Mel 111

[seer]

It is clear here right now and I was just out with my 10x50s and beach chair observing Mel 111. It is still looking great. Am I the only one who enjoys seeing it? Is it to easy of a target? Could that be its detractor?

[bladekeeper]

Melotte 111 is a fine sight by any measure. I've enjoyed many a view of it.

If it wasn't cloudy right now, I believe I would join you in the view!

[seer]

Are there any shapes in it that stand out to you?

[notFritzArgelander]

When I see Melotte 111 I am reminded of da Vinci's drawing of The Vitruvian Man.

https://www.leonardodavinci.net/the-vitruvian-man.jsp

[bladekeeper]

I am sure there are. I am only viewing in my mind's eye right now, but I recall shimmering streamers of light reminiscent of a stellar waterfall. It has been a while and I have not managed a sighting this season.

Visual observing here has become an exercise in futility. I have been murked over with poor transparency for months, and on top of that my local light pollution has increased a lot due to a new grocery store and a truck stop. And then the rain...

I used to be a visual rock star, and now I am a mere shadow of the observer I used to be. Nowadays, me and 11 telescopes sit around and play poker and smoke cigarettes, just waiting on a clear sky.

[Don Quixote]

I enjoyed some nice views of M111 a few nights ago with my grandson. There are lots of cool shapes.
I saw a large bell with the top cut off. :-)

[seer]

This is a screenshot from Stellarium of Mel 111 that I embellished in Paint. This could be a Tomahawk or a Battle axe.

[seer]

This is a screenshot from Stellarium that I embellished in Paint to show an Executioner's axe.

[seer]

This is a screenshot from Stellarium that I embellished in Paint to show a Was Sceptre. I made the bottom open eyelet a little to big

[Don Quixote]

I believe that is what I was seeing as a bell with the top cut off. If you ax me, I think your idea of an axe is much better. :-)

[Bigzmey]

This is one of my favorites. As with Pleiades they eyes naturally gravitate towards it. I have easily spent over an hour observing it this season.

[SKEtrip]

The first time I saw it was with the binos. Planning a star hop and came across it by accident.
Intrigued looked it up in SkySafari, turned the scope that way and spent a good long while taking it in.
Never miss it when in the area now.

[Kanadalainen]

I really like Melotte 111. Melotte 111 is worth it, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. As Andrey says, a summertime Pleiades.