2024-02-04

• Condition: VG6
• Location: Home, Spearfish: 44.49, -103.87

9:12PM

• Target: IC 289, PN G138.8+02.8[1]
• Const: Cassiopeia
• RaDec: 03h10m +61°19
• Type: Planetary Nebula
• Scope: AT102ED
• Setting: 55x, AV
• Image: ../images/2024-02-04_IC289.jpg[2]

This was my second night attempting this target, it could be the most difficult PN I've yet seen. It was virtually undetectable, and I had to consult Stellarium multiple times to confirm I was in the right location. Eventually, prolonged AV (20-ish) minutes gave me a few split-second glimpses. Interestingly, the Ultrablock filter seemed to make it worse and I could not even get a detection with it installed. Not sure I'm going to be able to get a full observation of this target from my backyard. Going to note this one for a revisit from a darker location.

[1] IC 289, PN G138.8+02.8 (ID)

[2] ../images/2024-02-04_IC289.jpg

9:32PM

• Target: NGC 1931[1]
• Const: Auriga
• RaDec: 05h31m +34°13
• Type: Nebula
• Scope: AT102ED
• Setting: 55x, Ultrablock, AV
• Image: ../images/2024-02-04_NGC1931.jpg[2]

Easy to find and in a beautiful location in the sky. Nestled between M36 just outside of the FOV to the east and φ Aurigae to the west. Ultrablock is required for observation and prolonged AV helped grow the size a little. I'm getting a hint that the shape is more triangular.

[1] NGC 1931 (ID)

[2] ../images/2024-02-04_NGC1931.jpg