Deep Sky Observations with Vespera Pro from January 2026

Conditions | Observation Overview | List of Observed Sky Objects | References

Since the beginning of May 2024, I own a Vaonis Vespera Pro telescope for observing and taking photos of deep sky objects. On this page, I collect information about observations from the beginning of January 2026. The photos that were taken during this phase are presented elsewhere (on the detail pages for the DSO).

 

Conditions

Sky Region and Objects

From January 2026 on, I observed mostly the following sky area (some observed objects are indicated):

Click the map for a larger version - it opens in a new window (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

Observation Time

The observations in this phase took place from January 2026 on. They typically took place shortly after dusk, when it was sufficiently dark for a successful initialization of the Vespera Pro. This was at about 6 p.m. at the beginning of January.

Observation Location

The observations took place in Mühlhausen/Kraichgau (Germany):

Equipment Used

When observing with the Vespera Pro, I only needed the Vespera Pro and my iPhone or iPad. I used the Gitzo Systematic High Tripod that I had acquired for my Vespera (Pro). Moreover, I purchased filters for the Vespera (Pro) that I sometimes use during these observations (Dual Band Filter, Solar Filter).

General Conditions

In general, the sky above Mühlhausen/Kraichgau is "light-polluted" (SQM 20.5) and does not invite you to search for deep sky objects. For astro photography, however, light pollution is not as disturbing as for visual observations.

 

Observation Overview

Observation Dates

Date
2025		 Observed Objects Observed Objects, Details Remarks Further Remarks
Jan 5
MH		 G: M 33
GN: M 42/43, M 45		 Order:
M 33 (60 min), M 45 (5 min), M 42/43 (5/30 min)		 Vespera Pro; Gitzo High Tripod; dew cap; iPad

Initialization at 8:10/19.5 p.m./SQM; Gitzo tripod fully extended; BalENS ON (rec. settings); dew cap added at the beginnning of the initialization; 2 days after Full Moon

M 33 (120 min rec.): Start at 8:19/19.5 p.m./SQM went down to 19.1 and 18.8; stopped at 210:40 after 1 h IT >> asteroid Eros can be seen on the photos as a dot and a trail!!! See page Eros Passes Messier 33 (2026)
M 45 (30 min rec.): Start at 9:40/18.8 p.m./SQM; aborted because of clouds after 4:30 min IT (9:54 p.m.)
M 42/43 (30 min rec.): Stopped after 5 min, because M 42 appeared fuzzy (10:05 p.m.); autofocus restarted; SQM 18.6; new start at 10:06/18.6 p.m./SQM; the photos became fainter, because clouds (and the moon) appeared; aborted after 30 min IT at about 10:55/17.5 p.m./SQM because of clouds and moon.

Bold: First observation during this observation period; G = galaxy, OC = open star cluster, GC = globular star cluster, GN = galactic nebula, PN = planetary nebula, SP = star pattern, DN = dark nebula, C = comet, SN = supernova, SR = supernova remnant; IT = integration time (net observation time)

 

List of Observed Sky Objects

Object details can be obtained via the links to the relevant deep sky objects.

DSO Details
 Name Constellation Type Remarks
M 33 Triangulum Galaxy Triangulum G Faint but nice; observed because of the passage of asteroid Eros through M 33
M 42/43 Orion Nebula, De Mairan's Nebula Orion GN Nebula nicely captured; NGC 1977 and NGC 1980 are also on the photo; initially not sharp, then aborted because of clouds
M 45 Pleiades, Seven Sisters Taurus OC Somewhat large; hints of the nebulae in M 45 recognizable; aborted after 5 min because of clouds

G = galaxy, GaC = galaxy cluster, OC = open star cluster, GC = globular star cluster, GE = galactic emission nebula, GR = galactic reflection nebula, DN = dark nebula, C = comet, PN = planetary nebula, SP = star pattern, A = Asterism, SR = Supernova remnant, HII = HII region (emission nebula in other galaxies)

 

References

Books

On this Website

 

An den Anfang   Homepage  
made by walodesign on a mac!
11.01.2026