When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
/ Arthur C. Clarke /



In memoriam Halton C. Arp (1927-2013).


My astronomy sketches. Hover mouse over image for the inverted look. For fainter objects, take a look at the black-on-white original, sometimes it reveals more details.


Need advice? Want to discuss an observation? Feel free to contact me at flovro gmail*com.

ÚJ! Amennyiben elérhető, a ikonra kattintva magyarul is olvashatod az észlelést.


Show me the newest sketches!
By type: open clusters [67] globular clusters [14] diffuse nebulae [3] dark nebulae [0] planetary nebulae [27] variable stars [18] binary stars [23] asterisms [2] galaxies [119] quasars [1] planets [2] minor planets [1] comets [5] Sun [0] Moon [5] other objects [8]
By catalogue: Messier 1-50 [20] Messier 51-110 [18] NGC 1-1000 [17] NGC 1001-2000 [21] NGC 2001-3000 [32] NGC 3001-4000 [25] NGC 4001-5000 [18] NGC 5001-6000 [22] NGC 6001-7000 [40] NGC 7001-7840 [35] IC 1-5386 [1] other catalogues [71] uncataloged [10] [25]
By constellation:



King 6 (Open cluster)
Right ascension: 3h 28m Declination: 56° 27'
Constellation: Camelopardalis
Date/time: 2008.03.15 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 27' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Even the brightest star of this 6-7' cluster is only 10m, and all the rest of its brighter stars (about half a dozen) are also near 12m. Hidden in the background are even fainter members (about 30-35), which can be seen by averted vision to the 14th magnitude or so. It has a fuzzy background, suggesting plenty of even fainter stars.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M52 + OCL261 (Open cluster)
Also known as: NGC 7654 + Czernik 43 (Cz 43)
Right ascension: 23h 24m Declination: 61° 35'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2008.01.24 18:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 40' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

These two star clusters can be found easily nearby the constellation Cassiopeia. The Messier object M52 is a quite large open cluster with clearly identifiable boundaries and has a diameter of at least 20'. Its image is determined by a very bright star, however the cluster itself looks quite rich, even though the brightness of other stars is not even close to their brightest companion. To the east from M52, behind a wall of shiny stars lies the open cluster OCL261 (also known as Czernik 43), populated with a dozen dim stars.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Stock 10 (Open cluster)
Right ascension: 5h 39m Declination: 37° 56'
Constellation: Auriga
Date/time: 2008.02.12 18:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 52' Magnification and filter(s): 45x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

If I wouldn't check this object out previously with my planetarium-software, I would most probably didn't even notice this sparsely populated open cluster through the telescope. Catalogues claim that it has a diameter of around 25', however it looks larger to me. Its three brightest 7m members rule the field of vision. Unfortunately at the time of this sketch, the Moon was in a phase of around 35%, painting the entire sky gray, which is probably the reason why I haven't noticed any stars brighter than 13m in the area even by using averted vision, no matter that there were an excellent seeing this time.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Stock 23 (Open cluster)
Right ascension: 3h 12m Declination: 60° 0'
Constellation: Camelopardalis
Date/time: 2008.02.20 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 20' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This is a large open cluster with a diametre of around 15'. Not that spectacular, although it can be clearly distinguished from its environs that is relatively poor in stars. It has two separate shiny parts, with the brightest stars as shiny as 7.5-9 magnitudes, sparkling in all different colours. The Western part of the cluster has an optical double at its end towards the middle of the cluster that can be easily separated, and where both members are also real doubles in themselves. However, I could not resolve those doubles at this magnification level.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Trumpler 1 (Open cluster)
Also known as: Tr 1
Right ascension: 1h 36m Declination: 61° 17'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2008.02.19 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 18' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

In the neighborhood of the M103 located this tiny but spectacular open cluster. 71x: the object probably looks the nicest on this magnification. It's notable figure is a little line formed by four stars of around the same (11-12) magnitude. 167x: the cluster itself is less spectacular on this power, however one of the four stars splits to a binary of two dim (13m) stars. The OC has an easy position, and is a very interesting, spectacular view, worth taking a look at it.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Trumpler 2 (Open cluster)
Right ascension: 2h 37m Declination: 55° 59'
Constellation: Perseus
Date/time: 2008.01.26 18:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 30' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice open cluster in the neighborhood of the famous double-cluster of the constellation Cassiopeia. It has a quite large diametre of 20'. Its most notable member is the 7.38 magnitude red giant star, HD 16068.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Trumpler 3 + PNG138.1+04.1 (Open cluster)
Also known as: Tr 3
Right ascension: 3h 12m Declination: 63° 15'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2008.01.26 20:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 45' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This open cluster is located in a star field that's free from bright stars. Its most remarkable figure reminds me of a reaping-hook, and is composed by four stars between magnitudes 9 and 10. These are also considered the brightest members of the cluster, besides these only a couple of stars of 8-10m are visible in the field of vision, but most of the members are fainter than 12m. For about 20' to the south is the planetary nebula PNG138.0+04.1, but its nebulosity can only be suspected even by using averted vision - the large, 5.5' diameter planetary cannot really be seen even with the UHC filter on. However, its 13m central star can be found and a little haziness can be detected next to this star that is probably illuminated by the brighter stars next to the central one.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 1545 (Open cluster)
Also known as: Collinder 49 (Cr 49)
Right ascension: 4h 21m Declination: 50° 15'
Constellation: Perseus
Date/time: 2008.02.11 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 40' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This cluster is not too dense and not at all spectacular, for me its only charm was the northern star of the triangle made up of three bright stars with its nice red/orange colour. Its environs are moderately rich in stars, its boundaries are hardly noticeable, because it perfectly fades into its surroundings.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 2281 (Open cluster)
Also known as: Cr 116
Right ascension: 6h 48m Declination: 41° 5'
Constellation: Auriga
Date/time: 2008.01.24 19:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This open cluster can be located easily, yet it doesn't cover a large area. It has half-dozen brighter and at least 20 fainter members. Its most notable pattern is the diamond made up by four bright stars in the middle of the cluster. The OC is clearly separated from its environs.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

The Coathanger (Asterism)
Also known as: Collinder 399 (CR 399), Brocchi's cluster
Right ascension: 19h 27m Declination: 20° 09'
Constellation: Vulpecula
Date/time: 2009.06.19 21:00 UT
Equipment: 10x50 binoculars
FoV: 3° 30' Magnification and filter(s): 10x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This famous cluster demands a huge FoV, that can only be achieved by binoculars. At a NELM of about 5 magnitudes, you may notice it with your bare eyes as a large, diffuse spot. The coathanger shape is formed by 10 shiny stars, and the background is painted grainy by the Milky Way.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2063 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 16h 32m Declination: 45° 36'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A bright wide pair with a separation of at least 12". B is much fainter and has a little tint of orange in it. A is perfectly white.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2140 (Binary star)
Also known as: Ras Algethi, alpha Herculis, alpha Her
Right ascension: 17h 15m Declination: 14° 23'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 19' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A nice bright pair, A is definitely orange and at least 2 magnitudes brighter than B, which looks white/yellow. A: 3.5m, B: 5.4m, A-B: 4.7" PA: 105°. Component D is much fainter and looks perfectly white, with 11m, A-D: 90", PA: 40°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2161 (Binary star)
Also known as: rho Her
Right ascension: 17h 24m Declination: 39° 9'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.05 18:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 21' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The component A is estimated at 4.6m with white colour, component B at 5.5m and looks like it has a touch of blue in it. At 71x they are only separated if the seeing permits. At 167x they are perfectly separated, B looks definitely fainter. Separation is estimated at 4.1" with a position angle (PA) of 315°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2232 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 17h 50m Declination: 25° 17'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 18' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Splits up easily at 71x, although looks much better at 167x. A nice pair with different colour and brightness. A-B: 6", PA: 140°. A very spectacular pair.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2280 (Binary star)
Also known as: 100 Herculis, 100 Her
Right ascension: 18h 8m Declination: 26° 6'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.05 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Wide pair, nearly identical in colour and brightness, although the component A looks a little bit brighter. They are both a little bit bluish, sometimes I even detect a little orange in component B. A: 5.9m, B: 6.0m, A-B: 14", PA: 183°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2727 (Binary star)
Also known as: gamma Delphini, gamma Del
Right ascension: 20h 47m Declination: 16° 7'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A rather standard pair with different colour and brightness. The catalogues list only 1 magnitude difference in that, but actually it looks much more to me. The fainter component is a bit pastel greenish. A: 4.5m, gold colour, B: 5.4m, green. A-B: 9.2", PA: 270°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2878 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 22h 14m Declination: 7° 59'
Constellation: Pegasus
Date/time: 2009.09.16 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A: white, 7m. B: a bit bluish, 8.1m. C: 10m. D: 11m. A-B does not split until 250x is used, but perhaps better seeing or greater magnification is required. A-B: 1.4", PA: 120°. A-C: 1', PA: 120°. A-D: 2', PA: 270°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

O. Struve 390 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 19h 55m Declination: 30° 12'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2009.10.03 18:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 10' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 18.33 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Component A is the brightest part of of the trio by far. They split up easily even at 71x. A: 6.5m, white. B: 9.5m, slightly bluish. C: 11m. A-B: 10", PA: 20°. A-C: 16", PA: 170°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Lovro 2 (Asterism)
Right ascension: 0h 22m Declination: 24° 50'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.16 00:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 1° Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A fairly large asterism made up of stars of similar brightness and colour. It clearly separates from its environs, however it is only an asterism and not an open cluster according to the data I could put my hands on. It resembles either a double questionmark, or the flames of a large torch. Sofar I couldn't find any catalogue that listed this object as an asterism, so I decided to use the designation of Lovro 2. However, please not that this is a totally unofficial designation.

Appeared in Sky & Telescope 2013/01.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

3C 147 (Quasar)
Also known as: PGC 2355407
Right ascension: 5h 43m Declination: 49° 40'
Constellation: Auriga
Date/time: 2010.02.15 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 34' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This is actually an unsuccessful observation, I still believe it should be posted here because it shows how hard is the life of an ordinary visual observer. :) The map I'm using (Triatlas B) shows stars and DSO's to approximately 12 mags. I found this quasar in Auriga and I was sure I'll be able to take a glimpse of this distant object. Without exact position data, I decided to sketch the field of stars and identify the actual quasar later. Unfortunately my astronomy program did not show any quasar here to the 16.5 magnitudes. The reason is that it lists the quasar at 18.2. I've googled the Vmag of this QSO, and found brightness data anywhere from 15.0 to 17.8m. At 15 magnitudes I should be able to see the object surely with averted vision (we had 100% snow coverage, so the NELM was not as good as it used to be). So, what I've learned from this is that brightness information must be handled with special care, especially for faint and exotic objects.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

C/2009 K5 (McNaught) (Comet)
Also known as: Comet McNaught K5
Right ascension: 22h 40m Declination: 79° 31'
Constellation: Cepheus
Date/time: 2010.05.10 22:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 100 x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Even the finderscope displays this comet like a very faint spot. At 100x it shows a very nice occultation with two brighter stars. Very nice gradient change in its brightness, slightly oval shape, bright but tiny core. A very small diametre of about 1.2'.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

C/2009 K5 (McNaught) (Comet)
Right ascension: 23h 21m Declination: 81° 10'
Constellation: Cepheus
Date/time: 2010.05.12 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 25' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The comet is easy to find in the finderscope as a very faint spot. Nice gradient change in its brightness, definitely oval shape, bright and tiny core. The diametre looks much larger than two days ago, perhaps this is because of the better atmospheric conditions. I estimate a size of about 2.5' x 1.9'.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Hickson 68 (Galaxy)
Also known as: NGC 5350 + NGC 5353 + NGC 5354 + NGC 5355
Right ascension: 13h 54m Declination: 40° 17'
Constellation: Canes Venatici
Date/time: 2010.05.12 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 20' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Fantastic spectacular group of galaxies. I can catch 4 of 5 group members. NGC 5353 and 5354 are showing star-like core, NGC 5350 does not show such a feature, although this is clearly the largest of all. NGC 5355 is the faintest, it's so dim that it's hard to detect its exact shape and position angle (PA). Hickson designations are: 68a = NGC 5353 (11m), 68b = NGC 5354 (11.4m), 68c = NGC 5350 (11.3m), 68d = NGC 5355 (13.1m), 68e = NGC 5358 (13.6m). Unfortunately I was unable to detect the last one of the quintet, but it should be visible on a better night.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

η Cas (Binary star)
Also known as: Eta Cassiopeiae
Right ascension: 0h 50m Declination: 57° 53'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2010.10.13 00:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 300x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: -1°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Component B is yellowish while the fairly brighter component A is white. PA values: AB=319°, AC=123°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

γ Ari (Binary star)
Also known as: Gamma Arietis, Mesarthim
Right ascension: 1h 54m Declination: 19° 21'
Constellation: Aries
Date/time: 2010.10.14 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.20 m/as2 Temperature: 3°C
Humidity: dry Wind: moderate
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Both the A and B components have the same metallic white colour and equal brightness. Component C is located far from the AB pair, to the East. PA values are: AB=179°, AB-C=85°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 2655 + SN2011B (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 8h 57m Declination: 78° 11'
Constellation: Camelopardalis
Date/time: 2011.01.28 17:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 25' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 2/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Unfortunately the galaxy is located on a light polluted portion of the sky, yet it is easily visible with 71x including the suprisingly bright supernova SN2011B to the ESE. I estimate that the brightess of the supernova is around 12.8m, about the same as the star-like core of the galaxy itself. Because of the light pollution, sometimes it looks as if the SN is just outside the galactic plane: this is because I probably see only the internal regions of the GX. SQM reading: 20.53m/arcsec2, high humidity, -7°C.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 3972 + NGC 3982 + NGC 3990 + NGC 3998 + SN 2011by (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 11h 58m Declination: 55° 16'
Constellation: Ursa Major
Date/time: 2011.05.06 20:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 32' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

My original plan was to observe the supernova SN 2011by, the newest celebrity in the stellar world. However, as it is located in an area full of spectacular galaxies, I decided to sketch the galactic neighborhood too. The supernova itself is very bright, even brighter than what I expected, and compared to the nearby stars, I estimate a brightness of abour 13.2m! It is by far brighter than the surface of the parent galaxy, NGC 3972. The two large face-on galaxies (3998 and 3982) are the brightest in the FoV, the tiny 3990 is only slightly fainter than these, The 3972 is however very faint, and I cannot detect the nearby 3977 at all. Perhaps I should try again on a night with better seeing. SQM: 21.12m/arcsec2, 2°C.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M51 + SN 2011dh (Galaxy)
Also known as: Whirlpool galaxy
Right ascension: 13h 30m Declination: 47° 8'
Constellation: Ursa Major
Date/time: 2011.06.21 21:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 25' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Today was the Summer solstice, so it's not surprising that even at 11pm the Western horizon is still shining in bluish colour, however at East the hazy patch of the Summer Milkyway is already easily noticeable. The spiral structure of the M51 is readily visible at 71x, surprisingly easy and so is the supernova SN2011dh, which I estimate to be at 12.3m and is located in the middle of a large outer spiral arm towards ESE from the galactic core. At such a high brightness this supernova is possibly one of the brightest for this year, at a very easy position for Northern hemisphere observers also with much smaller scopes.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

C/2009 P1 Garradd (Comet)
Right ascension: 21h 20m Declination: 13° 55'
Constellation: Pegasus
Date/time: 2011.08.05 20:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 38' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Fairly bright comet, with a tail to the SSE and a tiny sharp extension to the S. The sketch displays the comet's position at the beginning of the observation while the crosshairs define the position about 45 minutes later when I finished the sketch. SQM: 21.42, 13°C, bit humid.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Crater Gutenberg (Our Moon)
Also known as: Crater Gutenberg, Rimae Goclenius
Right ascension: h m Declination: ° '
Constellation:
Date/time: 2011.08.17 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 2/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This crater catched my attention because of its weird potato shape. Being near the terminator, half the crater is in a shadow, but it shows plenty of little details especially at 375x : small domes and mountains scattered inside. Below the crater you can see two rimae originated from the nearby crater Goclenius. A spectacular view!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2723 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2723
Right ascension: 20h 45m Declination: 12° 22'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 8' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.20 m/as2 Temperature: 22°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Slightly different close pair. I estimate component A (to the NW) to be 7m bright with B being about 8.5 magnitudes. Both components are white, A with a touch of blue. The estimated separation is 1.2", position angle (PA) being 125°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2735 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2735
Right ascension: 20h 56m Declination: 4° 35'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 20:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: 24°C
Humidity: dry Wind: moderate
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Splits very nicely, although at 71 it displays no signs of being a binary, but at 250x it splits with a thin slit, however the component B is sometimes still covered by the diffraction spike of component A (to the SE). At 375x this very close binary splits nicely. It shows large difference in brightness. Both is white with A a bit yellowish while B very lightly bluish. I estimate A being 6.5m bright and B 10m. Note that catalogues list B as 7.7m, but I belive visually it's MUCH fainter than that! The estimated separation is 2" with a PA of 295°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

1 Del (Binary star)
Also known as: 1 Delphini
Right ascension: 20h 31m Declination: 10° 57'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.24 m/as2 Temperature: 20°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Equally bright, extremely close double star. Both component is white with a separation of only 0.9" and PA of 350°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2730 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2730
Right ascension: 20h 52m Declination: 6° 26'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.24 m/as2 Temperature: 20°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice, almost equally bright standard pair. Both is white with the main component having a light touch of yellow. Separation: 3.2", PA: 345°. A: 8.5m, B: 8.6m.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

3 Juno (Minor planet)
Right ascension: 15h 47m Declination: -2° 21'
Constellation: Serpens
Date/time: 2012.06.08 21:14 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 71x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This is an observation of the minor planet Juno (3) marked on the sketch with the crosshair, however I consider this observation as negative, as I was unable to follow the asteroid in the next days because of bad weather.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Stephenson 1 (Open cluster)
Right ascension: 18h 55m Declination: 36° 53'
Constellation: Lyra
Date/time: 2012.07.15 22:30 UT
Equipment: 4.5" f/8 Newtonian
FoV: 33' Magnification and filter(s): 100x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Lipótfa, Zselic, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Very sparsely populated cluster around the bright star of Delta Lyrae. Apart from that, three other bright stars dominate the FoV. No diffuse background can be detected.

SQM reading: 21.42 MPSAS, 8°C (freezing cold for a midsummer day ;) )


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

HIP 100155 (TVICS)
Right ascension: 20h 19m Declination: 39° 3'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.14 22:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.32 m/as2 Temperature: 8°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Spectacular bright star, that is orange with a hint of red. Located near RS Cygni. It is the Southern apex of a triangle of stars. Should be viewed WITHOUT dark adapted eyes.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Albireo (TVICS)
Also known as: Beta Cygni
Right ascension: 19h 31m Declination: 28° 0'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.14 22:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.32 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very spectacular view, the prime exemplar for colour contrasted binary stars. The primary star is red with a hint of orange while the secondary star is somewhat fainter and light blue. A must see couple that is also the easiest colourful object you can find.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

T Lyrae (TVICS)
Also known as: T LYR
Right ascension: 18h 33m Declination: 37° 5'
Constellation: Lyra
Date/time: 2012.08.14 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.2 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 5 - plentyful of details, a must see object, jaws dropped
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

When I first glimpsed this star, my jaws simply dropped and I regret, but the first thing I said was "oh f*ck". This is most probably the reddest star you can ever find. Everything I ever saw is surpassed by the looks of this star, although WZ CAS still rules the world of colourful stars with its nicely contrasting blue companion star. This variable star is a lonely one, and with its beautiful colour it's also an easy find, although it is a bit faint and you must prepare yourself for finding something in the FoV that is not a shade of white: interesting, but this uniqueness makes it a bit hard to find for the inexperienced eye!

This star is a MUST see object!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

U Cygni (TVICS)
Also known as: U CYG
Right ascension: 20h 20m Declination: 47° 56'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.15 22:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.18 m/as2 Temperature: 12°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very nice orange star with a slightly fainter light blue companion nearby that contrast nicely.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

AX Cygni (TVICS)
Also known as: AX CYG
Right ascension: 19h 58m Declination: 44° 18'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.15 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.25 m/as2 Temperature: 10°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Faint, lonesome red variable star with a touch of orange. Two fairly bright stars located nearby to the W and NW, making a nice triangle with AX CYG. To the NE (outside this FoV) there's a binary that looks colourful too. Despite its faintness it is a very remarkable view.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

RS Cygni (TVICS)
Also known as: RS CYG
Right ascension: 20h 14m Declination: 38° 46'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.15 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 17' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.2 m/as2 Temperature: 9°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice deep red variable star with a gentle touch of orange, the middle apex of a remarkable triangle of stars. To the N you may find another nice colourful TVICS star, HIP 100155.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

WDS H 4 113 (TVICS)
Also known as: Ward 1, WDS H4 113, HIP 103822
Right ascension: 21h 3m Declination: 39° 34'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.16 0:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: 9°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very nice, colour contrasted binary. Not really tight. The primary member (A) is intense golden yellow while the secondary member (B) is blue with a tint of purple. In fact, this is not simply a binary of two stars, but I found out later while doing a research on this object that many of the other stars on this sketch are connected to the primary (as described in this document).


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

61 Cygni (Binary star)
Also known as: 61 Cyg, Piazzi's Flying Star
Right ascension: 21h 7m Declination: 38° 48'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.19 20:30 UT
Equipment: 4.5" f/8 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 150x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.37 m/as2 Temperature: 16°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Lipótfa, Zselic, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Spectacular yellow binary star, makes a nice couple especially at low magnification. The fainter companion is a little bit bluish. The primary aim for this sketch is to observe this star once every year from now on on the approximately same day in order to display how this star drifts through space compared to the other field stars - this is one of the fastest apparently moving star with about 5" per year.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

WZ Cassiopeiae (TVICS)
Also known as: WZ CAS, Hip 99
Right ascension: 0h 2m Declination: 60° 26'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2012.09.07 20:25 UT
Equipment: 4.5" f/8 Newtonian
FoV: 8' Magnification and filter(s): 224x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.33 m/as2 Temperature: 10°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Lipótfa, Zselic, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

One of my favorite variable/binary stars. I've found it years ago just by wandering on the sky with my telescope, and it was very easy to notice it because of the beautiful red colour of the primary star. The companion has a bright blue colour, contrasting very nicely with the primary. Their luminosity is nearly similar, they resemble me of a miniature Albireo. In fact the diameter of the FoV was about 1.5 times as large as displayed, but the sky was so dark that it was hard to see the border of the FoV in the eyepiece.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Mu Cephei (TVICS)
Also known as: Herschel's Garnet Star
Right ascension: 21h 44m Declination: 58° 51'
Constellation: Cepheus
Date/time: 2012.09.12 00:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.22 m/as2 Temperature: 10°C
Humidity: dry Wind: breeze
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Beautiful golden star also known as Herschel's Garnet Star. With its high luminosity it dominates the field. As it is easily visible also with the bare eyes, it's a very easy target. If T Lyrae is unbeatable in redness, this star is probably the winner in the golden category. This star is actually one of the brightest known stars, a supermassive giant nearing the end of its life. How sad.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Almach (TVICS)
Also known as: Gamma Andromedae, Gamma And
Right ascension: 2h 6m Declination: 42° 24'
Constellation: Andromeda
Date/time: 2012.09.25 23:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 20.12 m/as2 Temperature: 13°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: moderate
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A nice binary star, not that close to eachother, but with large difference in brightness. The colour is best noticeable with fresh, non dark adapted eyes. The primary member has a golden colour with a touch of green while the companion is deep blue with a very little purplish tint. The strong moonlight combined with moderate humidity is not a favorable condition for observation, perhaps that's why the field is lacking faint stars.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

168P / Hergenrother (Comet)
Also known as: Comet Hergenrother, 168P
Right ascension: 0h 0m Declination: 25° 41'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2012.10.08 22:10 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 24' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 21.06 m/as2 Temperature: 5°C
Humidity: low Wind: breeze
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Surprisingly bright comet, its cone shape can be noticed even with the smallest magnification. Its a rather large object, by increasing power and especially by using averted vision its N-S elongated tail becomes more and more spectacular, can be separated to three definite parts: on its Western border a longer tail can be seen, in the middle a little but bright cone can be noticed and finally to the South I can see another brighter filament that's not as spectacular like the two others. Unfortunately it's not easy to observe this bright object this time, because thin clouds are going by, sometimes completely covering Alpha and Beta Herculis.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Nova Cephei 2013 (Variable star)
Right ascension: 23h 9m Declination: 60° 52'
Constellation: Cepheus
Date/time: 2013.02.07 18:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 22' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 20.8 m/as2 Temperature: 1°C
Humidity: dry Wind: gusts
Sight: 2 - minor details, somewhat interesting
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The new star was discovered by the Japanese amateur astronomers Koichi Nishiyama and Fujio Kabashima on 02/02/2013. I've measured its brightness at 12.7m. Can be found just to the west from the nice open cluster NGC 7510. Exact coordinates are: RA=23h 8m 36s, Dec=60° 51' 48".


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

UU Aurigae (TVICS)
Also known as: UU AUR
Right ascension: 6h 37m Declination: 38° 26'
Constellation: Auriga
Date/time: 2013.02.28 18:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 16' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.03 m/as2 Temperature: 5°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice bright variable carbon star. I can see its orange/red colour instantly, its tone reminds me of the colour of yolk. A nice one.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Frosty Leo (Planetary nebula)
Also known as: IRAS 09371+1212
Right ascension: 9h 41m Declination: 11° 55'
Constellation: Leo
Date/time: 2013.03.07 21:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 7' Magnification and filter(s): 469x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.16 m/as2 Temperature: 7°C
Humidity: low Wind: breeze
Sight: 2 - minor details, somewhat interesting
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A rarely observed protoplanetary nebula I've first read about in Cloudy Night's Sketching forum. It's as small as expected, but much fainter. Elongated to the N-S, with a clearly visible dark band divinding the nebula to to halves, when the seeing gets better for a few moments. Reminds me of a faint little nearly edge-on galaxy. I haven't checked photos of this object before my observation, so I'm quite surprised now that I've seen the dark band, because even on a sketch made with 600mm scope it does not show up. But I know that my eye did not lie. A highly recommended gem.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

R Leonis (TVICS)
Also known as: R LEO
Right ascension: 9h 48m Declination: 11° 22'
Constellation: Leo
Date/time: 2013.03.07 21:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 16' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.27 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Humidity: low Wind: breeze
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very nice, bright orange variable, that is very easy to find and bright enough to be observed with small telescopes.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

V CrB (TVICS)
Also known as: V Coronae Borealis
Right ascension: 15h 50m Declination: 39° 34'
Constellation: Corona Borealis
Date/time: 2013.06.17 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.02 m/as2 Temperature: 17°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 4 - hard, complex starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Surprisingly faint yet very spectacular carbon star. It's a bit difficult to locate, but worth taking a peek. It has a colour of deep red with a very little orange in it.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

RR Her (TVICS)
Also known as: RR Herculis
Right ascension: 16h 4m Declination: 50° 30'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2013.06.18 01:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.32 m/as2 Temperature: 15°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Probably the brightest member of an interesting asterism. Its bright orange colour is instantly visible. A nice star, but only its stellar neighborhood that makes it special.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

U Lyr (TVICS)
Also known as: U Lyrae
Right ascension: 19h 20m Declination: 37° 53'
Constellation: Lyra
Date/time: 2013.06.18 01:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.21 m/as2 Temperature: 15°C
Humidity: high Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 3 - moderately visible, dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice but faint star, that is one vertex of a triangle of stars. Its colour is dominantly red, with a very little orange hue.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Ras Algethi (TVICS)
Also known as: Rasalgethi, Alpha Herculis
Right ascension: 17h 15m Declination: 14° 23'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2013.07.01 22:10 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.34 m/as2 Temperature: 12°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 3 - moderately visible, dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A close colour contrasting binary. The B component wasn't easy to see as the bad seeing made the bright A component dancing in the FoV, hiding the close companion star. The main component is bright golden coloured, while its companion is much fainter white with bluish hue. Nice but difficult binary.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

BF Sge (Variable star)
Also known as: BF Sagittae
Right ascension: 20h 2m Declination: 21° 5'
Constellation: Sagitta
Date/time: 2013.07.01 23:05 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.38 m/as2 Temperature: 7°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: none
Sight: 1 - nothing spectacular
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 4 - hard, complex starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This star lies in a field rich of stars, but clearly stands out of the crowd with its faint orange dominated whiteish colour. OK, I agree that its colour is unimaginable based on this definition, so I guess you will have to see it yourself. Quite difficult object thanks to its field and faintness.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

X Sge (TVICS)
Also known as: X Sagittae
Right ascension: 20h 5m Declination: 20° 39'
Constellation: Sagitta
Date/time: 2013.07.01 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.28 m/as2 Temperature: 8°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: none
Sight: 2 - minor details, somewhat interesting
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Much more orange than the nearby BF Sge (TVICS #17) and is also relatively bright. It seems that it has a companion star to PA=350°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

NGC 7250 + SN 2013dy (Galaxy)
Right ascension: 22h 19m Declination: 40° 38'
Constellation: Lacerta
Date/time: 2013.07.21 01:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 300x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 20.01 m/as2 Temperature: 11°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 1 - nothing spectacular
Difficulty: 5 - almost invisible, total dark adaptation, very dark skies and averted vision is a must to see the object
Position: 4 - hard, complex starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The host galaxy of the supernova SN 2013dy, NGC 7250 appears as a very faint patch of light in the FoV. I try to compensate for the bright sky background by increasing the magnification, caused by the rising full Moon and the dust in the air caused by harvesters. Yesterday my observation was negative, but today I succeeded, although it was still a very difficult task. I estimate the brightness of the supernova to nearly 12.3m visually.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

X CNC (TVICS)
Also known as: X Cancri
Right ascension: 8h 55m Declination: 17° 14'
Constellation: Cancer
Date/time: 2014.02.04 00:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.08 m/as2 Temperature: -8°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: breeze
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The brightest star of the field by far. It has a beautiful intense orange colour. Very spectacular, and a remarkably easy target.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

T CNC (TVICS)
Also known as: T Cancri
Right ascension: 8h 57m Declination: 19° 51'
Constellation: Cancer
Date/time: 2014.02.04 00:35 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 20.97 m/as2 Temperature: -8°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: breeze
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A rather faint, very spectacularly colourful, beautiful little star with red colour and an orange hue. A real little gem, worth taking a look.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

19 Vulpeculae (TVICS)
Also known as: 19 VUL, HIP 99518, HD 192004
Right ascension: 20h 12m Declination: 26° 52'
Constellation: Vulpecula
Date/time: 2014.10.20 20:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 20.96 m/as2 Temperature: 9°C
Humidity: high Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A nice bright star, yellow like a lemon. Found it accidentally while starhopping to NGC 6885.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Betelgeuse (TVICS)
Also known as: Alpha Orionis
Right ascension: 5h 56m Declination: 7° 40'
Constellation: Orion
Date/time: 2014.12.23 23:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.09 m/as2
Humidity: low Wind: breeze
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Extremely shiny and very famous red supergiant star, rushing to its destiny of exploding as a supernova in the (cosmologically) near future. Looks orange even with naked eyes.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Aldebaran (TVICS)
Also known as: Alpha Tauris
Right ascension: 4h 37m Declination: 16° 32'
Constellation: Taurus
Date/time: 2014.12.23 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.04 m/as2 Temperature: 1°C
Humidity: low Wind: gusts
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Looks like the little brother of Orion the Hunter's brightest star, Betelgeuse. It's a little bit less bright and somewhat less orange, however this star also shows its color with the bare eyes similarly to its brighter companion.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) (Comet)
Right ascension: 3h 36m Declination: 12° 07'
Constellation: Taurus
Date/time: 2015.01.13 21:35 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 2° 15' Magnification and filter(s): 50x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.16 m/as2
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 5 - plentyful of details, a must see object, jaws dropped
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Comet C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) is at its brightest, therefore it's easily visible with your unaided eyes in the constellation Taurus the Bull. With bare eyes it resembles M44 only brighter. With my telescope it reveals many details in its curvy tail which I can follow for about 2 degrees. The head or coma of the comet is oval, or a little bit egg shaped. The core is bright, looks like an out-of-focus star. Just beautiful! The sketch is a mosaic of about two fields.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

KIC 8462852 (Variable star)
Right ascension: 20h 6m Declination: 44° 27'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2015.11.01 17:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.02 m/as2 Temperature: 3°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This average-looking star hides some secret: it has a rather unusual light curve that riddles astronomers. Most probably a large swarm of comets occults the star here and then, but some believe this star may be the home of the first evidence of extraterrestrial activities: a Dyson-sphere under construction.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

HIP 98298 (Various/other)
Also known as: Cygnus X-1
Right ascension: 19h 59m Declination: 35° 15'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2015.11.01 18:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.01 m/as2 Temperature: 3°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Being one of the strongest X-ray sources on our sky, this star hides a really dark companion: the first ever suspected black hole, also know as Cygnus X-1.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Humason 1-1 (Planetary nebula)
Also known as: Hu 1-1
Right ascension: 29h 09m Declination: 56° 03'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2015.12.01 19:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 10' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.12 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Humidity: low Wind: breeze
Sight: 1 - nothing spectacular
Difficulty: 5 - almost invisible, total dark adaptation, very dark skies and averted vision is a must to see the object
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Bright but very tiny, therefore really difficult object: even at 250x it looks completely stellar. I looked for about 45 minutes at a wrong place nearby thanks to some really inaccurate sketches I used to find this planetary nebula. Turns out, some fellow sketchers did not really see this object, yet confidently drawn a similar fuzzy in a field that is nearby, even resembles the real field a bit, but they were wrong. So I've just learned that it's not only astrophotographs a visual observer shouldn't trust, but one must be precautious with sketches too. Higher magnification may be better, but I couldn't go any higher because of my rather poor condition Dobsonian mount. I've tried O-III, UHC-S and UHC filters, but neither enhanced the view worth mentioning.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

PK 80-6.1 (Planetary nebula)
Also known as: Egg nebula
Right ascension: 21h 02m Declination: 36° 42'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2017.08.14 21:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.34 m/as2 Temperature: 15°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 3 - moderately visible, dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 4 - hard, complex starhopping needed
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

At 71x it looks like a slightly de-focused star which is moderately faint and seem a bit elongated. At 250x the elongation becomes obvious in the N-S direction, and the protoplanetary nebula splits into two lobes. At 375x it looks somewhat large. The Northern part is clearly brighter and has a denser inner region. The Eastern part is smooth and resembles an arrowhead. The whole nebula appears to have a very faint halo around it. Its light is polarized: by using a polarization filter I sense a change in brightness by about 1-2 magnitudes when I rotate the filter to the correct position.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

M1-92 (Planetary nebula)
Also known as: Minkowski 92, Footprint nebula, Minkowski's footprint
Right ascension: 19h 36m Declination: 29° 32'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2017.08.14 22:10 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 6' Magnification and filter(s): 652x
Seeing: 9/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.05 m/as2 Temperature: 15°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 4 - hardly visible, dark adaptation and very dark skies needed, averted vision is required to see details
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

This protoplanetary nebula is much fainter than what I expected, but it has an easy location so it's very easy to recognize. At 71x it is completely stellar. At 250x you can suspect that it is an extended object. However, to be able to fully understand the nature of this object, you need to go into extreme magnification levels. Fortunately I had an excellent seeing this evening, so I was able to use my 2.3mm eyepiece (for the first time in the past decade) and view the object at 652x. It has a strong NW-SE elongation, and the shape of an eye. Its NW side is brighter and it has the shape of a drop. The SE side consists of a faint arc and an area that is even fainter and completes the eye shape. Between the two sides of the protoplanetary nebula a thin slit can be seen. The most interesting feature of this object is that it definitely looks blue!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]
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