By Stephen Jones
NGC-6804 Planetary Nebula in Aquila
RA 19h31m35.2s Dec +09deg 13’31”
Size 35” Vmag 12
NGC 6804 was discovered in 1791 by the great William Herschel, though he logged it as a cluster for some obscure reason (possibly faint stars around the periphery reminding him of a globular?). It is of similar size to our July object, the Turtle Nebula in Hercules, though it is noticeably fainter. It should still be easily visible in medium-sized telescopes. My personal log of this object is from the 2015 HAS picnic using the 12.5” f/7 reflector that used to be housed in the HAS Observatory at the Dark Site (since been replaced by the 12” RC). In the f/7 at 314x I noted, “Oval; central star visible with direct vision; star to the side of the nebula is brighter; annular; strong response to OIII filter.” Photographs of the object indicate a two-shelled structure, though I did not see this with the 12.5” on that occasion. Reports on the internet indicate that from good skies NGC 6804 is at least visible in as small as a 4” telescope. This object is on the Astronomical League’s Planetary Nebula program object list. If you enjoy this object, that list may be a good observing project for you.
This is a series of columns primarily revolving around observing the Messier Catalogue. The intent is to provide the reader a sampling of the Messier objects each month that are most visible in the time frame the column is published. Hence, these deep sky objects should be easily identifiable in and around the month of September. Some months may have a special treat in addition to the Messier Objects. Check the trailer.
This article is distributed by NASA Night Sky Network
Constellation: Camelopardalis
Right Ascension: R.A.: 03h 57m 04.0s
Declination: +63° 04' 00"
Magnitude: 5 to 10
Size: 2° 30” 
As I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, one of the things I wanted to focus on in 2020 was increasing our member engagement. We have taken a look at where and how we engage our members from before the time a potential member engages us, then into the actual process of joining us, and into how we educate them on what it is the club has to offer them. From there, it’s a matter of continual engagement through our club activities and programs. Needless to say, COVID-19 has thrown us for a loop with some of these things, but we’ve been able to adapt pretty well and find new ways continue this engagement forward.
