Here's my observation from 2002 with my old 20 inch f5 Obsession:

"A most excellent field of view, and only about 8 degrees above the southern horizon too. 6723 has a curved row of stars across its center but they're only a little brighter than the rest of the glob. 6726/27 are bright and obvious reflection nebula centered on two bright stars - they both have surprisingly distinct edges. NGC 6729 is a comet-like streak but much fainter than 6726/27. BE157 is seen only by a lack of stars between 6723 and 6726/27. Very cool area, I'd love to see it at the zenith! 83x, 169x and 261x."

N6723_6726_6729_IC418_BE157_E_Corona_Aus.jpg N6723_6726_6729_IC418_BE157_E_Corona_Aus_invert.jpg

The was an exceptionally dark, transparent and steady OSP sky to see all this so well so close to the horizon. It's about time I go back for another look, but I'll need another really night to compare to this view. My sketch is pretty rough but conveys a little of what a wonderful slice of the southern sky this is.