I like to use observing lists as a way or organize my star-gazing sessions, and so I thought it might be fun to copy what another usenet group did some years ago. A query went out to all the subscribers to nominate their favorite non-Messier deep sky objects. After some time, this was winnowed out to a list which is now known as the SAA (sci amateur astro) 100. So let me present the idea to all of you. Please respond back with your favorite 20 or so non-Messier deep sky objects that are appropriate for 8 - 12 inch telescopes and that are visible from our latitude. These may include objects of special interest like quasars, or chance alignments such as N6520 next to the ink spot (B86). Double stars (especially colorful ones) are welcome, and so are carbon stars. I will then consolidate the responses down to a list of I hope 100 objects and share it with this group. The objects with the most nominations will be first in the list in order of votes. In the case of objects with 1 vote only, I will put them in name order at the end of the list. If something similar has been done by this group in the past, please enlighten me. Please include the name (NCG, IC, etc), the type of object, the constellation, and any notes you might want to add. Have fun! To start this off, below is my list in no particular order: Name Type Const. Notes N6946 Gal Cep near OC N6939 N6939 OC Cep near gal N6946 N253 Gal Scl N4565 Gal Com Bernice's Hairclip N6960 SNR Cyg Western Veil N6992 SNR Cyg Eastern Veil N869 OC Per Double Cluster N884 OC Per Double Cluster N457 OC Cas Owl Cluster N436 OC Cas Owl Dropping N4038 Gal Crv Antennae N4039 Gal Crv Antennae N6888 BN Cyg Crescent (ghost of Mr. Potato-head) N891 Gal And N4567 Gal Vir Siamese Twins N4568 Gal Vir Siamese Twins CR399 asterism Vul Coathanger N6826 PN Cyg Blinking Planetary N6520 OC Sgr Near B86 B86 DN Sgr Near N6520 N6543 PN Dra Cat's Eye N7293 PN Aqr Helical nebula Keep looking up! Mat ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This message and any included attachments are from Siemens Medical Solutions and are intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein may include trade secrets or privileged or otherwise confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or using such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to Central.SecurityOffice@siemens.com Thank you