Observing Notesfrom the Tuckahoe IrregularsA glorious night of dark sky observation with reasonably transparent skies in comfortable temperature in the high 60’s. Several of the Tuckahoe regulars including Doug Norton, Don Surles and Bob Bunge were present as well as Mark and several members from one of the Astronomy clubs from Howard County Maryland, Jean Paul, Nick from Kennet Square and a few others. Began observations around 9:20 with a slight haze which quickly dissipated as the cooler air set in. Began with a split of the double double to test night clarity and than moved to M13 with the last hint of twilight leaving. Nice nebula views of the Ring M57 and a clear apple core of the M27 the Dumbell. The night afforded me my first confirmed viewing of the East Veil Nebula NGC 6960 which appeared as a bright sliver or a subtle lightning bolt in the FOV. Worked through several clusters in Ophicus all yielding fantastic views including M10, M12, M 107, as well as M4 and M 80 in Scorpius. M4 in Scorpius and M11 the wild duck were outstanding. Still nice viewing of M51 the whirlpool galaxy sliding down the toward the NorthWest Horizon and M81 and M82 still readily observable. Doug Norton had us primed for an Iridium Flare around 10:30 and we were treated to several nice meteorites. As the evening went on meandered through Sagittarius viewing M17 the Swan Nebula, which was spectacular with a UHC filter M18, M54, M69 and M70 as well as the butterfly nebula. Had a chance for a first confirmed viewing (last on my Messier List) of M30 and closed the evening just after 1:15 with the first 2002 observation of the Andromeda Galaxy and M15 in Pegasus rising in the East. A great night. Ralph |