M51

[astrokid14]

I am 14 and am a self-trained astronomer. The only objects I have been able to view are stars and planets. I have been trying for weeks now to find M51. Because it is close to the Big Dipper so should be easy to find. I am using a 4'' reflecter and cannot find it. If I can find it, it will be my first deep-sky object I have viewed. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for finding it.

 

[jcdenton]

If you're in a heavily light polluted area, you might not be able to see it (or any other galaxies). Consult with your local astronomy club for directions to a country site with dark skies, you'll be able to see deep sky objects much better from there. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[Boris_Badenov]

Try finding it with binoculars first. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#993300"><span class="body"><font size="2" color="#3366ff"><div align="center">. </div><div align="center">Never roll in the mud with a pig. You'll both get dirty & the pig likes it.</div></font></span></font> </div>

 

[tfwthom]

http://blackholes.stardate.org/directory/chart.php?id=4 <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1" color="#3366ff">www.siriuslookers.org</font> </div>

 

[kyle_baron]

<font color="yellow"><br />I am 14 and am a self-trained astronomer. The only objects I have been able to view are stars and planets. I have been trying for weeks now to find M51.</font><br /><br />Well, I'm 46, and a self-trained astronomer. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> It looks like two out of focused, fuzzy stars, in my Mag. 5 light polluted backyard. You'll really need some software or a star map, try this:<br /><br />http://www.fourmilab.ch/yoursky/<br /><br />It's located near the end of the last star in the handle. You'll probably need magnification around 100x to spot it. Good luck, and don't give up! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> </div>

 

[astrokid14]

Thanks for the help. That black hole link that was posted has an excellent directory for lots of objects and I bookmarked it. I'll try again soon to find M51 when the weather allows me to.