Nocturnal Gnosis

Point the scope in between Gamma 1 Sag and Gamma 2 sag, for a spectacular view of two globular custers, that fit in the same FOV. These globulars are designated NGC 6522 and 6528, with dark nebula B 298 also in the FOV. 6522 is the brighter and larger of the two, it contains a bright core than can be resolved into stars with a 10 inch. These two globulars are within a very dense starfield. These two clusters are in the center of Baade's Window, a lapse in the interstellar dust of the milky way.

Also, take the time to observe a showpiece globular M19, even if you've done so in the past, because this globular is very interesting, though often overlooked within the messier catalog. This globular lies halfway between Antares, and Theta Ophiuchus, in the same 5 degree finder field as 36 Oph, a naked eye star. What makes this globular interesting, is that at moderate to high magnifications it is noticeably oblate, and almost football shaped at 180x or so. In fact, M 19 is the most oblate of all globular clusters.

This is a hard one, as there are such a wide variety of shapes and sizes, of planetary nebulae visible in July. NGC 6309, is a planetary in a rather rare arrangement, a box shape! The Box nebula lies in the same 5 degree finder field as Eta Oph, and Nu Ser. Use around 200x, for the box like shape to really become apparent. The next planetary on the list is in Aquila, NGC 6781. to locate this moderately sized planetary, make a triangle with 22 Aql and Delta Aql. This planetary is actually bigger than the Ring Nebula. Notice how one side of the object sort of droops down. This nebula reminds me of a cross between the ring nebula and the owl nebula!

Bright galaxies in Cygnus, and the summer sky in general are rare. However, on the border between Cygnus and Cepheus lies the beautiful NGC 6946, also known as the Fireworks Galaxy. This is a pretty face-on spiral, clouded by the dust of the milky way, appearing somewhat ghostly to an inexperienced observer. note the deep red V778 Cyg nearby. Also, open cluster NGC 6939 will fit in the same 60x FOV. NGC 6822, also known as Barnard's galaxy is another ghostly galaxy lying in Sagittarius. This galaxy is unique because it is an irregular barred galaxy. These kind of galaxies are few and far between.

On a dark night where the milky way is clearly visible, one should be able to see M24, the Sagittarius star cloud. If you scan this region with very low power, around 35 to 40x, inside of it you should notice what looks like a globular or an open cluster. Higher power will reveal that this object, known as NGC 6603, is indeed a tight open cluster.

No nebula this month, as the August list will be jam packed with nebula!