2026-02-21
- Condition: E5
- Quality: 19.09 mpsas
- Location: Home, Spearfish: 44.49, -103.87
7:29PM
- Target: NGC 2353
- Const: Monoceros
- RaDec: 07h14m -10.16
- Type: Open Cluster
- Class: I 2 m
- Scope: AT102ED
- Setting: 55x
Lovely cluster. It was framed nicely at 55x and the concentration was more evident due to a gap between the cluster and the surrounding star field. The cluster in the sketch represents the central 33% of the sketch, I wanted to include the gap in the sketch for effect.
7:44PM
- Target: 10 Monocerotis, BUP 89
- Const: Monoceros
- RaDec: 06h27m -04.45
- Type: Star (Multiple)
- Scope: AT102ED
- Setting: 89x
This was a really cool multiple star. It is embedded within NGC 2232 as one of the brightest stars. I took some time debating whether I sketch this target at 55x or zoomed a little closer at 89x. After cycling back and forth between magifications I decided that a slightly zoomed in looked better.
8:01PM
- Target: NGC 2261, Hubble’s Variable Nebula
- Const: Monoceros
- RaDec: 06h39m +8.45
- Type: Nebula
- Scope: AT102ED
- Setting: 55x
Flagged as a target to revisit I mistakenly remembered the nebula as being a little brighter than it actually is. Ideally, I should revisit this on a dark night with no moon visible. Regardless, it does catch the eye as an odd object when observing it. AV brings it a little more size and detail, though AV is not necessary to see it. I attempted using the Ultrablock filter, but it did not help. Will revisit again in darker conditions.
8:19PM
- Target: Sirius b
- Const: Canis Major
- RaDec: 06h46m -16.45
- Type: Star (Double)
- Scope: AT102ED
- Setting: 89x - 236x
Spent the last moments of the night attempting to split Sirius again. The conditions were great, but all attempts at reasonable magnifications failed so I attempted pushing magification past my theoretical maximum, but that also failed. Will keep trying until I get this!