17.5: at 82x with Hβ filter the Cocoon Nebula appears fairly bright, very large, about 10' diameter. Surrounds six stars including two bright mag 9 stars embedded near the center and at the S edge. Has an irregular round shape with a very irregular surface brightness with dark mottling and brighter regions. Quite prominent using Hβ filter which has an excellent contast gain! Superimposed on a scattered star group. Located at the E end of long dark lane = B186 which extends 1° WNW! There is a distinctive edge to the milky way on the N edge of lane. Unusual as higher contrast gain with Hβ than OIII filter.
8: about 20 stars over a very faint "milky" region, fairly large, just slightly higher contrast than milky way background. A short arc of stars is off the W edge. A long starless dark lane extends W. Two bright stars oriented N-S are just E. - Steve Gottlieb
