March and Early April are one of the most amazing times in the celestial calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere (depending your latitude), on nights from late March through to the first couple of weeks of April, astronomers can view a good rotation of the night sky. If you’re intrepid, from dawn to dusk, there’s the opportunity to see ALL of the objects in Messier’s catalog!
M1 – M110 will be available, but it is a challenge to see them all. But, many amateur astronomers have taken up this challenge – to see all 100, or at least a majority of them, during a 10-11hr window. There IS a real strategy to achieve this goal, but it is doable! It is a real testament to an astronomer’s stamina, astronomical planning, observing, and logging skills to achieve it.
March and Early April are one of the most amazing times in the celestial calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere (depending your latitude), on nights from late March through to the first couple of weeks of April, astronomers can view a good rotation of the night sky. If you’re intrepid, from dawn to dusk, there’s the opportunity to see ALL of the objects in Messier’s catalog!
What is the difference between a 20mm eyepiece and a 25mm eyepiece? What does 60°, 80°, 100° really mean and why is it important? I see two 20mm eyepieces, but one is 1″ vs 2″ – what’s the difference? Why does my object look different on my 6″ vs someone else’s? Or – why is it very challenging to view The Horsehead Nebula, when I know I’m right on it?
