Martin R. Howell wrote:

On Tue, 7 Sep 2004 21:22:35 -0700, Jan Owen wrote:

But because 12.5" is right at the edge of being able to see it more often,
that's why I was curious as to Martin's experiences. He has bracketed it
in his other observations, if, again, somewhat marginally,
magnitude-wise, so I thought I would ask whether he's seen the central
star with the same scope...

Hi Jan,

The central star continues to elude me. There have been a few occasions
when I could, if I were less demanding of my observations, claim to have
seen the star. . .but truth be told, apparently my timing is off. Clear
and moonless skies with really quality seeing conditions are tough to come
by up here in Lake Stevens. Reducing the odds even more is the fact that
for more than 8 years, I have worked a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. shift with
an obligatory 2 nights off per week. However, my friend Tom Wales has
located a really dark location about 45 miles away and we may go there next
week and, if so, I'll give it another shot.

Martin

I've seen it clearly, with direct vision. But, it was through the FPOA's
30" scope... :-) I guess I don't stand a chance with my own 8". :-(

- Alex