Carol Huston's Sketching Challenge object for OSP 2001 was M10. I chose nearby M12 because it gives more resolution in my 60mm refractor. No, wait... To be honest, I chose M12 because I mis-read the observing packet.
Observer: Wes Stone
Date: 2001 August 19
Time: 5:20 UT
Location: Indian Trail Spring
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: LM=6.7
Instrument: SOD
Size: 60mm f/11.8
Eyepieces: 6mm HM (118x), 9mm Or (79x), 26mm PL (27x)
Field of view: 18' at 118x
* Can this cluster be seen with direct vision, or is averted vision required?
The cluster is obvious with direct vision.
* Is the core unusually bright, compact, or not distinguishable?
The core is rather diffuse, and displaced south from the center of the cluster.
* Is the globular cluster highly or loosely concentrated?
The cluster is quite loosely concentrated: looser than M22, but more concentrated than M4.
* Is any part of the cluster resolved into stars?
Yes; a few stars (some may be field stars or knots of stars) are resolved near the core and at the edges.
* Is any mottling visible?
The core and immediate surroundings are mottled.
* Can the edges be resolved?
A few stars are seen near the edges.
* Are there any other deep-sky objects in the same field of view? If so, what?
None visible.
Description: M12 is a bright, loose globular with a distinctly oval shape and irregular edge outline. The brightest portion is displaced south of the cluster's center. A few brighter stars are resolved at high power, although some of these may be field stars.
(Observing form adapted from Huston & Pratt 1999)
