#51 Aquila, Delphinus and Sagitta: Deep Sky Plans

Aquila is an odd constellation--it is right smack in the Milky Way, has 3 bright stars that make it one of the easiest constellations to identify, yet it lacks a real showpiece deep sky object.  Among its 37 NGC and IC objects, there is no Messier object, nor even a great object to show to newbies.  However, that is not to say that lesser treasures cannot be found here.  The experienced deep sky observer knows that while throngs of telescopes are being pointed at the big, showy objects of summer, there are a few of us who appreciate going off the beaten path just as much.  Many objects in Aquila are off the beaten path.  

Here is the NGC breakdown for AQUILA:

11 open clusters

02 globular clusters

11 planetary nebulae, including one from the IC

13 galaxies, including 2 from the IC

Here is the breakdown for other catalogues that I am interested in observing with a 12" scope:

08 open clusters

01 galaxy

I am also returning to view several double and triple stars that I enjoyed with the 8", as well as attempting a few that I could not find back in the day, or could not split.  My list includes 16 doubles and/or triples along with 2 variables.  While I have already had a good start on observing the Aquila project list, it is only about 30% complete at present.

DELPHINUS
There are 24 NGC/IC objects here:
01 open cluster
02 globular clusters
02 planetary nebulae
19 galaxies, including 2 ICs.
There is 1 open cluster from another catalogue.
I will also pay visits to 6 double stars and a variable.

SAGITTA
There are 5 NGC/IC objects, including M 71.
01 open cluster
01 globular cluster
03 planetary nebulae, including one from the IC
There are 5 open clusters and 2 globulars from other catalogs.
I am also seeking 4 doubles and a variable.

Since forming these plans earlier in the spring, I have decided to begin chipping away at Sagittarius, but only when southern skies are exceptionally good.  Details of this constellation will form a separate blog entry.  I also have a few objects left to complete in Cassiopeia before beginning Cepheus, my main autumn constellation.
Mapman Mike