"Joe S." wrote in message ...

Is M1 a difficult object from light polluted skies?

[snip for brevity]

It's a difficult object under light polluted skies. I've had a chance to
examine it carefully two years ago using 11x80, 20x100 and a Tasco 60mm, under
6.4+ skies.

On moonless nights it was definitely visible with the 11x80 pair and very
obvious using the 20x100 pair using a stable tripod.

I used the 20x100 pair as a finder on my Tasco and yes, it was marginally
visible with the Tasco at 35x. But it was almost impossible to locate without
using the 20x100 pair as a finder.

At 35x with the Tasco, it was barely standing out against the background. If
the Tasco's 60mm lens was unaided by the huge finder, it would be a heck of a
challenge for this lens.

I suspect that Turn Left at Orion slightly exaggerates on this object, or if
not, the author used a slightly larger aperture for his descriptions, maybe a
3" or something. It definitely won't be visible in any cheap finder and if
there is a hint of light pollution, a 60mm lens will be pushed to its limits.

-- I can find M57, Ring Nebula, with no problem (takes a little searching).
At 83X and 150X the ring structure is clear though I cannot see the star in
the center.

I think M57 is generally easier than M1, because it has a somewhat more
"stellar" appearance, and if you know where to look you can pick it up even
from slightly polluted skies.

Seds lists M57 as 1.4 x 1.0 arcmins, and M1 as 6x4 arcmins, the former having
a surface brightness of 8.8, the later having a surface brightness of 8.4.
Note however that M1 is much wider, so its brightness gets spread out
considerably.

I was able to pick up M57 from central Athens on a good 3.5+ night. M1 is
impossible from Athens. I would imagine that with a 12" Dob, I MAY be able to
pick it up, provided I knew where to look exactly.

Thanks.
--
Ioannis
-------
The best way to predict reality, is to know exactly what you DON'T want.