This is by all means an object to return to frequently, definitely a showpiece.
My latest observation was 3 months ago in the French Alps, 14" SCT @ 168x / 29', filtered and unfiltered:
A large, almost round glow, slightly ovally shaped, subtly elongated NW to SE. The central star is very clearly visible, approximately mag. 9. To the NE and the SSW of the middle the nebula is slightly fainter. A beautiful nebula.
Lumicon UHC: This filter has a good effect. The nebula is clearly fainter SW of the middle, subtly fainter NE of the middle and brightest SE of the middle where a brighter part of the nebula is visible on the edge. The nebula is fainter on the SSW side in a triangular shape pointing NNE, towards the central star. With AV the nebula is more even in brightness and slightly flattened on the NE side on a line from SE to NW.
Lumicon OIII: The effect of this filter is comparable to that of the UHC filter but is subtly better. The dark part SSW of the middle and brighter part on the SE of the middle are clearer.
Two years ago, in the Ardennes, I upped the magnification a bit. Same scope but at 259x / 19', too:
17mm Nagler T4: Quite a large, faint glow with a very bright central star (SAO57020, approximately mag. 9). The nebula is subtly fainter to the SW of the central star.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon OIII: This filter has a better effect than the UHC filter, the nebula is brighter on the SE side and is brightest on the NW side. To the NE a dark part can be discerned, the nebula is clearly fainter SW of the central star.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon UHC: Using this filter the nebula is brightest to the NW of the central star in a NNE-SSW elongated part. Without AV the nebula is fainter on the SW and almost interrupted. Using AV the nebula is more even in brightness, subtly brighter on the SE side and brightest on the NW side.
11mm Nagler T6: The nebula is clearly brighter on the SE side and brightest on the NW side. Without AV almost no nebulosity is visible on the SW side. Using AV it is clear that the fainter part is to the SSW of the central star, an interruption in the nebula.
11mm Nagler T6, Lumicon OIII: This filter has a better effect than the UHC filter, using AV the nebula has irregular structure. To the NE of the middle a dark part can clearly be discerned, the nebula is "closed" in that part, contrary to the SSW side where the nebula is interrupted. Filters perform well on this object.
11mm Nagler T6, Lumicon UHC: Using this filter more nebulosity is visible and it clear the interruption of the nebula is to the SSW of the central star.
On both occasions I rated it 8/10.
ngc1514-1.jpg ngc1514-2.jpg
Click here to download the observing guide.