Q: best 5 objects to view right now?

Hi. I live in Portland, OR (45* N, 122 W) and was wondering if you could recommend your top 5 night time objects to view right now (i know the winter stuff is up at 5am, but we're talking 9 or 10 oclock here)? Subjective opinions desired.

Thanks,
Tom.

P.S. With the moon "off" for a while, I can see quite a lot even from portland, which is not that bright for a small city anyway. I have a 8" dob if that influences your suggestions. Thanks.

Well, there are more than 5 best Tom, but here goes ;-).
Messier: M15, M17, M22, M31/M32/M110
Non-Messier: NGC 457, NGC 869/884, Veil (UHC filter) NGC 7662, NGC 7293 (0-III filter)

Ron B[ee]

Five double stars, in order of difficulty (very easy -> moderate)

Beta Cygni (Albireo)
Gamma Arietis
Alpha Herculis (Rasalgethi)
70 Ophiuchi
Zeta Aquarii

I could have added Epsilon Lyrae, the double-double where both pairs are comparable in difficulty to 70 Ophiuchi. If your 8-inch has good optics, this list is just the beginning. You can split considerably closer pairs than Zeta Aquarii, but this will require high power, good seeing and probably some training and PATIENCE.

How about M17, M22, M31, M45, and, ahem, the Double Cluster under the non-stellar DSO category.

Dave Mitsky