NGC 1499ngc1499


Emission Nebula in Perseus
NGC 1499
Mag 6.0
California Nebula, Dragon Nebula



19/01/17
Now, this is faint! The object of the month in AN, and a perfect night to observe it, no moon, a very sharp sky and although very cold no frost or dew!
Tried in binoculars with no luck then in zoom at 24mm. Below Menkib, an amazing white star of Mag 3.95, Xi Per, 46 Per, HIP18614 is a small cross with a Mag 9.15 star at it's centre, two stars close together towards Menkib of Mags 8.50 and 9.65, to the right a star of Mag 10.05 and below a Mag 9.45 star
However , it is the star to the left, HIP18646 at Mag 7.15 which is of interest because just below it and running below the central star is a very faint but distinct edge of nebulosity
Once found this could be traced with the California Nebula fitting neatly into the FOV. Wow!
Then tried 12mm, 18mm and 24mm withUHC filter and yes, there is a feel of a shape there!
Mind you Menkib had to be removed from the edge of the FOV, it is so bright
This sketch was done at the eyepiece

20/01/17
Visible for the second evening running and even more distinct, although that is a relative term as it is very faint even tonight
 In 24mm with Menkib at Mag 3.95 out of the FOV the 'cross' described yesterday has a right angle triangle below it on the other side to Menkib
Below this triangle are distinct filaments and an edge, more easily visible when very slowly and slightly moving the FOV back and forth
Hip18769 at Mag 6.35 needs also to be out of the FOV below
This sketch was done at the eyepiece