NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 2024. The position I've chosen from the DSS is in the dark central area of the nebula. This is more or less the center of the brightest part of the object. See also IC 434 where this plays a role in the discovery of the Horsehead Nebula. WH saw the dark patch in this nebula, not the Horsehead in IC 434.

===== NGC 2024 17.5" (2/8/86): bright, very large. Consists of two main parallel sections elongated SSW-NNE separated by prominent detailed dark lanes. Excellent structure with ragged edges, gaps, streaks, rifts and various brightness levels. The eastern strip has one or two indentations or a scalloped inner edge. The inner edge of the connecting strip has a sharply defined edge and the gap at the base connecting the brighter western section is obvious. Zeta Orionis lies 15' NE detracts and the best view is unfiltered. 8": fairly easy in very dark skies, the strip along the east side is longer with a possible gap at the base of "U" in the southwest corner. The center is definitely darker than the background sky. 8" (10/4/80): fairly bright, large. Consists of two parallel strips separated by a dark lane. Appears possibly broken (gap) at the base of "U". Best view with a UHC filter.