I finally had some luck.  I had a clear night and some time.  The transparency was very good, with seeing being better than average when I set up around 10 PM.

I started out taking a quick look at M13.  It is just such a beautiful cluster. 

From there, I moved on to Jupiter.  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw multiple bands at first glance.  As I observed, I had good detail in the cloud bands.  I detected none of the usual boiling effect.  The moons were laid out nicely.  Io and Ganymede were snuggled together on one side, with Europa and Callisto on the opposite side. 

Leaving Jupiter, I decided to take a tour of Sagittarius. 

I started with the easily located M28 at the top of the teakettle.  From there, I shifted to M22, which is one of my favorite clusters behind only M13.  I hopped up from the to M25, a very pretty open cluster. 

I began scanning up towards my real goal for the night, which was M17.  I’ve tried several times to locate the Swan and have failed due to light pollution and seeing.  Tonight, the seeing was holding very steady.  I missed it several times.  I kept locating M18 and M24, but no M17.  I kept at it for about 20 minutes and I finally got it.  I could only see the brightest portion of the nebula, but I get to count it! 

While in that area, I decided to take a chance on M16.  I managed to find the cluster, but I couldn’t detect any nebulosity.  I’ll have to try this one in a much darker area.

I moved back down to the teapot and started another nebula hunt.  I finally managed to spot M8.  It’s a very nice nebula. I did fail to locate M20.  Another of those I’ll have to try again when I’m in a darker spot.

With most of my targets found, I spent a few minutes with M31. 

At this point, the dew and mosquitoes convinced me to head in. 

I haven’t been able to observe much lately, but having a good night makes me feel a bit better about that.

Thanks for the report, Chuck.  It really sounds like you had a great night.  I agree with you about M 22. that is one great globular.  I wish I could go south to where it was higher in the sky.

Thanks for sharing.

Wow ! I really love to read your report. What a beautiful day.
Unluckily, I lived in +50 degree. Sagittarius area is diffult for me.

 Nice report Chuck, thanks for sharing. The mosquitoes must be up where the cooler air is, I haven't seen a one here in the southeast since about April.

zachsdad:

I wish I could go south to where it was higher in the sky.

You always have an open invitation to South Carolina Terry, as long as you bring the Obsession... and Jessie! 

chuck81:

I began scanning up towards my real goal for the night, which was M17.  I’ve tried several times to locate the Swan and have failed due to light pollution and seeing.  [snip]  I kept at it for about 20 minutes and I finally got it.  I could only see the brightest portion of the nebula, but I get to count it!

Congratulations on the Swan!  That nebula reminded me of paint brush strokes last time I looked.

chuck81:

While in that area, I decided to take a chance on M16.  I managed to find the cluster, but I couldn’t detect any nebulosity.  I’ll have to try this one in a much darker area.

Yeah.  I have the same issue with M16: cluster but no nebula.   Even with an Ultrablock filter I couldn't see any nebulosity.  Just too much light pollution to my south.

chuck81:

I did fail to locate M20.  Another of those I’ll have to try again when I’m in a darker spot.

M20 the Trifid nebula is a tough one.  I just *barely* saw it with my 5" reflector last year.  This year, the first time I looked for it (back in July) I missed it entirely.  The second night I found it, and with the Ultrablock filter I think I was just barely able to make out the cracks that split the nebula into thirds.  It seems to me M20 is one of those nebulas where you have to hit it on just the right night.
 

chuck81:

I finally managed to spot M8.  It’s a very nice nebula.

M8 the Lagoon nebula is the best of the bunch, IMO.   I try to dial this one in every time I get to view southern summer skies.  It's kind of like a summertime Orion nebula to me.
 
Thanks for the excellent report.

I am glad that you got outside even for awhile to enjoy the Archer.  I actually have been able to find the Swan Nebula pretty easily for some reason, maybe its just practice?  Without a filter though only the body of the beast is visible as a bar of fuzzy light from my LP location.

I too like M8.  Even if the nebulosity remains faint due to LP or poor transparency the open cluster remains easily visible.

Thanks for the report from your dew drenched blood sucking fiend filled location.

L

leo731:

Thanks for the report from your dew drenched blood sucking fiend filled location.

Funny you should mention that.  I saw an article in our local paper last night that mosquitoes here had tested positive for West Nile.  Just gets better and better. 

chuck81:

I saw an article in our local paper last night that mosquitoes here had tested positive for West Nile.  Just gets better and better. 

We have been living with the West Nile for a couple of years now here.  My wife freaks out when she sees mosquito bites on me.  I must confess I am concerned about it and try to make sure the bug spray is used.  I have even taken to wearing a turtleneck, light of course, and gloves to my observing sessions even though it makes me seem slightly mad to the passerby dressed in shorts and a tee-shirt.

L