Like Lyra in early summer, I have observed Cygnus a few times before, beginning with my 4.5" Tasco Lunagrosso Reflector back in 1971. Along came the Edmund 8" in 1978, and another look at Cygnus, in much more detail. Fast forward to 2013. It was high time for a complete review of all the deep sky objects in this amazing constellation, lying overhead for much of the summer and early autumn. Due to a historic lack of map detail and all-inclusive books, I had missed a lot of named objects during my previous visits. This time, armed with the newest version of Uranometria (all-sky edition), I went in search of everything I could find with my 12" reflector, as well as a review of previously seen objects. I did not review double stars this year, though added several I had missed.
All in all, I went in search of 157 objects in Cygnus. This included all 56 NGC objects, all 18 IC objects, and 60 other-named clusters. This list included some 35 NGC and IC objects new for me. Most of the "other" category had never been seen by me, either. I never expected to complete this project in one season, but due to fantastic sky conditions in July through early October, I did complete it! I will now have to painstakingly prepare a new summer project for next year (Draco?).
From a total of 134 NGC-type objects, I have come up with a list of the best of them; these are recommended viewing. A very few are excellent. Keep in mind I am using a 12" scope, so if yours is smaller or larger, I cannot say if the recommendation stands. Many objects that were not seen that well in the 8" look pretty darn good in the 12". Some of the recommended clusters are large, too large for a 16" scope, for instance, since very low power is required to see all of the object at once. I can manage 43x and 60x with my scope, and I use them a lot for big clusters and bright nebulae. Higher powers are used for galaxies, planetary nebulae, and smaller clusters. Some of my faintest discoveries probably look quite nice in a 16" or larger.
Here they are, in order of visual appeal in my scope, by category. First I list the NGC and IC, and lastly the other clusters from various catalogues.
NGC/IC Cygnus--The Best Ones
gn 6992, 95: The Veil Nebula is one of my very favourite things to view in the entire sky! Seen in the Tasco (no filter) and in the 8" (with filter), nothing beats the view I get at 43x with an ultrablock filter in the 12" from a dark sky. I spent lots of time here, sweeping and following the outline of the giant circle, all the way over to 6960 and back. Truly glorious!
gn I 1340: Southeastern portion of The Veil.
gn 6960: See 6992, above. Not as bright, but still amazing, especially how it trails off to the N.
oc 7082: What is the finest cluster in Cygnus, a constellation rich in them? Of course it is a matter of opinion, but I nominate this one, a very large group with one of the richest Milky Way backgrounds I have ever seen.
pn 7008: This large, bright planetary nebula shows a wealth of detail to a 12" scope. A showpiece!
oc 7092, M39: I often use this cluster as a "first object" at star parties. Not only good for newbies, but a bright, mini-Pleiades for experienced viewers.
gn 7000: The North America Nebula has its moments in a 12", with filter. Head for Mexico, Florida and the Gulf. You will not be disappointed.
oc 6997: One of three significant open clusters in the North America Nebula. A fine cluster, sitting between two bright stars. Watch for a curving line of stars passing through the center.
oc 6866: 3 dozen stars at 100x, not counting the denser, interesting central area. It has wing-like extensions, and seems to dazzle in a 12".
eg 6946: The best of several fine galaxies in Cygnus, watch for the faint stars within its large area. Nearby is oc 6939 in Cepheus, a "do not miss" object for a 12".
pn 6826: The Blinking Planetary Nebula is a lot of fun for all kinds of apertures!
NGC/IC Cygnus--Best of the Rest
gn 6888: The Crescent Nebula. Use a filter and enjoy a lovely emission nebula.
oc 6910: Sometimes we are partial to an object for sentimental reasons. This was the first cluster I saw with the 8" from a truly dark sky. It impressed me then, and it still does. Very near Gamma.
oc 6811: My first cluster viewed in Cygnus this time around. After viewing so many faint galaxies in Lyra, I instantly fell in love with this group. Watch for a larger, brighter cluster-like group just north preceding.
oc 6819: My 2nd cluster in Cygnus. Smaller than 6811, not as rich or dense, but each magnification range offers a new perspective on this minor showpiece.
oc 6871: A low power beauty! Perfect at 83x. Lots of doubles.
oc 6883: The rich Milky Way background is more impressive than the cluster. Way too many stars!!
eg 7013: A large, bright galaxy, good at 125x, 150x and still bright at 200x.
oc 7086: 2 circles of stars, stacked atop one another, one much richer.
oc I 1369: A major cluster of very faint stars, beginning at mag. 13.
oc 7039: Large, loose cluster best at low power. 70 to 80 stars.
pn 7048: Large and faint, like a hazy flare coming from a nearly attached star. Use high power.
oc 6913, M29: Not too shabby with a 12" at medium high power.
Open Clusters from Other Catalogues: The Best from Cgynus
oc Do 3: A fine cluster, though bright star 29 should be left out of the field. I enjoyed great views at 125x, resolving almost 50 stars.
oc Do 10: 10 bright to very bright stars, and more than 30 faint ones at low power. A gold star on either end. Within lies star D 22, a triple star.
oc Do 39: One of six open clusters near star 34, south following Gamma Cygni. Check out the others, too. This is the largest of the six. Use moderate power to resolve it all.
oc Do 45: A large, "G" shaped group, it is bright with about 30 stars. Good for smaller scopes, too.
oc Anon Platis: Yup, that's its name. Very close to M 39. Drop in next time you are there!
oc Collinder 428: The 3rd cluster within the North American Nebula. Large, bright and loose, I counted 35 easy, bright stars. Look for a backward "S" in there.
oc Ro 6: Large and bright, and good for all apertures. More than 50 stars at 100x.
oc Be 87: Cygnus is loaded with Berkeley clusters, most of them extremely faint and difficult for small telescopes. This one is large and reasonably bright, nice in a 6". This marked my final cluster in Cygnus!
Don't see your favourite Cygnus object listed? Let me know. And drop me a line and tell me your favourites.
Mapman Mike
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