| Description | Recorded the same day as 4 objects, M94-M97, on March 24, 1781, a little over two weeks from the 9-object flurry of March 8: "Nebula in the great Bear [Ursa Major], near Beta: It is difficult to see, reports M. Méchain, especially when one illuminates the micrometer wires: its light is faint, without a star. M. Méchain saw it the first time on Feb 16, 1781, & the position is that given by him. Near this nebula he has seen another one, [the position of] which has not yet been determined [M108], and also a third which is near Gamma of the Great Bear [M109 near Gamma Ursae Majoris]." <--> There are actually two observations of M97 depicted here. Described in this text is my first, which you'll see in the gallery but is not the featured image. Note M108 towards the bottom of the image. The featured image is based on another observation a few weeks later, this time captured with my EdgeHD 8" and ASI294 camera. A lot more focal length (2,032 v 250mm) and a better capture in some respects, but I'm fond of the Seestar 50 image because it shows M97 in context with M108. |
