Sunday, February 11, 2007

M76 through the UHC Filter

On the 8th February I had missed out on seeing the M76 through the new filter (I had forgotten about it). Taking an opportunity between cloudy periods I took out the scope and observed it. The difference is evident. At a magnification of x120, for example, without the filter it is an elongated haze. With the filter the two lobes are easily visible. Approaching cloud soon cut the session short. The RH was 72%.

Just as I was setting up the scope the ISS passed overhead heading from the SW to the NE, disappearing close to the zenith just by Capella. It was very bright and checking it afterwards on heavens-above.com confirmed it was mag. -1.0.