Thursday, September 23, 2004

Star Light, Star not-so Bright Or in this case, the planetary nebula NGC 6543 (the Cat Eye Nebula.) After reading Sky and Telescope, I got all excited about trying to find the Cat Eye Nebula.  I found the Ring Nebula earlier this summer, and figured while the Cat Eye was smaller, I should be able to pick it out with my scope (5 inch.) Dragged out the scope, books, clipboard, etc... (being careful not to let in the bats in the house like before) Hunted up some batteries for the red flashlight.. .  Played harmonica while the nieghborhood cat meowed with me as my eyes got used to the night... Then, I spent the next 2 hours looking for the dang thing. Part of the time was spent with more harmonica music / night vision / cat singing, as I had to brave the harsh light inside the house getting more books and then binoculars to help me with the quest. I could just make out some of the stars within Draco and I know I was close.  I just couldn't find the nebula. Around midnight I was getting desperate enough to be using the binos to look through my TelRad finder...yea, that is desperate...and backbreaking. Finally, my equitorial mount gave out and the scope wouldn't stay upright. I did a quick peek at M31 steadying the scope with my hands. I could see M110, but didn't really notice M32 so the night was not a total loss More astro hijinks off the back porch- 6:26:44 AM