August 3 – Planetary Nebulae
Evening Highlights (revised 2/24/18): The Ring Nebula (M57) , a planetary nebula nearly 2300 light years from Earth. The Blue Racquetball, NGC 6572, a smooth disk brighter toward the center, 3,500 light years away is optimally viewed at 22:15 but well situated from dusk until past midnight. The Dumbbell Nebula (M27), a planetary nebula, approximately 1360 light years from Earth. The Bowtie Nebula, NGC 40, is well situated in Cepheus for viewing until very late in the night. It is 3,700 light years distant, and an easy target. The Blinking Planetary Nebula, NGC 6826, at a distance of 3,600 light years will be high up in the sky all night, and should be easily visible in the Meade 12″ scope. Four planets are visible in the sky tonight. Venus (magnitude -4.3) can be seen after sunset. Jupiter (-2.1) will be nice in the SSW at dusk, Saturn (0.2) in the southern sky, and Mars (-2.7) will be in the SE at its brightest. If you arrive by car, please park by 8:00 PM. Bring a chair if you can. A video on nebulae will be shown at about 8:20. Observing will begin about 9:05.