As Finished As I Can Get … Take 2

Well, somewhat against my better judgment, which isn't saying much, I found a way to get all but one of what turned out to be the remaining seven Herschel objects. Among other things, I found out that one abject that I thought I didn't have, I actually did as a Messier object; M110 in fact. So, my missing 8 turned to 7 with that finding. The method I used to get the remaining 6 (of 7) objects was to shove the focuser further up on the focal reducer. Basically, the problem is that the camera just doesn't quite fit between the back of the optical tube and the top of the base. It would be similar to having a swing set and the swing hitting the ground when you try to swing. I gained enough room to get closer to the north celestial pole, and doing so meant that the camera was within about 1/32 of an inch of hitting the base. But, it didn't. Now I have only NGC6217 left to image to complete the Herschel 400 list. Unfortunately, although it's circumpolar, it's below the tree line. My next goal is to find out when I might have a chance of success. For now, that's a job for another day. I'll leave you with one of the 6 I got last night, NGC40, which is a nebula with strong Ha emission, apparently, since it shows up so strongly in the red.

NGC 40, The Bow Tie Nebula (if it were green, I would call it the Green Lantern Nebula)

As Finished As I Can Get

Of the Herschel 400 list, that is. On the night of the 21^st, I imaged about 12 open clusters, a planetary nebula or 2 and a galaxy. That officially completed all of the objects I can photograph. That would end up being a total of 391 objects. Why can't I get the remaining 9? The scope won't point that far north with the camera attached. Well, mostly it won't. If I try to maintain the correct spacing of the camera to the focal reducer, there is not enough room between the fork arms to let the camera swing between the fork arms. However, IF I cheat a little and push the camera a little closer to the reducer, I might be able to get a few more. NGC2655 and NGC6217 are the worst offenders at a declinations over 78 degrees. I have limited the scope to 72 degrees declination to prevent damage, so it will be a tight fit. I will need to be at the scope, with all lights on, watching the swing to be sure the camera doesn't hit anything. OR, I could buy a new scope!!! Yeah, I like that idea! New mount actually. I currently eyeing a Losmandy G11G or G811G. I guess we'll just have to see what the futue holds.

I usually put an image in with my posts, and, since galaxies are usually more photogenic, I'll include NGC2613. Not really the greatest galaxy, but certainly good enough. I hope you enjoy.

NGC2613