Equipment: May 5th, Orion Skyview 6 Deluxe EQ, 32mm, 15mm, 6mm, 4mm eyepieces. May 6th: Orion Skyview 6 Deluxe EQ, 32mm, 15mm, 9mm, 6mm eyepieces, OIII filter.
New objects observed (all May 7th): M97, NGC 3077, M89, M90 (maybe)
Previous objects observed: May 6th: Venus. May 7th: M81, M82, M87
Notes:
May 6th: Went out in the evening and looked at Venus some, but unfortunately observation was hindered by the branches on a tree it started going behind while I was looking at it.
May 7th: Relatively clear night. Finally got the elusive Owl Nebula (M97), although it required an OIII filter and was never especially easy to see. After that, I observed M81 and M82 closely, and then on a lark decided to try and get NGC 3077. Much to my surprise, I was able to see it. It did require averted vision and careful looking.
After that success, I decided to try my hand at some more Virgo galaxies while they're still in the sky. I was able to find M87 without too much trouble, and after some intense looking found M89. To my surprise, while I think I may have briefly giimpsed it a few times, I was unable to see M90 with confidence. Theoretically it's supposed to be brighter, but such is life. After that I started getting cold and had to take down my viewing shelter, so I elected to head back in and call it a night. There's a possibility of more viewing nights in the next week or so, but I'm not especially confident. I'd like at least one more chance to take a crack at some more Virgo galaxies though before they're gone.
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