On Sun, 19 Oct 2003 00:17:48 -0400, Michael A. Covington wrote:

The position and appearance indicate that what you saw is M31. You've just
given an excellent description of the way M31 looks to the naked eye and in
binoculars. In a really clear sky, it jumps out at you.

In your telescope, you usually see only the central core, which is much
smaller. The object you describe -- about 0.5 x 2 degrees -- is just what
the relatively bright part of M31 looks like in binoculars. (The fainter
parts may extend out to more like 1 x 4 degrees.)

And M31 was only 5 degrees from the zenith at the time and place you
describe.

That was my first impression of what it must be, but it was far too
bright, and not in the right position in relation to Cassiopeia. But I'm
not positive, because most stars weren't visible, and the angles were a
bit awkward.

If it was M31, I'll be able to tell if there's a cloudless night in the
next few days. Otherwise, I'll remain stumped.


--
- Mike

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