Another look at M31 in Andromeda, this time under better sky conditions. The galaxy is elongated  NW/SE. At x40, with adverted vision, I can see some detail in M31′s southeastern side toward the center as well as the northwestern edge where a dark lane trails in toward the central glow of the galaxy. At x90 the detail becomes slighty more prominent.

M110 – Elliptical Galaxy – Andromeda.

An At x40 this galaxy is small but bright with a near stellar core. The object is elongated E/W. At x90, no additional detail is noticed beyond the hazy smudge of light.

NGC 663 – Open Cluster – Cassiopeia

This cluster seems to be clumped into 4 sections. A beautiful site at x40, about 11 tenth mag. stars with many 12th mag. stars.

Stock2 – Open Cluster – Cassiopeia

This is a very large cluster best viewed with low power. The cluster fills the entire eyepiece with around 50 tenth mag. stars.

Clear Skies.

Finally tonight we got some clear skies. I didn’t have much time to observe so I setup quickly and looked around while my eyes adapted to the dark. By the time my eyes were ready I could see the 4.3 mag. stars in the little dippers handle.

I went right to Beta Cygnus (Albireo).  This is one of my favorite double stars. It’s an easy split in my 90mm at x40 and the colors of the primary – a yellow or almost Gold and the secondary – Blue are always pleasing.

M31. Andromeda Galaxy. In my 90mm at x40 this galaxy has a bright core with an elongated smudge. With adverted vision I could just detect a dark lane near the center.

That’s all I really had time for tonight. Got a busy day tomorrow.

Clear Skies!