Starship Asterisk*

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap060511.html

It intrigues me that the Ring Nebula appears so bright in this photo. I wonder how it might appear to the naked eye on a clear night this summer? I have no telescope; but maybe I could spot it with a good pair of binoculars. I'll be looking.
Orin

Actually, it's a composite image, so the background stars and nebula were probably specifically imaged in such a way to enhance their contrast. I doubt you would have seen it quite like the image shows, had you been looking through a telescope at the time.

Thanks Qev! I know that it is a composite; but I still think the ring shows up rather nicely and hopefully I can spot it with a good set of binoculars this summer. I think the galaxy is probably too faint.
Orin

Hello All

Great image. I think I will buy a large telescope.

Has anyone noticed what looks a bit like dust or clouds on the left and right side of the ring nebula? I looked at some older photos, but couldn't tell for sure whether they were always there.
Orin

Those little, slightly vague projections from left and right sides of the nebula itself? I'm pretty sure those have always been there, though they don't seem to show up in all the photos of it.

Thanks Qev! I 'm sure your right. I currently have the comet and nebula on my desktop;so I see it everyday. When I noticed the dust clouds I searched other views and this is what I see.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010729.html
The dust clouds are probably there but are difficult to make out.
Orin