Venus and two nebulae

Event Date: January 11th

Time: 6:45 AM

Brief

    Yesterday, I mentioned--without naming--the two nebulae near Venus this week.  Using a 5º field, which is ideal for powerful binoculars or some finder (spotter) scopes, let's zoom-in on them.  Labeled below, the Trifid and Lagoon Nebula look much better in darker skies.  However, we will have to wait about a month for that, as they rise about four minutes earlier each day and the Sun moves away from them, further separating from them, as we start to see these nebulae rising in very dark skies come Summer Time.  Look at this site to combine info and photos of them.  Don't let the photos discourage you too much; as they were taken with much darker conditions with very powerful telescope/camera combinations.

click on images to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.

Detailed

Both nebulae are about 5,000 light years away, and near the galactic center in Sagittarius.  They are bright enough to see with optical aid, and maybe even without, under the darkest of conditions when those months come later this year.  Some nebulae, such as the small Ring Nebula, are much smaller and quite faint.  As a planetary Nebula, the Ring doesn't have a cloud that is given color via very hot stars; ultra violet radiation.  The Orion nebula, which sets during early morning hours, is one of the famous, easily visible emission nebulae.  When looking at link-photos such as those that I provided earlier in the entry, more of the spectacular color combinations show.  Give them a view sometime with whatever optical aid the sky gives you the best contrast.  Remember, that large magnification isn't necessary, as that can degrade contrast and make the color not as easy to see.  One example of this is Jupiter's belts and zones (bands).

   Enjoy the nebulae, whether now during twilight, or moreso after dark!