First couple nights at home using Garrett 15x70s.

[tfitz2020]

Hello all,

Work has slowed down a bit and marine layer has dissipated, so I finally have had a chance to use the Garrett 15x70s at home. I live in a condo, so unfortunately I don not have a backyard, but I do have a balcony with a view Southwest, a couple miles from the Pacific Ocean. I'm on a little bit of a hill, so my view to the skies is tight left to right, but unobstructed straight and up. I have been observing fairly late the past couple nights, trying to observe as much as I can.

I open up my sliding glass door and screen completely, sit in a chair and just observe. I sit a little ways back, just inside my condo because I have neighbors in an apartment complex about 150 yards below me, and I don't want to give the wrong idea. At midnight, the last few nights, I have a direct view of Sorpius.

Again, being new at this, I am using SkySafari to help me identify what I am looking at. What I have found most helpful is identifying the tail of Scorpius, then following the constellation and in conjunction with the stars and SkySafari, identifying Messier objects.

What I have been doing is first IDing the tail of Scorpius, stars, Shaula and Lesath, then following the stars that make up Sorpius. When I make my way to Antares, I follow the claws of Scorpius.

I really like viewing Antares. It shows up very bright in my binos as a bright star emitting a reddish greenish hue, much brighter than any other star that emits those colors. I just think that's really cool.

With regards to what is directly in view from my balcony, in my case Scorpius, with Sagittarius creeping into view, I figured the best way to observe DSO's would be to find Messier objects within the constellations. Below is what I (think) I've found thus far. Again, being new to this, please let me know if what I have listed is not possible to ID with my binos.

M6-Scorpius-Butterfly Cluster
M7-Scorpius-Ptolemy's Cluster
NGC 6231-Scorpius-Open Cluster
Collander 316-Scorpius-Open Cluster
M4-Scorpius-Globular Cluster
* I'm having trouble with this one. From what I have read, this should be easily visible with the Binos I have, but I am having trouble. I don't see it directly, but when I look just off of it, my periphery seems to pick up a very faint ball of light. I have done this several times and both nights and I still seem to barely see, in my periphery, the same ball of extremely faint blurry ball of light. I'm thinking that it's the light pollution I live in.
M8-Sgr-Lagoon Nebula (so cool)
M20-Sgr-Trifid Nebula (again, so cool)
M27-Sgr-Milky Way Patch
*I'm not sure if I'm correct in saying I'm seeing the Milky Way Patch, but when I line up SkySafari and I look through my binos, I do see a thick collection of stars across a wide FOV.
M25-Sgr-Globular Cluster
M22-Sgr-Globular Cluster

The above are I at least think I have viewed. There seems to be quite a few more Globular Clusters in the Messier Catalog that are within Sagittarius. I have not looked for them yet.

If anyone has any other objects within these constellations that I may be able to observe, I am all ears.

As far as the Garrett's I have recently purchased, if I can give a brief and inexperienced review, it is this.

I have thoroughly enjoyed these binoculars. I have used them both during the day and for astronomy. They have been amazing. All objects within my FOV have been very sharp. I'm not experienced enough or versed in getting into technical terms, but I can just say that they are awesome investment that I will enjoy for many years. The 3000 Series Tripod that I also purchased is solid and easy to use. As for observing the last couple nights, I sat in a chair, leaned back, rested my arms on the armrests and were easily able to hold the binos steady. The Binoculars weigh 5.5 lbs. They are a bit heavy if your arms are not supported, but if you are planning on buying binos this size, you are probably also looking a buying a tripod or monopod as well. If your budget isn't too far off of this setup, I highly recommend purchasing the Garrett's.

Tim

[jrkirkham]

Tim,

You are looking right into my favorite patch of the night sky for binocular observing. My binoculars are smaller than yours, and we have different light conditions, so I don't know If I'll be helpful, but I'll tell you what I can see with my 12x60s.


M6-Scorpius-Butterfly Cluster: Yes
M7-Scorpius-Ptolemy's Cluster: Yes
NGC 6231-Scorpius-Open Cluster: I'll have to look harder for this one. I've never tried and that part of the scorpion's tail is too close to the horizon and light pollution for me to see it well.
Collander 316-Scorpius-Open Cluster: ? I'll have to take another look. I've never tried to see this one.
M4-Scorpius-Globular Cluster: Yes, If you've seen the others you should probably be able to see this one also.You are probably seeing it. Your description sounds about right.
M8-Sgr-Lagoon Nebula (so cool): Yes
M20-Sgr-Trifid Nebula (again, so cool): Yes
M27-Sgr-Milky Way Patch: Yes
M25-Sgr-Globular Cluster: Yes
M22-Sgr-Globular Cluster: Yes

There may be a few others that you can see. I can also see M16, M17, and M18. There is a little row of objects that lead up from Sagittarius. Also, if you can see high enough, there is M11.

[j.gardavsky]

Hello Tim,

thanks for your great report, you have really a very good start, and congratulations to the binocular you have chosen.

The Milky Way from Scutum down to the Sagittarius, with the jump to the Scorpius, is crowded with real celestial wonders. Whenever I can watch it, and I must go out to enjoy it, I just scan this area of sky, searching for the bright Milky Way clouds, and for the dark nebulas. It is simply amazing.

Looking forward to more reports from you,

JG

[markan]

Hi Tim

I think when you say M27 you really mean M24, The Sagittarius Star Cloud. In my own 15x70s it's an especially rich area that fills the entire field of view. It looks great.

[lakaath]

The Garrett's are great binos for the price, glad you are enjoying them!

[markan]

If anyone has any other objects within these constellations that I may be able to observe, I am all ears.
Tim

Hi Tim. Are you familiar with Stellarium? It's planetarium software and it's free. It can be very helpful identifying targets.

Stellarium

[samgray1]

Congratulations on the new binoculars; it sounds like they are very nice.

Also, thanks for the excellent report. It was quite enjoyable to read.

[tfitz2020]

Tim,

You are looking right into my favorite patch of the night sky for binocular observing. My binoculars are smaller than yours, and we have different light conditions, so I don't know If I'll be helpful, but I'll tell you what I can see with my 12x60s.


M6-Scorpius-Butterfly Cluster: Yes
M7-Scorpius-Ptolemy's Cluster: Yes
NGC 6231-Scorpius-Open Cluster: I'll have to look harder for this one. I've never tried and that part of the scorpion's tail is too close to the horizon and light pollution for me to see it well.
Collander 316-Scorpius-Open Cluster: ? I'll have to take another look. I've never tried to see this one.
M4-Scorpius-Globular Cluster: Yes, If you've seen the others you should probably be able to see this one also.You are probably seeing it. Your description sounds about right.
M8-Sgr-Lagoon Nebula (so cool): Yes
M20-Sgr-Trifid Nebula (again, so cool): Yes
M27-Sgr-Milky Way Patch: Yes
M25-Sgr-Globular Cluster: Yes
M22-Sgr-Globular Cluster: Yes

There may be a few others that you can see. I can also see M16, M17, and M18. There is a little row of objects that lead up from Sagittarius. Also, if you can see high enough, there is M11.

Rob,

Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions. Marine layer has been coming in every night for the last week, so I haven't been able to observe, so I'm hoping this weekend allows for some viewing. Thanks again.

Tim

[tfitz2020]

Hello Tim,

thanks for your great report, you have really a very good start, and congratulations to the binocular you have chosen.

The Milky Way from Scutum down to the Sagittarius, with the jump to the Scorpius, is crowded with real celestial wonders. Whenever I can watch it, and I must go out to enjoy it, I just scan this area of sky, searching for the bright Milky Way clouds, and for the dark nebulas. It is simply amazing.

Looking forward to more reports from you,

JG

Hi JG,

Yes, I have been extremely happy with the binoculars. And yes, that part of the sky has been spectacular to observe. I will report more, hopefully in the next couple of days, provided more clear skies.

Tim

[tfitz2020]

Hi Tim

I think when you say M27 you really mean M24, The Sagittarius Star Cloud. In my own 15x70s it's an especially rich area that fills the entire field of view. It looks great.

Yes Markan,

You are right. M24 was what I meant to list. It was really cool to look at though.

Tim