Well my first observing session without giving first lights to new gear in what seems like eons. So without further ado, this was done with my WO ZS110 on my CG5GT mount.

Most of these objects form part of the September Sky Guide that can be found on the SGL forum here: http://stargazerslounge.com/index.php?topic=16655.0. I'm not saying for one minute my observations are right, like the rest of this blog, I'm writing how I see it :). Anyhoo...

First up, M52. I didn't find this to be an overly bright open cluster, but I found this was best viewed through my 8mm Hyperion EP where I found I resolved about 40-50 stars at least.

M103. Smaller, but brighter than M52. Again, the Hyperion was best for viewing it where I resolved about 15-20 stars in the cluster.

NGC 457. I like this one! I found it to be in a 'Y' shape which was best viewed in my 12.4 Meade series 4000 plossl. I believe there is a double star in the foreground of this cluster. I did see two bright stars 'in front' of the cluster, was this the split double? Maybe, maybe not... Resolved at least 50-60 stars.

Eta Cas. Nice double star. One of the few objects that I've managed to find without the aid of GOTO (not too hard admittedly as it's viewable with the naked eye, but a RDF does make life easier!). A White/Yellow primary with a Red/Orange secondary. I split it with the 12.4, but the 8mm made it look better.

 Flushed with my success with finding Eta, I looked for Iota Cas. and found it! This is a triple star which I split with (I think) my 8mm again (it does get used a lot!) with all three stars looking white to me. 

 Unfortunately, Perseus was stuck behind a tree so I could view anything from that constellation, shame, but it'll get higher up in the sky as the year draws to a close.

 Also had looks at Almach (colour contrast double star in Andromeda), M29 (open cluster in Cygnus(?)), Cor. Caroli (Double star in Canes Vanaciti) and the Ring Nebula. I have to say that this WO 110mm scope really does make viewing a pleasure, simply a joy to use and I've got no complaints at all about it.

All in all, tonight has made up for the lack of scope time I've had recently. Roll on Kelling and Kielder!

Clear skies all :)

Tony.