actually a triple system with a dimmer third component (almost 10 mag). This dimmer component is not obvious at 51x but makes a nice picture with the other two pairs.

• 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Just passing across Cygnus’ body and I stopped on this lovely open cluster.

89 • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Nice target with doubles inside. • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. As for IC4996. • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. I tried to see this wonderful open cluster again at both 28x and 51x. It is a fantastic cluster with the faint Milky Way dust in the background. 3-4 pairs of double stars were visible. All the bright stars are blue. Really nice. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From NGC6883, I moved South-West. There is a chain of about 8-10 stars, leading to this wonderful open cluster. The cluster is of medium size. I could see about 10-15 blue bright stars, and 3-4 pairs seemed to be double stars. There are also lovely double stars in this area.

6.121 NGC6882, Vul, Opn CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. See NGC6885.

6.122 NGC6883, Cyg, Opn CL • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. As for IC4996. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From IC4996, I moved South, using as a reference a group of stars reminding me of a pan and a long handle. NGC6883 is located below a line of 3 stars. It is quite easy to ﬁnd.

6.123 NGC6885, Vul, Opn CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Also called 20 Vulpeculae cluster, this cluster surrounds the star 20 Vul. From this, the south part is NGC6885, the North is NGC6882, another open cluster. NGC6885 is about one third the size of NGC6882, but two magnitudes brighter. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

6.124 NGC6888, Cyg, Neb • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Crescent Nebula. No real shape was visible, but the presence of a soft nebulosity was detectable to my eye. • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC or OIII. Crescent Nebula. The nearby group of stars is located on the Cygnus’ neck at about 1.5 degrees from IC4996 (from IC4996, just move 1.5 degrees North- West). Spotting the nebula was difficult though. I suspect it requires a darker sky. With averted vision and a UHC filter, very faint small grey patches were suspected around the nearby stars. A OIII filter made these patches slightly more noticeable. However, in my opinion this seems to be a challenging target.

90 6.125 NGC6910, Cyg, Opn CL • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Nice little open cluster above Gamma Cyg (Sadr). I found this more beautiful than M29. Coloured stars. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From Deneb (Alpha), I moved to Sadr (Gamma). This open cluster is on the line between these two stars, but on the side of Sadr. Its size is only 8’, but is suﬃciently bright (magnitude 7.4, surface brightness 11.7). It is formed by few bright stars and I could count about 7-8 dim stars. Apparently, many of these stars are variable. Very beautiful to me.

6.126 NGC6934, Del, Glob CL • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x. No star was resolved. It appeared as a little cloud. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Easy to ﬁnd. As usual a nice grey ball.

6.127 NGC6939, Cep, Opn CL • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Star hopping from Eta Cep. It is located next to an asterism of stars reminding of a plough. I could not see this cluster though.

6.128 NGC6940, Cyg, Opn CL • 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Large spread open cluster. I was a bit disappointed when I saw this open cluster as it did not show any striking feature, but just a collection of disconnected stars of similar magnitude, luminosity and colour.

6.129 NGC6960, Cyg, SN Rem • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Visible but not much contrast. • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. Grey shape, but not well deﬁned. Still great to be able to see this from home! • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. Easily observable. Great view. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+OIII. Western Veil Nebula. The nebula contour was well deﬁned. Soft vertical nebulosity was detectable in the North-centre of the nebula. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. Western Veil. I expected to see this a bit better, but eventually it was just perceivable near the star 52 Cyg.

91 • 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. Western Veil. Slightly visible near the star 52 Cyg. It appeared as a grey soft thin patch.

6.130 NGC6974, Cyg, SN Rem • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. Pickering’s Triangular Wisp. Certainly visible as triangular shape. Filaments towards South also visible (The thin Thread ?).

6.131 NGC6979, Cyg, SN Rem • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. This was also detectable as well as some long ﬁlament moving towards South.

6.132 NGC6992, Cyg, SN Rem • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Visible but not much contrast.

• 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. Grey shape, but not well deﬁned. Still great to be able to see this from home!

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+OIII. Eastern Veil Nebula. Very distinct shape in the sky.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. Eastern Veil. This was somehow clearer from this location. The contour was slightly more deﬁned.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. Eastern Veil. Easier to see with either averted or direct vision, although the border was not so deﬁned.

6.133 NGC7000, Cyg, Neb • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Undeﬁned patches. Cygnus is now right above Cambridge from my house.

• 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. North America nebula. Fuzzy North American continent was detectable.

92 • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. North America Nebula. The full continent was easily visible and the contour of the Mexican Gulf was well marked. I think I saw hints of the Pelican Nebula too but not sure.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC or OIII. North America Nebula. Continent was clear with both a UHC or OIII ﬁlter.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. North America Nebula. The North America continent was well deﬁned, particularly the Mexico and east USA. The area is rich of gas and the UHC ﬁlter seems to be perfect to highlight this nebulosity.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. North America Nebula. The patch of nebula is visible but the America continent shape is not clearly identiﬁable.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- UHC. North America Nebula. The presence of diﬀuse nebulosity was visible in the area, but it was not obvious to spot the presence of this nebula speciﬁcally.

6.134 NGC7009, Aqr, Pln Neb

• 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 192x + OIII. Saturn nebula. Disk shape, ring with averted vision.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x, 91x, 130x, 182x. Saturn Nebula. From M72 and M73, this target is relatively easy to find. It is almost attached to a star and has line of three stars at North. The planetary nebula was identifiable at 72x and a OIII greatly improved the observation. At magnifications higher than 91x, it showed a little disc without visible detail. This disc was clearly visible at 130x + OIII filter.

6.135 NGC7023, Cep, CL+Neb

• 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Iris Nebula, also called C4. Easy to locate as it is positioned about 3 degrees SW from Beta Cep (Alﬁrk). Just a soft nebulosity was visible near the adjacent star HIP103763, but no structure and averted vision was required.

6.136 NGC7063, Cyg, Opn CL

• 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. I casually found this open cluster when exploring the sky in Cygnus. It a medium-small open cluster with about 10-15 stars visible directly and others via averted vision. Quite pretty.

93 6.137 NGC7082, Cyg, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Located very close to M39, this open cluster is much dimmer. With a 60mm it is not particularly interesting to me, but worth be watched if observing M39.

• 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Open cluster close to M39. It is spread and its stars do not have speciﬁc features.

• 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Although this cluster is a bit smaller than M39, it is much less evident. It is located at South of M39 and where the lines made from two pairs of stars intersect. Nice to see, but far less spectacular than M39.

6.138 NGC7086, Cyg, Opn CL • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Located 3-4 degrees North of M39 and above the star 80 Cyg (Azelfafage, mag 4.75), this cluster is just above a curved chain of stars. It is a small open cluster made of dim stars.

6.139 NGC7160, Cep, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 69x. Really pretty open cluster. Two major stars inside a little casket of dim stars. Gorgeous.

6.140 NGC7209, Lac, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 37x. Pretty open cluster formed by moderately dim but sparse stars. I think I saw about 40 of them. Interestingly, there is a group of quite bright stars located about 1.5 degrees South of NGC7209 which also oﬀers a nice view.

6.141 NGC7226, Cep, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. I could not see them. I suppose they are too small and dim for my 60mm.

6.142 NGC7235, Cep, Opn CL • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Revisited again. I could see four packed stars.

• 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Little open cluster Epsilon and Zeta Cep, but closer to Epsilon. It is visible at 15x, but 51x shows it a bit better.

94 • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From the Garnet Star, I moved East until I reached Zeta Cep. From there in the same ﬁeld I gradually moved South. There are three bright stars as a reference. Between Zeta Cep and these three stars there is this little open cluster formed by dim stars.

6.143 NGC7243, Lac, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Also called C16. Really pretty open cluster. Its stars are not too bright, but not even too dim. At 51x it shines nicely to me. About 40-50 stars were visible.

6.144 NGC7245, Cep, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. I could not see them. I suppose they are too small and dim for my 60mm.

6.145 NGC7261, Cep, Opn CL • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Two of the three stars previously mentioned are double stars (I think!). To ﬁnd NGC7261 I moved along the line depicted from these three stars on the side of the double star on the corner (the one located at East). This cluster was also small and made of 3-4 dim stars.

6.146 NGC7293, Aqr, Pln Neb • 31/08/2016b, 21:00-1:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.1; SW 200 F6, 96x, 192x +/- OIII. Helix nebula. Not sure I spotted this target. It appeared like a bright start with an OIII ﬁlter.

6.147 NGC7296, Lac, Opn CL • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. The location is easy to ﬁnd as it is about 2 degrees NNW from Alpha Lac and 1 degree E from Beta Lac. I could not see it. I suspect it is made of few dim stars.

6.148 NGC7510, Cep, Opn CL • 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x. At 28x this target showed an elongated shape reminding me of M82. It is a relatively small open cluster and some stars are visible at 69x. At this magniﬁcation, the cluster shows a more rounded shape. The elongated shape observed at 28x was due to the presence of a chain of nearby brighter stars.

95 6.149 NGC7635, Cas, Pln Neb

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x +/- OIII. Bubble Nebula. I do not think I spot the planetary nebula. With the OIII ﬁlter, there was a hint of nebulosity around the main star of mag 8.7, but this was not obvious. It would be interesting to try again when the Moon is not out.

6.150 NGC7662, And, Pln Neb

• 05/10/2016, 21:00-22:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 27%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 40x, 72x +/- UHC. Blue snowball. Easy to find as it is closed to the naked eye stars: Lambda, Kappa, and Iota And. Bright target (8.30 mag). 1800 ly away. It was visible at 15x without filter and appeared like a faint dot. At 40x and even better at 72x, it showed a circular shape. The colour was grey. An UHC filter helps a bit but it is not required. At 72x, I had the impression to recognise a soft ring shape with averted vision.

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 103x +/- UHC or OIII. Blue Snowball. The Blue Snowball is a pretty target although a telescope of medium aperture is required (200mm at least I would say). Finding the snowball was somehow easy because it formed a triangle with other two stars. This planetary nebula was visible without filter at 15x. It appeared as a blue-ish fat star. At 51x and 103x it was obvious that it was a planetary nebula. Both UHC and OIII filters helped, although they were not required. At more than 51x the shape of a little blue ball was visible to my eye. I am not sure about the hole in the centre I saw with averted vision. Although I had the impression of seeing it a few times, it does not really corresponds to images. I preferred not to push the magnification beyond 103x (0.6mm exit pupil), because I did not catch much more detail in the step up between 51x and 103x, apart from an increase in size (which was still minute). The blue colour appeared similar to the blue colour of a star. I guess the reason why I saw it was because I was viewing it at low power and therefore the object appeared very compacted.

6.151 NGC7686, And, Opn CL

• 05/10/2016, 21:00-22:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 27%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x 40x. It is close to NGC7662 (Blue snowball) and easy to ﬁnd from the line Kappa-Lambda And towards Lambda And. It’s a little open cluster without major details. Two bright stars surrounded by some dimmer stars and other very dim stars. I think I counted about 10-15 stars.

• 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. I was a bit disappointed with this target, as I was expecting something brighter and relatively large, whereas it was neither of those features. Interestingly 4 degrees North of this cluster, there is a nice star cloud which to me is much more pretty.

6.152 NGC7788, Cas, Opn CL

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Dim open cluster not easily visible due to the presence of an almost full Moon. Averted vision and a bit of dark adaptation helped.

96 6.153 NGC7789, Cas, Opn CL • 06/08/2015, 22:00-23:50, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x. From Beta Cas (Caph), this cluster is located at South-West. It was beautiful and emerged from the surrounding stars.

6.154 NGC7790, Cas, Opn CL • 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. As for NGC7788, averted vision and some dark adaptation was useful to see this cluster with almost full Moon.

6.155 NGC869/884, Cas, Opn CL • 04/03/2016, 20:20-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 18%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 72x, 75x, 112x. Double Cluster. To me, this is a target were the Delos 8mm makes a diﬀerence compared to a Nagler T6. In particular NGC869 revealed many faint / very faint stars that I do not remember to have seen them with the Nagler T6 7mm. This could be partially explained by an increase in exit pupil, although some of these stars were also visible with the Vixen SLV 5mm with a bit of diﬃculty. I counted about 20-25 of these stars, some of them were visible via averted vision. With 1.6 degree fov the view with the Delos 8mm was really spectacular. Pin-point stars, great contrast, the two clusters in the same fov and overall lovely colours. Ergonomically, these eyepieces are very comfortable to use to me during night time. During day time I think the Vixen SLV are considerably easier to use than the Delos regarding eye placement. • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 51x. Double Cluster. This was not in the best sky position from the location of this report, due to the amount of light pollution. Again, all stars were extremely compact and I had the impression that I was able to see more faint ones. I did not have the Nagler 13mm with me for comparison. Although I did not count them, to me some of those faint stars were not visible with the Nagler 7mm. I believe the reason is the better light control of the Delos which makes the stars appear just a bit more compact. Maybe this is just an impression, but to my eye, the view seemed just a bit prettier and deeper with the Delos. I reckon this is due to reduced light scatter, increased light control and a more comfortable view due to larger lenses.

6.156 NGC869/ 884, Per, Opn CL • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x. Great view at both the magniﬁcations. Faint stars visible at the core of NGC869. Lovely! • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 40x. Double cluster. Visible with naked eye. Great view! Faint stars were visible near the centre of each cluster at 40x. • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x, 192x. It appeared in the same ﬁeld with the Docter. Somehow I preferred the view delivered by the ES30 as it included more surrounding context. The red star located between the two clusters was easily visible.Great view. • 09/08/2016, 21:20-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 40%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Double cluster. Again more faint stars were well visible with the Docter via direct vision. Smaller stars. Superb view.

97 • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x, 30x. Double cluster. Gorgeous with both the Docter 12.5mm and Delos 12mm, but the Docter showed more (8-10) faint stars near the cores. Some of these were detectable with the Delos using averted vision, some were not, whereas they were visible with direct vision through the Docter. Stars appeared noticeably smaller with the Docter. • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Almost at the zenith. As usual, it was spectacular and very clear. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Double Cluster. Gorgeous. The darker background sky made it even more impressive. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Double Cluster. Very clear. At 38x numerous faint stars were visible at the centre of the two clusters. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Double Cluster. Although surrounded by light pollution, this is always an amazing target, especially at 28x with an exit pupil of 2.2mm. • 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 103x. Double Cluster. Lovely view at 51x. Both the complexes were in the same field. At 103x the two complexes could be studied separately. • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Double cluster. Observed the red star between the two cluster. There are other two faint blue / grey stars very close to this red star. Very pretty. Thanks Nick! • 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 38x. Double Cluster. A classic, but one of the best open cluster in the Northern Hemisphere. I pushed the magnification a bit higher than usual (38x) although to me. The two clusters are still largely in the same field of view. To me, the best view remains at 28x though. • 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Double cluster. Quite high in the sky. Wonderful contrast. • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Double cluster. Visible at naked eye. Under this dark sky, it was even more beautiful because of the darker background sky and emerging faint stars. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Double Cluster. As already found before, 28x and 2.7 degrees of field of view shows this target as a real gem. It is wonderful. • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Double Cluster. This target is superb with the Nagler 13. Although low on the horizon, it still offers nice contrast with the background sky and the 2.8deg of fov show the object with all its context. • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Double Cluster. Again, the Nagler 13 offering almost 3 degrees of fov shows the full object with great detail but conserving an adequate image brightness. • 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Double cluster. Superb cluster. Even if low in the sky, it was a pleasure to see it. At 51x, the cluster emerged from the background and showed more faint stars. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 51x. Double Cluster. B15x70, Exeter, Newcastle (UK); TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

98 6.157 NGC6992/ 6960, Cyg, SN Rem • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+OIII or UHC. Veil Nebula. Invisible with UHC filter. I could not see it at all. With OIII the Eastern part was easily visible, whereas the Western was just detectable. Gorgeous! • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+OIII. Veil Nebula. The Eastern and Western parts for this nebula were easily visible. Central filaments from North were a bit more difficult to spot but still observable. These appeared as vertical filaments reaching the core of the nebula.

• 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- OIII, 28x + OIII. Veil Nebula. At 28x (2.2mm exit pupil) + OIII, the nebula was diﬃcult to identify. The view improved by choosing an exit pupil of 4mm. Without OIII the nebula is completely invisible. With the OIII, the Eastern component was easier to see than the western. The sky was not completely dark and the was some haze in the sky.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil Nebula. The first time I observe this target and it is gorgeous. The Eastern part nicely emerged from the sky. The shape and some features were visible with direct vision, although other minute details, mainly about the extension, were accessible via averted vision. The Western part above 52 Cyg was also visible via direct vision. The Northern part was more difficult although the presence of nebulosity was detectable. Tonight the sky was very clear and sufficiently dark (nautical twilight). A bit of Milky Way was visible on Cygnus at Naked eyes. Superb. • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- OIII. Veil Nebula. I did not spot it. After positioning at 52 Cyg, I gradually moved in the surrounding area at South, but was not able to spot any nebulosity. As for the Crescent Nebula, this is a challenging target and I believe it requires darker skies. • 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x +/- OIII, 28x +/- OIII. Veil Nebula. No visible or detectable. I carefully searched the stars and positioned at 52 Cygni. 28x +OIII seemed to show a soft transparent cloud, but I cannot say that that was the Veil Nebula. The sky was not fully transparent and dark. This might be the reason. • 20/05/2015, 21:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil Nebula. Invisible although it is too low on the horizon. • 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil Nebula. No visible, although it is not the best time of the year to see this target.

99 7 Index Catalogue (IC)

7.1 IC348, Per, CL+Neb • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Located at the bottom of Perseus, next to Omicron Per (Atik). I did not manage to see any nebulosity, but the cluster is quite pretty.

• 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. I tried to spot the associated cluster as this target is still too low for attempting the nebula. Unfortunately, I could not see the cluster either. It seemed a feasible target, but eventually something when wrong. I will try it again in Autumn.

7.2 IC410, Aur, Neb • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x + OIII. Tadpole nebula (from the Italian version of wikipedia). Invisible. Ambitious target. According to wikipedia, the nebula is an emission nebula invisible with small telescopes. As I did not know this, I tried to view it with an OIII ﬁlter and did not succeeded.

7.3 IC418, Lep, Pln Neb • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x + DMG. Spirograph nebula. Easily visible with DV using the DMG. Round shape, no detail.

7.4 IC1284, Sgr, Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Soft nebula just below the Sagittarius Star Cloud.

7.5 IC1340, Cyg, SN Rem • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Veil nebula. The hook was visible and was very nice. Some detail was detectable after spending some time. Not sure I saw the two hooks though.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+OIII. Bottom of the Eastern Veil Nebula. The hook was clearly visible.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. This was the part slightly more outlined in the Eastern Veil.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15+OIII. Souther-Eastern Veil. At the bottom of the Eastern veil, it was possible to discern a swollen nebula moving inside.

100 7.6 IC1396, Cep, CL+Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Elephant’s Trunk Nebula. From the Garnet star I could spot some faint nebula, or dust, in the area but no trace of any trunk. • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x +/- OIII, 51x. Elephant’s Trunk Nebula. I tried to reach this open cluster from M39, but I wrongly arrived at Alpha Cep (Alderamin). Star hopping from Alderamin was much easier. Although the nebula was not visible with the OIII filter, it was nice to see this cluster. In front of the Garnet Star, there is a chain of stars. The brightest is a tight system of three stars of different luminosity. Really nice to see and already split at 28x. This was well separated at 51x. Nearby this system there is another double star where the components have different brightness. Almost all, if not all these stars but the Garnet Star, are blue.

7.7 IC1805, Cas, Neb • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Heart nebula. Patches of nebulosity near the core. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Heart Nebula. A patch of nebulosity was visible. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + UHC. Heart Nebula. A patch of nebulosity was detectable by jiggling the telescope. • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Heart Nebula. A little bit more diﬃcult to see than the Soul Nebula, but still visible. Again averted vision helped. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Heart Nebula. The full nebula was not visible but the top part of the heart shape was detectable. It is the area where there are more stars. A faint but visible layer of grey patch was there.

7.8 IC1848, Cas, Neb • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Soul nebula. Not sure about nebulosity. • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Soul Nebula. Patch of soft nebulosity was visible. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + UHC. Soul Nebula. Invisible. • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Soul Nebula. Relatively easy to see this nebulosity surrounding the thick chain of stars. Averted vision helped. • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Soul Nebula. Again, the whole nebula was not visible, but some nebulosity and the chain of stars was there.

101 7.9 IC4665, Oph, Opn CL • 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Summer Beehive Cluster. One of the best targets for a wide ﬁeld telescope. Easy to ﬁnd as it is located just North of Beta Oph (Cebalrai).

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Amazing open cluster although no many faint stars were visible.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. The Summer Beehive. I used this target for ﬁnding the Barnard’s Star. It is a lovely target.

• 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Summer Beehive Cluster. Wonderful open cluster, close to Beta Oph (Cebalrai). Always worth having a look if in the area.

• 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Summer Beehive Cluster. Amazing open cluster of large size above the star Cebalrai. A pleasure to see with a low power eyepiece. Stars have similar colours and magnitude, but the shape is nice.

7.10 IC4685, Sgr, Neb • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Soft nebula surrounding the star V3903 Sgr. It is near M8 and M20.

7.11 IC4756, Ser, Opn CL • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Graﬀ’s cluster. Continuing from NGC6633. Another nice open cluster.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Graﬀ’s Cluster. Easily identiﬁable from NGC6633. Much sparser than the latter.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x. Graﬀ’s Cluster. C114F8, Venice (IT); B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

7.12 IC4756, Sct, Opn CL • 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Graﬀ’s Cluster. Continuing on the same line where both 71-72 Oph and NGC6633 lie, The Graﬀ’s Cluster can also be found quickly. This is a rather sparse open cluster but still gorgeous.

• 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Graﬀ’s cluster. See above

102 7.13 IC4996, Cyg, Opn CL • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. From Sadr, follow the line forming Cygnus’ neck. This object is located at about 1.5-2 degrees East from the Cygnus’ neck. It is easily detectable at 15x. • 30/06/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From M29, I moved South. This is a very small open cluster which is detectable at this low power, but would beneﬁt of higher power. It is near an isolated star near three pairs of aligned stars. Three - four stars were detectable apart from the main one.

7.14 IC5146, Cyg, CL+Neb • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x + OIII. Cocoon Nebula, also called C19. I star hopped from NGC7243. It was not obvious to spot. It appeared as a very faint nebula without structure visible with averted vision (and some patience!). • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x+UHC. Cocoon Nebula. I do not think I really saw this object as there was a lot of dust in the area. I moved East from M39. If I spotted it, it appeared like a small patch of grey colour, not much distinguishable from the rest of the nearby dust.

103 8 Stock Catalogue 8.1 Stock1, Vul, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

8.2 Stock2, Cas, Opn CL • 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Nothing really new here. • 11/10/2015b, 19:20-20:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 2 - Poor; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 38x. Although very large, at 38x it was possible to see some fainter stars which are less obvious at 15x.

• 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. As for the Double Cluster, this is another awesome target which thankfully was not so much aﬀected by light pollution tonight. • 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Large and sparse open cluster, but still with a pleasant structure. Many stars of similar brightness. • 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. I was surprised to see so many stars inside this cluster. It really beneﬁts from a dark sky.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Large open cluster right above the Double Cluster. • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. As above.

• 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. This cluster next to the double cluster is very nice and needs a wide ﬁeld telescope. Its stars are not so bright and generally of similar magnitude and colour. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

104 9 Melotte Catalogue 9.1 Mel20, Per, Opn CL • 06/08/2016b, 22:00-0:00, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 13%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 20.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. Alpha Persei Moving cluster. Similar detail between the Docter and the Delos 12mm. The complete target was roughly contained in the Docter’s fov (3 deg).

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 51x. Alpha Persei Moving Cluster. This is one of my favourite target using the TV60. Star colours were more neutral and showed more variability with the Delos.

• 31/10/2015b, 19:00-20:30, Worsted St Roman Rd, CB, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Trans- parency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Per Moving Cluster. Amazing cluster.

• 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Per Moving Cluster. Honestly, I always wonder whether I like the most this cluster or M45. At 15x it covers 4.3 degrees of FOV very nicely showing a mixture of blue bright stars and some red.

• 22/08/2015a, 1:00-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Per Moving Cluster. Lovely open cluster.

• 08/08/2015, 22:00-02:00, Lorenzago di Cadore, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 6 - Very clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Per Moving Cluster. The most beautiful object I saw in this session. Absolutely stunning.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Persei Cluster. Lovely large open cluster formed by very bright stars. Always a pleasure to see.

• 30/04/2015, 22:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alpha Per moving cluster. Wide ﬁeld telescopes or binoculars are the best for this superb cluster. Even if low in the sky, it was very beautiful to see. ¿70 stars detectable.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

9.2 Mel25, Tau, Opn CL • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28.8x. Very suggestive at 28.8x.

• 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Hyades. A V-shaped open cluster. The red Alpha Tau (Aldebaran) was wonderful. Again its light was very well controlled.

• 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Hyades. Large open cluster dominated by Alpha Tau (Aldebaran).

• 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Hyades. Another lovely open cluster in Taurus with Alpha Tauris (Aldebaran) leading near the centre. A must when viewing Taurus.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 51x. Hydes. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, New- castle, Cambridge (UK).

105 9.3 Mel111, Com, Opn CL • 14/04/2015b, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Coma Berenices star cluster. Located just south of Gamma Com, this large object is as spectacular as M44. Very rich of stars, some bright some small and fainting. Some are doubles. As this is a large object, 15x is the adequate magniﬁcation. As Coma Berenices does not have bright stars, you can ﬁnd this object knowing that is between Denebola (Leo) and Cor Caroli (Alpha CVn). • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Coma Berenices Star Cluster. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

9.4 Mel179, Oph, Opn CL • 09/09/2016b, 21:20-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: First Quarter 52%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Summer Beehive cluster. Close to the Moon.

9.5 Mel186, Oph, Opn CL • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Extended open cluster next to Beta Oph (Cebalrai). It is about 3 degrees large.

106 10 Collider Catalogue 10.1 Cr39, Ori, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 36x; 15x, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

10.2 Cr65, Tau, Opn CL • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Extended cluster above Meissa, but below M1. The ﬁeld of view is about 3 degrees I think.

• 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Nice aggregation of stars, although none of them really emerges. Wide ﬁeld is required. North of Orion-Meissa.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

10.3 Cr68, Ori, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6. Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

10.4 Cr69, Ori, Opn CL • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 40x. Open cluster surrounding Meissa. Lovely at 28.8x.

10.5 Cr70, Ori, Opn CL • 23/02/2015, 19:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Gorgeous Orion’s belt. The chain of stars surrounding Alnilam is superb. Wide ﬁeld telescope.

10.6 Cr89, Gem, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. TV60F6. Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

10.7 Cr97, Mon, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

10.8 Cr106, Mon, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

107 10.9 Cr107, Mon, Opn CL • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x, 30x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

10.10 Cr399, Vul, Opn CL • 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Brocchi’s Cluster. Very nice open cluster at 15x.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Brocchi’s Cluster, the Coathanger. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

108 11 Steph Catalogue 11.1 Steph1, Lyr, Opn CL • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Open cluster formed by Delta Lyr and surrounding star. • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Cluster associated to the star Delta Lyr. Beautiful, easily visible and rich in geometry showing many triangles.

109 12 Stars and unclassiﬁed targets

12.1 And, 8, Star • 10/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Near the border between Andromeda and Lacerta, there is this unrelated group of bright stars which points to Andromeda with a little chain. All these cover a ﬁeld of view of about 4 degrees, ideal with a Pan24 and TV60. The star 8 And is almost at the end of this star tail. Nice wide ﬁeld view.

12.2 And, Beta, Dbl Star • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Mirach. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

12.3 And, Gamma, Dbl Star • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x. Almaak.

• 25/08/2016, 21:00-0:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; SW 200 F6, 40x, 96x. Almaak.

• 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Almaak. Lovely pair formed by a large orange star and a small green star. Easy split at 51x.

• 18/09/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Almaak. Main component is Orange. Second component seemed grey.

• 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x. Almaak. Wonderful double star. The main component is a yellow star. The companion was smaller and blue. The two were clearly separated at 69x.

12.4 Ari, Gamma, Dbl Star • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Mesarthim. Blue star with a little red companion.

• 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Mesarthim. Nice double star. One was white, the other was grey.

12.5 Aur, Alpha, Star • 23/09/2016, 23:00-1:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 33%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.95; Tele Vue 60 F6, 90x. Capella. Performed a star test using this star. Symmetric concentric rings were visible inside and outside focus. These patterns seemed nearly identical between the two opposite focus positions. In focus, the star showed a very tiny ring which was almost not detectable.

110 12.6 Boo, Epsilon, Dbl Star • 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Izar. In both the eyepieces the companion was lying on the first diffraction ring. Diffraction rings were smaller in the Docter.

• 08/08/2016, 22:00-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 31%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Izar. I need a better evening for this. The double was visible on the first diffraction ring with both the eyepieces. When the target was moved to the field stop the companion merged with the main star in both the eyepieces. Stars were smaller in the Docter.

• 16/05/2016, 21:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 79%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. Izar. The secondary was white / green and was placed near the ﬁrst diﬀraction ring at 100x and 180x. Together with the orange primary the couple forms a really nice target. Good test for seeing too.

• 30/04/2016, 22:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Last quarter 50%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 112x. The grey-green companion was right on the border of the diﬀraction ring of Izar.

• 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x, 129x, 257x. Izar. As for the previous night, the separation was observable at 129x, although detectable with difficulty already at 103x. The companion had a grey-blue colour and was located on Izar first diffraction ring.

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x, 129x, 180x, 257x. Izar. The suggestion that this star was double was at 129x. Izar appeared like a yellow-orange colour whereas the darker companion was dark white to my eye. The two components were clearly split at 180x and even better at 257x. At this latter magniﬁcation, the companion showed a green tint colour. Wonderful double star.

• 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x. Izar. I could not split this double star at 28x or 72x. I thought it was easier. Still a very nice yellow bright star. The sky was becoming less transparent on this region of the sky. Therefore I moved North.

12.7 Boo, Iota, Dbl Star • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Asellus Secundus. Together with Kappa Boo, they can be split in the same ﬁeld of view. Nice double.

12.8 Boo, Kappa, Dbl Star • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Asellus Tertius. See Iota Boo.

12.9 CMa, 145CMa, Dbl Star • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. Nice bright pair of stars, one orange and one white-blue.

111 12.10 CMa, Alpha, Dbl star • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x, zoom+vip. I think I spotted Sirius B this time. This target requires a small fov eyepiece. Sirius should be placed just outside the ﬁeld stop in order to limit its glare. Sirius B appeared as a faint dot hidden in the rays coming from Sirius. I saw this dot with the Docter plus VIP ﬁrst, but the Zoom plus VIP made this detection much easier due to the smaller fov. • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x, zoom+vip. No split. Sirius was just too bright. • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Sirius. Following Rigel, i decided to study Beta CMa for the same reason. Again, the star light seemed more controlled and packed. The star was more similar to a very bright shiny dot rather than a bright shiny diamond. Again, a tiny amount of false colour (blue colour) was detectable at the very edge, but nothing more. The view was just stunning. • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Sirius. Just a quick look at this bright star. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Sirius. Not able to split Sirius. Too much bright.

12.11 CMa, Eta, Star • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Alundra. South East from Sirius. White blue star.There is a companion, although this is not a real double star. Quite pretty.

12.12 CMi, Gamma, Star • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. From Alpha CMi (Procyon), go to Beta CMi (Gomeisa), and Gamma CMi is about a degree North. It is a lovely orange / red star which contrasts nicely the blue colour of Beta CMi.

12.13 CVn, Alpha, Dbl Star • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Cor Caroli. The main component seemed white, whereas the secondary component seemed yellow. Nice pair.

12.14 Cam, HIP16292-HIP16307, Star • 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. From Mel20, I moved Northwest towards Gamma Per. From Gamma Per, I moved East-Northeast for about 5 degrees. These stars are not double but they still form a nice coloured couple. 16292 is white-blue, whereas HIP16307 is red and slightly dimmer. Nice little gems of mag between 5 and 7.

112 12.15 Cap, Alpha, Dbl Star • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Algedi. Nice and easy double star. A pair of doubles. The former were orange, the dimmer once looked grey.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Algedi. Two lovely bright stars, one of which has a grey dim companion. Stunning.

12.16 Cap, Beta, Dbl Star • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Dabih. Another lovely double. The former is yellow, the other white-ish.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Dabih. Another nice double star. Yellow-Blue.

12.17 Cap, Omicron, Dbl Star • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. If I remember they are both white.

• 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Much tighter than Rho, but already split at 28x. One blue, the other is yellow.

12.18 Cap, Rho, Dbl Star • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Well separated double star.

12.19 Cas, Alpha, Dbl Star • 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Shedir. Well separated star where the companion is far less bright than the primary star.

12.20 Cas, Beta, Star • 01/09/2015, 21:15-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Caph. Lovely chain of stars starting from Caph and moving to South for about 2 degrees. It was a little reminder of the chain of stars leading to the open cluster NGC1502.

12.21 Cas, Eta, Dbl Star • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x. This beautiful double star is located at North-East from Schedir. It is a bit tight although already separated at 36x.

113 12.22 Cep, Delta, Dbl Star • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Lovely pair already splittable at 15x, but a fantastic view at 51x. The brighter is orange, the dimmer is grey / blue. • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Very close to the cluster above, continuing along that imaginary line, I found this beautiful easily split double star. One component is orange, whereas the other is blue. The brightness is diﬀerent between the two and in particular the blue star is dimmer. This double star is a little gem and reminded me of Beta Cyg (Albireo).

12.23 Cep, Epsilon, Star • 09/09/2015, 20:40-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. There is a dim grey/blue star next to it which is visible at 15x. I do not know whether this is its companion, but the pair is really beautiful to see.

12.24 Cep, Mu, Star • 02/07/2015, 21:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Hershel’s Garnet Star. Bright red supergiant star located next to IC1396. Magnitude 4.2. It is the biggest star visible at naked eye.

12.25 Cnc, Zeta, Dbl star • 25/03/2016b, 19:50-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 94%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.21; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x, 75x. Tegmen. It is the third vertex of the triangle formed with Alpha, Beta Cancri. Zeta1 and Zeta 2 were already separated at 30x but they appeared more interesting at 75x. Similar brightness. One seemed more yellow orange whereas the other one seemed more white, to me.

12.26 Com, 12, Star • 06/04/2016, 20:50-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 0%; Seeing: 4 - Poor seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.59; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. The brightest star in Berenice’s’ hair. Close to 12 Com, there is an orange/ carbon star. The two are not related, but they form a nice pair to see at this magniﬁcation.

12.27 Cyg, 16C, Dbl Star • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. A pair of almost identical yellow stars located less than 1 degree North of Theta Cyg and within 1 degree from NGC6826.

12.28 Cyg, 61, Dbl Star • 06/09/2015b, 21:10-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 103x. Bessel’s star. A pair of two orange / red stars already observable at 15x. Very nice to enlarge the separation for this double at 51x and 103x.

114 12.29 Cyg, Beta, Dbl Star • 24/09/2015, 21:30-23:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Albireo. A wonderful double in the Summer Sky, easily visible with every telescope. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Albireo. Orange and blue stars already separated at 15x. • 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. Albireo. Wonderful double. A bit tight at 15x, but very nice at 103x. One orange, the other one blue. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 72x. Albireo. C114F8, Venice (IT); TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

12.30 Cyg, Delta, Dbl Star • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x. Tonight, the seeing was not very good. In any case, I was not able to split this double. I also wonder whether I did last time. After examining the diﬀraction rings, I could not spot any anomaly letting me think of a star companion. • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x, 256x. Rukh. I do not think I split this. I think it is at the limit of my TV-60 with 2.7” separation. There was a hint of anomaly on the South part of the ﬁrst Airy ring, but I would not bet that that was a star. This was at 103x. At 256x this anomaly was still there but less obvious.

12.31 Cyg, Omega, Dbl Star • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Omega 1 and 2 are still widely separated although less than Omicron 1 and 2 at the same magniﬁcation (about 1 degree apart). Omega 2 (Ruchba) is an interesting red star with a close dimmer white companion.

12.32 Cyg, Omicron, Dbl Star • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Omicron 1 and 2 form a large pair of similar brightness separated by more than 2 degrees. The two stars were orange-ish. A nice blue star is located next to Omicron 1. Some dimmer stars are also located near Omicron 2. • 27/09/2015, 20:30-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 51x. Omicron 1 and 2. Omicron 1 and 2 are well separated double stars at 28x. Both are orange-ish. Omicron 1 forms a nice little system with a blue star. The two are visible and separated at 28x.

12.33 Cyg, Theta, Star • 01/10/2015, 20:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. From the white star Iota Cyg (West Cyg), Theta Cyg can be found easily and is close to another star. Theta is yellow, whereas the companion is orange. The two form a nice pair.

115 12.34 Del, Gamma, Dbl Star • 28/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 10%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 18.71; SW 200 F6, 96x. Due to light pollution the two stars showed the same colour. • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. Wonderful orange-blue double star. The two were already separated at 36x, but the view was better at 91x in my opinion. I also tried Alpha and Beta Del, but I was not able to split them.

12.35 Dra, 19-20, Dbl Star • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. 4.5mag and 7mag. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

12.36 Dra, Eta, Dbl Star • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. 2.7mag and 6.05mag • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

12.37 Gem, Alpha, Dbl Star • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Bright twins. • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Castor. Easy split. • 13/04/2016, 21:30-22:13, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 42%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x. Castor. Perfect split. The two star discs were well distinct and separated. Unfortunately the sky was getting clouded, otherwise other double stars could have been viewed with this steady seeing. • 09/04/2016, 21:50-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 15%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 100x, 112x. Castor. Distinct split. In the Delos the two stars were yellow and white/blue, whereas in the vixen they were yellow and white. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Castor. The companion Castor B is also bright and the two stars are quite close to each other. Same colour. Castor C is very dim and more distant from the other two.

12.38 Gem, Nu, Star • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Casually found. This is not a double star, but a gorgeous blue star accompanied by a white friend. The two makes a nice couple.

116 12.39 Gem, Zeta, Dbl Star • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Mekbuda. Easily split double star.

12.40 Her, Alpha, Dbl Star • 09/08/2016, 21:20-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 40%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 2x. Rasalhague. The two stars were slightly separated on axis with both the eyepieces and almost joined together at the very edge with the Docter highlighting the presence of a bit of angular magniﬁcation distortion (AMD).

• 06/06/2016, 23:00-23:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 4%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19; Tele Vue 60 F6, 112x. Rasalgethi. A gem.Split at 112x. One red, the other grey/green.

• 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 45x. Rasalgethi. I did not try to resolve this lovely double star, but just used it as pointer with Alpha Oph (Rasalhague) to 71-72 Oph.

• 26/08/2015, 20:50-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 69x. Rasalgethi. Superb double star. Main star was orange to my eye, whereas the companion was green. Really pretty.

• 07/07/2015, 22:30-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 103x. Rasalgethi. A real gem. Superb double star. The bright component is orange, whereas the second component appears green. They are already split at 72x, but I preferred the view at 103x where they are split more clearly.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. Rasalgethi. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

12.41 Her, Rho, Dbl Star • 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Located ad 28x, I could split this at 103x. The components have a white-grey colour and their brightness was similar.

12.42 Hya, 27, Dbl Star • 12/05/2015, 21:00-23:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Easily split. Colours detectable.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 51x. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

12.43 Hya, Alpha, Star • 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Alphard. Yellow star

117 12.44 Leo, Alpha, Star • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Regulus. Just used this star as an initial reference for star hopping to M95/M96. • 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 72x. Regulus. Blue-white double star visible at 15x. Clearly split at 72x although not all this magniﬁcation is actually required for split it. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 37x, 74x. Regulus. C114F8, Italy (IT).

12.45 Leo, Beta, Star • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Denebola. Initially I thought to reach the cluster of galaxies from Beta Leo as proposed in Sky and Telescope. I do not feel so familiar from this route though. So I changed.

12.46 Leo, Gamma, Dbl Star • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 72x. Algieba. Double yellow star. The two stars were visible at 45x, but a much appreciable split is at 72x. Really pretty couple.

12.47 Lyr, Alpha, Star • 09/08/2016, 21:20-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 40%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.4; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x. With eye placement on axis but placing these targets at the right and left edges (just a hair before the coloured field stop ring) a minor CA purple fringe is detectable for Vega and it is symmetric between right and left edges. On axis, there was no coloured fringe on Vega to my eye. I observe with my left eye. The reason why I was viewing that yellow fringe when targets were placed on the left edge was due to my wrong eye placement. As I find a bit uncomfortable to rotate my left eye to the left edge of the fov, I was moving my head in order to observe the left edge from a more straight direction, without realising that this different angle could actually introduce CA. I actually thought it was a feature of doublets refractors. The same minor colour fringe is noticeable when targets are moved on the top and bottom edges. To my eye both the eyepieces did not show astigmatism at the edge or spherical aberration. I could not spot anomalies in light transmission throughout the field of view either. • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Vega. Splendid bright Summer star. No chromatic aberration was visible even at 103x.

12.48 Lyr, Beta, Dbl Star • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Sheliak. Double blue star. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Sheliak. Wonderful colour double star. One orange and one blue. Really beautiful.

118 • 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. Sheliak. Splendid double already split at 15x. This was very nice at 103x.

12.49 Lyr, Delta, Dbl Star • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Two components, one yellow and one blue. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Superb multi star system. At 28x it is really bright and proportional to the ﬁeld of view. I love the triangles and the overall geometry in this system of stars. • 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. This is a very nice system of stars already visible at 15x. A larger triangle with a little internal triangle. Just beautiful.

12.50 Lyr, Epsilon, Dbl star • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x. Double double. Both stars were split at about 100x. • 02/10/2016, 21:00-22:20, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 6%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.61; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Double double. Tight double stars very detectable for both Epsilon 1 and 2. • 16/05/2016, 21:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 79%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x, 100x, 180x. A hint of elongated stars was detectable at 72x, but a more obvious split was again at 100x and 180x. • 20/10/2015, 20:00-21:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Double Double. Obvious double split at 103x. All white stars. • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Both Epsilon 1 and 2 pairs were suﬃciently separated at 103x. • 19/09/2015b, 21:00-22:40, Grantchester Meadows, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 69x, 129x. Double Double. At 69, the two pairs appeared as elongated to my eye rather than two couples. At 129x the double pairs were easily observable. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. The Double Double. It was possible to see the two pairs at 72x, although to me this was not appreciable. The two pairs appeared a little bit more than elongated or just separated, but I much prefer when a double star is clearly and nicely separated. The two pairs were similarly separated. Possibly Epsilon1 (the North pair) was slightly more, but, if so, a tiny bit. • 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. The Double Double. Just managed to see the two pairs, although the separation was not clear. They appeared just a tiny more than elongated stars. I am not sure, but I suspect this was more due to the Nagler 3.5mm. I will try with the Vixen 5mm next time, as generally this eyepiece delivers better views than the Naglers, on planets at least. • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. The Double Double. I could not split the two. The image suggested a possible elongation of the two stars, but this was not obvious. I would not have detected it if I had not known that they are doubles. I carefully focused inward and outward to reach the optimum, but this was not suﬃcient.

119 • 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x, 206x. The Double Double. Epsilon 1 and 2 were easily split at 15x. At 103x it was possible to detect that both Epsilon 1 and 2 are double stars themselves. At 206x this pair of tight double stars was visible although these double stars remained very close. Same colour.

12.51 Lyr, HD175634, Dbl star • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. This double star is relatively close to M57 and inside the parallelogram of Lyra. One star is orange, the other is blue. Similar to Sheliak but a bit dimmer.

12.52 Lyr, Zeta, Dbl Star • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Easily separated double star already at 28x. • 03/06/2015, 21:40-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 103x. Already split at 15x, but much nicer at 103x.

12.53 Oph, 61, Dbl Star • 05/07/2015, 21:50-0:20, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. From Beta Oph (Cebalrai), I moved South towards Gamma Oph. 61 Oph is a double star located at about 1 degree East of Gamma Oph. It is already split at 28x. It seems to me that they were both blue but with slightly diﬀerent magnitude. The sky was not completely dark, so I might be wrong. Nice pair.

12.54 Oph, 71-72, Dbl Star • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x. B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

12.55 Oph, HIP87937, Star • 17/07/2015, 23:30-3:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 51x. Barnard’s Star. Located near 66 Oph. This faint star of 9 mag is the fourth closest star to the Sun. It is a red dwarf. At 51x it was slightly more visible. Interesting target.

12.56 Ori, Beta, Dbl star • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x, 47.8x-179.1x, 142x, zoom+vip. Easy split. • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Moder- ate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 40x, 72x. Companion detected at 40x. Easy at 72x. Invisible at 28.8x. • 05/10/2016, 21:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 38%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x +/- VIP 3x. The companion was easily detectable.

120 • 17/03/2016, 20:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing gibbous 72%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.24; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Rigel. Just a preliminary test for seeing condition. Split was clear at 75x. • 13/03/2016b, 20:30-21:40, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 26%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x, 75x. Rigel. The companion was detectable at 45x and obvious at 75x. Airy pattern clearly distinct for Beta Ori, when in focus. Lovely double star. • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Rigel. Although the seeing was stable, I was not able to see the dimmer companion. I did not test this at 75x (12mm + PM2.5x). What surprised me was to see Beta Ori so tight. Despite its brightness, the star light was still well packed in a way that I do not remember I have seen with the Naglers T6. Overall, I could not see false colours except for a tiny bit at the very edge of the field stop. • 10/02/2016, 19:00-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 5%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.22; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x. Rigel. Airy discs visible at all magnifications. The dimmer companion was detectable at 51x with difficulty. At higher magnifications this was obvious instead. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x. Rigel. I could spot the partner star at 50x but the separation was obvious and better at 92x. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 37x, 74x; 15x. Rigel. C114F8, Italy (IT), B15x70, Newcastle (UK).

12.57 Ori, Delta, Dbl Star • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII. Mintaka. Easy double star on Orion’s belt. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Mintaka. Easily split.

12.58 Ori, Iota, Star • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. Hatsya. Bright star below M42. A dimmer companion is located next to it. Nice image. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Hatsya. Very nice double star. The companion is quite dim and small compared to Hatsya. Companion is grey.

12.59 Ori, Lambda, Star • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Meissa. An interesting chain of stars forming Orion’s head. • 11/12/2015, 21:00-23:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Meissa. Nice chain of stars positioned on the top of Orion.

121 12.60 Ori, Sigma, Mlt star • 21/12/2016, 18:30-23:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 39%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 47.8x-179.1x. Lovely sight. • 22/11/2016, 21:45-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 31%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 40x. 6 stars visible. • 05/10/2016, 21:30-23:10, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Crescent 38%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 14.3x-53.7x +/- VIP 3x. Lovely sight. Again the zoom was just great as it allowed to get the optimum separation. • 10/03/2016, 19:50-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing crescent 9%; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear, Darkness: 18.7; Tele Vue 60 F6, 112x. I tried hard to see whether it was possible to split A and C, but did not succeed. Next time. • 04/03/2016, 20:20-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 18%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Nice multiple system. Six stars were easily visible. Not really surprised as these were also visible at 30x with the Delos 12mm. Still a gorgeous view though. • 23/02/2016, 20:15-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning gibbous 99%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 30x. Six stars were visible. Two of them were a fainter than the other but the view was generally appreciable. • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x, 92x, 125x, 171x, 231x. I managed to see four and three stars on the top and bottom groups respectively. This was already at 92x. • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x, 51x, 69x, 103x, 129x +/- UHC or OIII. A lovely aggregation of stars. I could count six of them in two groups. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Visible 5 stars, although only able to split Sigma Orionis into two stars. • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Suﬃcient for seeing 5 stars

12.61 Ori, Zeta, Dbl Star • 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x +/- OIII. Alnitak. I should have tried higher magniﬁcations. • 24/03/2015, 19:00-21:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Alnitak. Separated components A and C. Cannot remember if B was detectable.

12.62 Per, Eta, Star • 02/10/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Miram. The head of Perseus. A nice red star which is next to a little blue star. • 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Miram. Although not a double star, there is a far dimmer star next to Eta. The couple shows a nice contrast. Quite pretty.

122 12.63 Per, Gamma, Dbl Star • 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Quite large yellow star. Unfortunately, I do not remember this observation. I will repeat it.

12.64 Per, Zeta, Dbl Star • 31/08/2016a, 0:10-1:40, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 0%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.01; SW 200 F6, 96x. Lovely double star. One faint, one bright. One of my favourite.

• 30/12/2015b, 18:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. I was not aware that this is a star multiple system. I should have tried a bit more power and see whether the 11 mag star was detectable via averted vision. The system is also beautiful at 50x though.

12.65 Psc, Zeta, Mlt Star • 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. Two stars were clearly distinguished at 36x. One was a bit dimmer. The brighter component seemed white / yellow, whereas the dimmer star was grey / blue. Due to the presence of severe light pollution in the area where this star was observed, these colours might not be correct though.

12.66 Pup, 2PupA, Dbl Star • 17/12/2015, 21:40-01:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Sky-Watcher Skyliner 200 F6, 50x. A pair of bright white-blue-ish stars. Nice to view.

12.67 Pup, HIP36251A, Dbl Star • 29/12/2016, 22:00-23:30, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: New Moon 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 96x. Nice double star. Components are blue and orange. The orange appeared larger.

12.68 SH2-275, Mon, Neb • 08/12/2015, 21:20-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x + OIII. Rosette Nebula. Just a very soft patch was slightly detectable at 15x.

12.69 Sco, Alpha, Dbl Star • 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 69x, 103x, 129x, 257x. Antares. I could not split Alpha Sco into two stars. However, already at 103x, two diﬀerent colours were distinguishable. The low part was orange- red, whereas the upper part was green-ish. The two stars were somehow merged together. This diﬀerence in colour was striking at 129x and 257x.

123 • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Antares. Lovely red star. I could see the Airy disc and diﬀraction rings very nicely. Antares is one of my favourite stars.

12.70 Sco, Beta, Dbl Star • 15/05/2016a, 01:00-02:15, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 58%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.55; Tele Vue 60 F6, 40x. Acrab. Placed just above Mars, a lovely double star not to miss when one is in Scorpio. Omega Sco are another lovely double star to check in the area. • 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Acrab. Nice double star. The colours were not very clear because of the low position just above the horizon. Still very pretty though. Already split at 15x • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x. Acrab or Graffias. Although tight, I prefer this double star at 28x rather than 72x because of the smaller Airy disks. Very nice though. A bigger and bright orange star associated with a smaller blue star. • 11/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 3 - Somewhat clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 103x. Acrab or Graffias. It was clearly split, but the seeing was not very nice near the horizon and the stars light was not punctiform. The small star is blue. This double star is the top of the three stars of Scorpius. • 10/06/2015, 22:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 51x. Acrab or Graffias. Very fine multiple star system at 51x. The two stars have different colour and brightness. If I remember correctly the small one was blue. They were split but still quite tight. At 70x they should be split clearer.

12.71 Sco, Nu, Dbl Star • 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. This is tighter than Beta, but at 28x the two stars are separated. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x. I am not sure I saw this. If so, it appeared as a tight double star with the same colour and quite dim. 28x was better due to the higher image brightness.

12.72 Sco, Omega, Dbl Star • 22/07/2015, 22:50-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x, 28x. Largely separated double star, if it is a double. • 15/06/2015, 21:45-0:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 72x. The two stars were largely more separated than Acrab double stars. A no substantial diﬀerence in colour or size was noticeable though. I did not ﬁnd this target particularly interesting. Nicer at 28x.

12.73 Ser, Delta, Dbl Star • 27/08/2015, 21:10-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Their brightness was quite similar, possibly one slightly brighter. Colours were also very similar.

124 12.74 Ser, Theta, Dbl Star • 28/05/2016b, 23:30-2:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Third Quarter 53%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.6; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Alya. Continuing from IC4756 (Graﬀ’s cluster). Well separated but still lovely double star.

• 13/08/2015c, 22:20-0:40, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x. Alya. Only separated from the nearby star. The two stars have similar colour (grey) and intensity.

12.75 Sgr, Epsilon, Star • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 72x. Kaus Australis. Although this is not a binary star, there is a little dimmer star next to it. The couple seem to have diﬀerent colours although I could be wrong on this because the target was too close to the horizon. The diﬀerence in brightness was striking and made a lovely couple.

12.76 Sgr, Zeta, Dbl Star • 05/08/2015b, 22:00-0:30, Venice Area, Italy; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Celestron 114mm F8, 36x, 91x, 182x, 260x. Ascella. I tried to split this double. It seems very tight. I am not sure the companion was separated at 260x.

12.77 UMa, Alpha, Dbl Star • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Easy split. Nice.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x; 30x. Dubhe. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle (UK).

12.78 UMa, Gamma, Mlt Star • 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Nice view.

12.79 UMa, Zeta, Mlt Star • 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Mizar and Alcor. Nice system of stars. Easily seen with both the eyepieces. No special notes.

• 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 15x; 15x, 51x. Mizar and Alcor. B15x70, TV60F6, Newcastle, Cambridge (UK).

125 12.80 UMi, Alpha, Dbl Star • 24/12/2016, 18:30-0:20, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 21%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear; SW 200mm F6, 40x. Easy split.

• 26/08/2016, 21:00-23:00, Venice Area, Italy; Lunar Phase: Waning Crescent 29%; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 18.8; SW 200 F6, 96x. Easy split. Nice. • 12/08/2016b, 21:00-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waxing Gibbous 78%; Seeing: 3 - Mod- erate seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28.8x, 30x + VIP 3x. Polaris. Beautiful double star with a faint companion. This was noticeable with the Docter, but just detectable with some difficulty with the Delos. Again, the diffraction rings seemed smaller with the Docter. No astigmatism with either eyepiece. • 21/09/2015, 20:30-22:30, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 3 - Moderate seeing, Transparency: 4 - Partly clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x. Polaris. Companion visible at 28x. Very dim though and quite close to Polaris. Nice double. I like doubles with different brightness.

• 13/05/2015, 21:00-0:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 1 - Perfect seeing, Transparency: 5 - Clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 28x, 103x. Polaris. A nice target because of the large diﬀerence in brightness between the two stars. Polaris’ companion was dim grey and detectable at 28x with some diﬃculty. 103x easily split the two stars.

12.81 UMi, Gamma, Dbl Star • 22/03/2015, 19:00-22:00, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 15x. Pherkad. Blue 3mag. It has a neighbour star 10.30mag. Pherkad Minor orange 5mag. • 01/01/2015, Mar 1998 to Jan 2015, 51x. Pherkad. TV60F6, Cambridge (UK).

12.82 Vir, Alpha, Star • 25/03/2015, 21:00-22:45, Cambridge, UK; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 3 - Some- what clear; Tele Vue 60 F6, 72x. Spica. Blue star

12.83 Vir, Epsilon, Star • 05/04/2016, 20:40-23:00, Cambridge, UK; Lunar Phase: Waning crescent 2%; Seeing: 2 - Slight undulations, Transparency: 5 - Clear, Darkness: 19.64; Tele Vue 60 F6, 45x. Vindemiatrix. Used this as reference for initial star hopping. Here we go!

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