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Observing Summer Deep-Sky Objects
by Edward P. Flaspoehler,Jr., President AAAA
Abstract: AAAA President Ed Flaspoehler, from Dallas, TX,
presented his slide show entitled
Observing Summer Deep Sky Objects. This program is aimed at beginning amateur
astronomers, and features five of the most important Messier Objects observable
during the summer by amateur telescopes: a globular cluster, M13; an open
cluster, M6 and M7; a planetary nebula, M57, an emission nebula, M8 and M20, and
a galaxy, M31. Ed’s program is lavishly illustrated with his own slides
depicting the various objects and the constellations in which they can be found,
as well as some mythological background.
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M13 |
M6 & M7 |
M57 |
M8 & M20 |
M31 |
The summer sky is home for some of the most spectacular
deep sky objects that amateur astronomers can observe
This list of objects and the constellations they
are in were chosen to provide a starting point for new astronomers to begin
their exploration of the sky. With the help of a good star chart, anyone should
easily be able to find each of the objects mentioned here.
The constellations and objects were chosen from the many deep sky objects that can be observed during the summer season, and
are representative of each of the five type of deep sky objects observable with
an amateur telescope: an emission nebula, a planetary nebula, an open cluster, a
globular cluster, and a galaxy.
If you have not already embarked on an observing program, now is the time to
start. Observe and log each of the objects below and you will be on your way to
a Messier certificate or one of the binocular programs sponsored by the
Astronomical League.
As you find each object, use the observing form that
came with your AAAA membership packet to log your observations. Make as many
copies as you need of the one we sent you, and be sure to keep a clean original
for extra copies before you start. If you need an new copy of our observing
form, you can also print off our PDF file from the internet:
To begin, identify the constellation on your star chart
so you can find it with your naked eye. Then look for the object with
binoculars. Finally, use a telescope to view the object up close. Enlist the
help of your friends as necessary.
Go
to the Crane Observatory Page
