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- Create Date 1 February 2023
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BASIL February 2023
The front cover of BASIL shows a superb image of the Heart Nebula (IC 1805), taken by Ryan Parle of the BAS. On our Facebook page, Ryan gives details of equipment used, data acquisition and processing of the image - see the following link for more details: (18) Bristol Astronomical Society - Members Only | My latest image: IC1805 - The Heart Nebula | Facebook
Predicted solar activity, solar images from the GOES SUVI telescope, solar cycle progression, lunar phases and events, solar system finder charts and rise / set times are reported for February.
Also included is the monthly observing calendar, highlights of the February night sky, observable comets and asteroids, and the calendar of astronomical events for February.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) observing data are given on page 19. The Comet reaches its brightest on 1 February, but may still be observed during the following weeks in February.
Constellation of the month is Gemini, which is well-placed for observing the constellation's stars and DSO (Deep Sky Objects), including the open cluster M35 and the planetary nebula NGC 2392 (Eskimo Nebula).
Visible transits of the ISS for February are listed.
29 observing targets for the month are provided, with more details given for:
- M35 (open cluster in Gemini)
- M67 (open cluster in Cancer)
- NGC 2392, the Eskimo Nebula (planetary nebula in Gemini)
- NGC 2169, the '37' Cluster (open cluster in Orion)
- M37 (open cluster in Auriga)
Society News provides details of the 2022/23 programme of talks and events, including the BAS 80th anniversary event on 25 March, and gives planned stargazing dates for February at Failand and other locations.