NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 1360 18" (1/17/09): superb view at 115x and OIII filter. Appears as a huge oval, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, extends ~6'x4', contains a bright mag 10.5 central star. This showpiece planetary is clearly asymmetric and notably brighter on the NNE side in a sector extending from the center and fanning out to the north. This brighter region is irregular in surface brightness and slightly dims before brightening along the NNE rim. The south side is slightly fainter and contains a weaker arc or lane. 18" (1/1/08): at 115x; this unusual planetary is a huge oval or irregular egg-shape, ~6'x4', oriented SSW-NNE (PA ~30¡) surrounding a very bright mag 10.4 central star. Excellent contrast with an OIII filter as it really brings out its asymmetric structure. The planetary is noticeably brighter in a fan-shaped wedge spreading out from the central star to the north. At times the northeast rim appeared a bit clumpy. The fainter south side has a slightly darker lane extending to the southeast. 17.5" (11/17/01): At 100x with OIII filter, this huge planetary appears a very large oval 3:2 or 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~6'x4.5' with a striking central star. Appears clearly brighter on the north side of the central star in a section defined by a triangular wedge with apex at the central star. The nebulosity dims a bit on the west side as well as the south. 17.5" (10/8/88): very bright, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 6'x4' diameter, very bright central star mag 10.5-11, almost even surface brightness. Very impressive planetary with or without OIII filter. 13.1" (10/10/86): very large, oval 4:3, very bright mag 10-11 central star. Impressive at 88x using an OIII filter. 13.1" (10/20/84): large, pale oval ~N-S, bright central star. Appears moderately bright using a filter. 80mm finder (1/1/08): faintly visible at 25x as a dim oval glow surrounding a faint star. Adding an OIII filter significantly increased the contrast and the outline appeared better defined.