[Lvas] An Ironic Occurence

[roger ivester]

LVAS,

 

Walter Scott Houston wrote a monthly column in Sky & Telescope magazine. "Deep-Sky Wonders" began in 1946 until his death December 23, 1993. He had articles completed that would continue to be published for six months after his death.

 

His last column appeared in July 1994. Like many of you, I was most interested in his articles each month, and normally read it first. I was very saddened to hear of his death. 

 

Today I was going to recommend to the LVAS an object for the July "Observers Challenge". I was thinking seriously about the central star in M-27, but was also considering M-2 in Aquarius which culminates during July. 

 

In the Messier Album, John Mallas performed a sketch M-2 showing a distinct curving dark lane crossing the northeast corner. His sketch was made using a 4-inch f/15 refractor. I have attempted to see this lane with a variety of telescopes to no avail. I intended to go back and look this year. I wanted to follow the footsteps of John Mallas and use my 4-inch Vixen f/9.8 refractor for a hopeful sighting and a sketch.

 

I remembered that WSH's last column was in the July 1994 issue of S&T. I also wanted to consider for our July observer's challenge, the last object that he reported on after almost 50 years. 

 

Walter Scott Houstons last object after 48 years of "Deep-Sky Wonders was M-2. 

 

I would like to propose or recommend that we consider M-2 and the dark lane for the July 2009 "observer's challenge" to commemerate WSH's last object, exactly 15 years after his death.

 

How about M-2 and the curving dark lane?

 

Roger ivester

   

 

 

 

   

 

    

 
 
 
    I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.      Abraham Lincoln




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