NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 5286 13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this globular appeared very bright, moderately large and well-condensed with an intense, mottled core. At 200x, 15-25 14th magnitude stars pop in an out of view (some in chains), though only a handful are easily resolved including a brighter star just east of the core. Located 4' NW of yellow 4.7-magnitude M Centauri in the same high power field! Easily visible in the 9x50 finder, though small. NGC 5307, a fairly bright planetary, lies 44' ENE. 8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 2.5' diameter, round, evenly concentrated to a bright central region and a small bright core, mottled halo, one brighter mag 12 star on the SE side. On the verge of resolution although viewed at only 8¡ elevation. Mag 4.7 M Centauri with a mag 11 companion 40" separation is located just 4.1' SE of the core!