Deep Sky Observations with Dwarf mini from August 2026

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

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

Conditions

Sky Region and Objects

From August 2026 on, I observed mostly the following sky area (some better known 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 August 2026 on. They typically took place shortly after dusk, when it was sufficiently dark for a successful initialization of the Dwarf mini. This was at about 11 p.m. in the beginnung of August, later earlier.

Observation Location

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

Coordinates: 49° 15′ N , 8° 43′ E
Coordinates (dec.): 49,25° N, 8,72° E

Equipment Used

When observing with the Dwarf mini, I only needed the Dwarf mini and my iPhone or iPad. When needed (e.g. for EQ mode), I used the DarfLab Tripod that I had bought together with the Dwarf mini. Filters are inbuilt (Astro, Dual Band, Dark) or delivered with the Dwarf mini (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 2026	Observed Objects	Observed Objects, Details	Remarks	Further Remarks
Aug 10 MH	G: M 51, M 101	Order: M 51 (25 min), M 101 (30 min)	Dwarf mini; iPad	M 51 with AZ; from 11:02 p.m. (15s/120/Astro); stopped at 23:34 p.m. after 101 subs/25 min M 101 with AZ; from 11:38 p.m. (15s/120/Astro); stopped at 0:15 a.m. after 118 subs/29,5 min SQM später gut 20
Aug 11 MH	G: M 13, M 56, M 92 Sun	Order: Sun (test); M 13 (25 min), M 92 (25 min), M 56 (25 min)	Dwarf mini; iPad; sun filter	Sun (afternoon, 20 subs) M 13 with AZ; from 10:24 p.m. (15s/120/Astro); stopped at 10:54 p.m. after 95 subs/25 min M 92 with AZ; from 10:58 p.m. (15s/120/Astro); stopped at 11:30 a.m. after 98 subs/25 min M 56 with AZ; from 11:34 p.m. (15s/120/Astro); stopped at 00:04 a.m. after 96 subs/25 min
Aug 12 MH	G: M 101 Sun	Order: Sun (test; partial eclipse); M 101 (75 min)	Dwarf mini; iPad; sun filter	Sun (afternoon, evening (eclipse), 30 to 40 stacks) M 101 with AZ; from 11:11 p.m. (15s/60/Astro); stopped at 0:45 a.m. after 301 subs/75 min
Aug 10 MH	G: M 51	Order: M 51 (75 min)	Dwarf mini; iPad	M 51 with AZ; from 10:44 p.m. (15s/60/Astro); stopped at 018 a.m. after 298 subs/75 min

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 13	with NGC 6207	Hercules	GC	Nice globular cluster, belongs to the largest ones; larger than M 5 and M 92; with spiral galaxy NGC 6207
M 51	with NGC 5195	Canes Venatici	G	Nice spiral galaxy with connected satellite galaxy NGC 5195 and some more small galaxies
M 56		Lyra	GC	One of the smaller globular star clusters
M 92		Hercules	GC	Nice globular star cluster with a compact core
M 101	Pinwheel Galaxy	Coma Berenices	G	Faint; with small galaxies; better with longer integration time
Sun			S	Two sun tests and partial eclipse of the sun on August 12, 2026

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

Michael Feiler & Philip Novak (2023). Deep Sky Reiseatlas (5th edition), Oculum Verlag (ISBN 978-3-949370-04-5)
www.oculum-verlag.de/detailview?no=608
Ronald Stoyan (2021). Deep Sky Reiseführer (6th edition), Oculum Verlag (ISBN: 978-3-938649-72-9)
www.oculum-verlag.de/detailview?no=603
Erich Karkoschka (2022). Atlas für Himmelsbeobachter, Kosmos Verlag (EAN: 9783440173602)
www.kosmos.de/de/atlas-fur-himmelsbeobachter_1074889_9783440173602