M71 (NGC 6838), globular cluster, Sagitta
133x: Rich, arrowhead-shaped mass of stars (quite apt considering the constellation it resides in), situated within an already rich section of the Milky Way. Chains of stars forming two swept-back “wings”. More condensed than any open cluster (including M11), but quite loose for a globular, lacking that central density of stars. Brightest stars are around 11th or 12th magnitude, so it can often appear washed-out on hazy summer nights. But when the transparency is good it really comes alive.
M72 (NGC 6981), globular cluster, Aquarius
92x and 133x: A little condensed; grainy with averted vision. With time some faint stars become visible on the outskirts of the cluster, including two stars south of the core. Two bright field stars east of the cluster. Seems somewhat faint for a Messier globular.
M73 (NGC 6994), asterism, Aquarius
92x: Four stars of similar brightness arranged in a tight “Y” or “arrowhead” shape. Latest science suggests that this is just a chance alignment and the stars are not physically related. Fortunately there’s a more interesting target to the northeast…
See also:
NGC 7009, Saturn Nebula, planetary nebula, Aquarius
92x, 133x, 240x: Bright, pale aquamarine ellipse. Quite elongated for a planetary nebula. At 240x with the OIII filter it becomes very bright, albeit devoid of detail. The nickname is well-deserved; at first glance it does look a lot like a ghost image of the ringed planet.
M74 (NGC 628), spiral galaxy, Pisces
133x: Quite faint, but still obvious despite its reputation as the toughest Messier. I certainly wouldn’t class it as difficult (at least compared to some of the Caldwell objects). Brighter towards the core with averted vision. This is surrounded by a large faint disc, with darker areas possibly indicating the regions between spiral arms. With prolonged observation there almost seems to be an impression of the spiral structure itself, but I think this might be an illusion caused by the pattern of three field stars east of the core and another one to the west.
M75 (NGC 6864), globular cluster, Sagittarius
133x: Grainy little fuzzball; no stars resolved. Seems quite small compared to other Messier globulars, but perhaps I’m only seeing the core region.
171x: Small, bright and condensed – swells in size with averted vision. Hint of graininess, but no stars popping out. Suggestion of dark area on the eastern side.
M76 (NGC 650, NGC 651), Little Dumbbell Nebula, Planetary nebula, Perseus
133x: Bright both with and without the Ultrablock filter. Double-lobed structure with the south-western lobe clearly brighter than the other. Light greenish colour. Prolonged averted vision (with the Ultrablock filter) starts to reveal the faint “loop” extensions on either side of the main nebula (brighter on one side). With an OIII filter it can seem vaguely reminiscent of the famous Hubble image of the Homunculus Nebula surrounding Eta Carinae.
240x + Ultrablock filter: Holds brightness very well at this magnification, but no colour apparent. Bi-lobed, boxy shape, with the brighter lobe appearing almost rectangular. Prolonged examination suggests one or two knots/condensations within the brighter lobe.
M77 (NGC 1068), spiral (Seyfert) galaxy, Cetus
133x and 240x: Cetus is not the most prominent constellation, but this galaxy is helpfully within two fovs of Delta Ceti (a distinctly blue star). M77 itself appears as a very bright core embedded in a disc of nebulosity – immediately obvious even when there’s interference from haze or moonlight. Could easily be mistaken for a comet by an unwary observer. A nearby 10th magnitude star to the east helps with focus and averted vision. The galaxy holds its brightness well at 240x, but with no real increase in detail other than an extended core region (distinct from the nucleus).
M78 (NGC 2068), reflection nebula, Orion
50x, 92x and 133x: Pair of 10th magnitude stars immersed in a fan-shaped swathe of nebulosity (like a condensed version of the Merope nebula in the Pleiades), appearing like headlights shining through fog, or one of the ghosts from Pac-Man. Some mottled structure apparent with averted vision, sharp cut-off on northern side. A detached portion of the nebula (NGC 2071) is visible on the other side of this dark gap: appearing smaller and fainter than M78, no structure visible.
M79 (NGC 1904), globular cluster, Lepus
133x and 240x: Another grainy fuzzball – small and condensed, but quite distinctive despite its low altitude. One faint star resolved on the northern edge (and apparently it is a cluster member and not a foreground star). The view of the cluster isn’t substantially different at 240x, but this single 12th magnitude star becomes more distinct.
See also:
A visit to Lepus isn’t complete without at least a quick look at the carbon star R Leporis (aka Hind’s Crimson Star), one of the reddest stars you’re ever likely to see.
M80 (NGC 6093), globular cluster, Scorpius
133x: Small, bright, condensed globular. Averted vision appears to expand the size of the cluster and make it a little grainy, but no stars are resolved. 8th or 9th magnitude field star to the north-east.
At 171x the impression remains much the same: a very condensed core and a few “speckles” with averted vision. The most prominent of these speckles (and the only one I was able to hold in view for a significant amount of time) is roughly halfway between the core of M80 and the aforementioned field star.
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