I've only seen the horsehead nebula without filters on a 20-inch (or so) scope, on three or four occasions. But Joan, I've seen and continue to see the N. American Nebula and Pelican Nebula from every dark site with a view of that part of the sky. With its size and surface brightness, instruments larger than binoculars tend to just look "through" them. They are good friends I can still see with my getting-old(er) eyesight. Kim -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of jcarman6@q.com Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 10:31 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Flat Earth Society I wasi going to ask who had seen the horsehead in the smallest scope, but Chuck, you blew me away - REALLY???? an 8" dynascope without filter? Should I be calling an exceeding of the Paul B unyan limit o n this one? I've heard some tall telescope tales in my time, but they often turn out to be true . Now my memory is in gear and I remember seeing the North American Nebula at Little Mountain through Dave Chamberlin's scope after a public star party. Think his scope was a 10" home made. Your not supposed to see that in a scope either - at least that is what I was told when I first got in to observing same as being told the horsehead was a photographic only object. The horse head is tough, even with filters. I would never have tried it without a filter. Visual observance of the horsehead is a rare feat, cudos to all who have pulled it off.