Deep Sky Observations with Vespera Pro from End of August 2025

Conditions | Observation Overview | List of Observed Sky Objects | References

Since the beginning of May 2024, I own a Vaonis Vespera Pro telescope for observing and taking photos of deep sky objects. On this page, I collect information about observations beginning with August 24, 2025. The photos that were taken during this phase are presented elsewhere (on the detail pages for the DSO).

Conditions

Sky Region and Objects

From August 24, 2025 on, I observed mostly the following sky area (some observed objects are indicated):

Click the map for a larger version - it opens in a new window (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

Observation Time

The observations in this phase took place beginning with August 24, 2025. They typically took place shortly after dusk, when it was sufficiently dark for a successful initialization of the Vespera Pro. At the end of August, this was typically after 9:30 p.m (MESZ).

Observation Location

The observations took place in Mühlhausen/Kraichgau (Germany):

Coordinates: 49° 15′ N , 8° 43′ E
Coordinates (dec.): 49,25° N, 8,72° E

Equipment Used

When observing with the Vespera Pro, I only needed the Vespera Pro and my iPhone or iPad. I used the Gitzo Systematic High Tripod that I had acquired for my Vespera (Pro). Moreover, I purchased filters for the Vespera (Pro) that I did not use during these observations.

General Conditions

In general, the sky above Mühlhausen/Kraichgau is "light-polluted" (SQM 20.5) and does not invite you to search for deep sky objects. For astro photography, however, light pollution is not as disturbing as for visual observations.

Observation Overview

Observation Dates

Date 2025	Observed Objects	Observed Objects, Details	Remarks	Further Remarks
Mar 27 MH	G: M 13, M 14, M 51, M 92, M 101	Order: M 13 (15 min), M 92 (15 min), M 14 (15 min), M 51 (20 min), M 101 (32 min)	Vespera Pro; dew cap; Gitzo High Tripod (fully extended); iPad, iPhone	Initialization at 9:30 p.m./18.1 p.m./SQM (1 day after New Moon), dew cap added after M 13 / before M 92; Gitzo tripod fully extended; BalENS ON (rec. settings)! M 13 (15 min rec.): Start at 21:30/18.6; 9:50/19.84 (ca. 12 min IZ); end at 9:57/20.0 after 15 min IT M 92 (20 min rec.): Start at 10:00/20.0; 10:12/20.1 (gut 8 min IZ); end at 10:21/20.07 after 15 min IT M 14 (30 min rec.): Start at 10:25/20.0; end at 10:47/20.07 after 15 min IT M 51 (30 min rec.): Start at 10:50/20.14; end at 11:20/20.05 after 20 min IT M 101 (30 min rec.): Start at 11:22/20.17; end at 0:08/20.18 after 32 min IT
X ? MH

Bold: First observation during this observation period; G = galaxy, OC = open star cluster, GC = globular star cluster, GN = galactic nebula, PN = planetary nebula, SP = star pattern, DN = dark nebula, C = comet, SN = supernova, SR = supernova remnant; IT = integration time (net observation time)

List of Observed Sky Objects

Object details can be obtained via the links to the relevant deep sky objects.

DSO Details	Name	Constellation	Type	Remarks
M 13	with NGC 6207	Hercules	GC	Nice globular cluster, belongs to the largest ones; larger than M 5 and M 92; with spiral galaxy NGC 6207
M 14		Ophiuchus	GC	The third of the three bright globular star clusters in Ophiuchus, but different in character from M 10 und M 12 - yellowish
M 51	with NGC 5195	Canes Venatici	G	Nice spiral galaxy with connected satellite galaxy NGC 5195 and some more small galaxies
M 92		Hercules	GC	Nice globular star cluster with a compact core
M 101	Pinwheel Galaxy	Coma Berenices	G	Faint; better with 90 min; with small galaxies

G = galaxy, GaC = galaxy cluster, OC = open star cluster, GC = globular star cluster, GE = galactic emission nebula, GR = galactic reflection nebula, DN = dark nebula, C = comet, PN = planetary nebula, SP = star pattern, A = Asterism, SR = Supernova remnant, HII = HII region (emission nebula in other galaxies)

References

Books

Michael Feiler & Philip Novak (2023). Deep Sky Reiseatlas (5th edition), Oculum Verlag (ISBN 978-3-949370-04-5)
www.oculum-verlag.de/detailview?no=608
Ronald Stoyan (2021). Deep Sky Reiseführer (6th edition), Oculum Verlag (ISBN: 978-3-938649-72-9)
www.oculum-verlag.de/detailview?no=603
Erich Karkoschka (2022). Atlas für Himmelsbeobachter, Kosmos Verlag (EAN: 9783440173602)
www.kosmos.de/de/atlas-fur-himmelsbeobachter_1074889_9783440173602