#92-Small Telescope Adventures, Part 10

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Nights 16, 17, 18

I have now passed fifty objects with Space Eye, as our waxing moon clear spell continues.  It looks like it could go for 8 nights in a row, which would be a record for me, and doubtless this area of Canada.  Lunar work and double stars continue to hold my interest, and I always have a long look at Jupiter.  Looking at Jupiter is a good way to judge seeing, which is usually better a few hours after sunset.

Object #46--double star Struve 1579 (Star 65, Ursa Majoris):  6.7-7/63":  South preceding Chi (x), this double is easy to identify because of its brightness and wide separation.  The primary star is noticeably brighter than the secondary.  There is also a faint, close C member, but I could not see it.  Olcott gives 6.5 and 6.8 for the main pair.  An easy double for a 2".

Object #47--Lunar Crater Eratosthenes:  From Olcott's Plate VI, he also devotes a short factual paragraph to it on the facing page.  The crater is 60 km across, and is attached to the southern extremity of the Apennine Mtns.  The tip of a central peak was observed, lit up from within the shadowed half of the crater, near its terminator. The crater has mountains and rough areas on three sides.  This area is beautifully suited to Space Eye.  Seen when the moon was 8.5 days old.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Eratosthenes_lunar_crater_map.jpg

Object #48--double star Delta Geminorum:  3.5-8.1/5".6:  Olcott gives the distance as 7", so the pair has closed somewhat (confirmed with the Washington Double Star Catalogue).  This makes it beyond mere "difficult" with a 2" glass.  Deb spotted it first at 75x, and finally I did, too.  100x didn't help much, but it could be glimpsed later at 60x, once we knew where it was.  Olcott says Yellow-Red or Purple.  The main star seemed white to me; the tiny one is barely glimpsed with averted vision. 

http://www.carbonar.es/s33/Geminis/DeltaGem-ila.jpg

 

Object #49--double star Epsilon Bootes:  2.6-4.8/2".9:  This is a startling object, even at 30x.  Blue and red appear side by side on the same star, making it seem like the optics are out of whack.  The colours blend together in the center.  Even at 75x I am not certain of a clean split, but the remarkable colour contrast is truly astounding!  Olcott devotes a full paragraph to this pair, which is Struve's "pulcherrima," because of its extreme beauty.  In the line notes to the star Olcott says "Orange-Green.  A superb object.  Test for 2-inch glass."  I saw deep, deep orange and blue, so orange I would actually say red.  I will be back here often, trying for a perfect split.
Update:  I recently got a clean split at 75x and 100x, deep yellow and rich blue!!

http://www.princeton.edu/~rvdb/images/NJP/epsBootes-Avg-Gamma05-BRGB.jpg

Object #50--double star Struve 1850 (Bootes):  7.6-7.7/26":  As the moon continues to wax brighter, I continue to avoid clusters and the like, sticking to double stars I can find in my bright, moonlit suburban sky.  Split at 30x, but much better at 60x.  Olcott gives mistaken magnitudes of 6.1 and 6.7, so I had been expecting a somewhat brighter pair.  He also says Yellow-Blue.  I see white and ivory.  The pair lies between Arcturus, a beautiful bright yellow star in Space Eye, and Gamma Bootes.

http://www.carbonar.es/s33/Bootes/Tvazquez-Stf1850.jpg

Object #51--Lunar Crater Copernicus:  From Plate VII in Olcott, he says: "Copernicus is conspicuous.  It contains 8 central peaks, 3 of which are bright ones, and one is 2400' high."  The crater was amazing (seen at 9.5 days), especially the walls opposite the shadowed side.  Many layers of wall can be studied, with some very bright spots.  The crater floor appears smooth in Space Eye, except for the two central peaks that can be seen.  The crater is 93 km across and 3760m deep.  Not far away was Erastosthenes, studied the previous night and still looking fine.  Reinhold was lovely tonight, at 48km in diameter.  Reinhold B is 24 km across; Fauth is 12 km, and tiny Guy Lussac A is 14 km.  Guy Lussac itself appeared as mountain walls.  All of these objects showed well in Space Eye.

 http://astronomer.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Copernicus-Crater-2.jpg

In the 10 o'clock position to Copernicus (center) is Erastothenes again.  In the 2 o'clock position, near Copernicus, is tiny Fauth.  Though a joined double crater, it appeared as one to me.  Right of it is Reinhold B, and right beside it is Reinhold.  At the 8 o'clock position near Copernicus is tiny Guy Lussec A, attached to Guy Lussec.  The latter appeared to me as mountains. 

Object #52--double star Epsilon Gemini:  3.1-9.6/110":  Olcott gives 4 and 10 magnitude at 112".  This is a nice easy double for Space Eye, and it's also easy to locate using Olcott's map of Gemini.  Split at 30x, it was better at 60x.  The primary star appears white.

Epsilon is near the center of the map.

http://www.sciencecenter.net/whatsup/drawings/gm-stars.jpg

Object #53--double star Delta Bootes:  3.6-7.9/110":  Olcott gives 3.5 and 7.5 at 105".  He gives the colours as yellow and blue.  Delta is easy to locate, extending a line from Arcturus through Epsilon Bootes, extending it the same length again.  The primary star is yellow; the secondary is too faint to see colour.  Both stars seen steadily at 30x; I also observed it at 60x.

http://a.gerard4.free.fr/illustrations/Boo/49_delta_boo.jpg

Object #54--Lunar Crater Gassendi:  It has been so much fun observing the waxing moon six nights in a row with Space Eye!  This crater was right at the terminator last night (10.5 day old moon) and was really spectacular.  Olcott says "There are many curious clefts in the wall of Gassendi."  I was able to use 100x with great success tonight, now having sufficient experience with Space Eye to use such a power.  Gassendi is referred to as a walled plain, and is 110 km across.  Gassendi A (33 km) breaks the wall in the south.  The smaller crater showed a teeny tiny central peak, the only light seen from within the otherwise darkened crater.  Gassendi B (26 km) is attached on the south to A.  The north section of Gassendi's wall is missing as seen with the 2", opening directly on to Mare Humorum.  The floor of the main crater appears very rough.  The walls, lit dramatically, were splendid!  Two central peaks were very prominent and bright.

 Gassendi, with A and B to the south.

http://www.chabotspace.org/assets/astrophotos/rachel/Moon-Gassendi-CR-0409.jpg

It's been an incredible run of 7 clear nights in a row, from April 11th through April 17th.  The night of the 11th I spent with the 12" in Leo at the club observatory near Comber, but the other six nights saw me on my own back deck with Space Eye.  

Mapman Mike 

#91-Small Telescope Adventures, Part 9

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Nights 13, 14, 15

We are amidst an unprecedented series of clear nights, so far 6 in a row and still going strong.  Of course this had to happen as the moon is getting brighter and brighter.  The 12" scope was packed up for the next two weeks on April 11th, after another outstanding night in Leo.  From the 12th through the 16th (and on until clouds finally reappear) I have been using Space Eye on my back deck.  It's been incredible observing the moon every single night now, and I am starting to get pretty good again at my lunar geography.  Before things got too bright I also snagged a new Messier cluster for the 2", as well as a few double stars.  Jupiter has been observed a lot, too.  At 75x I can clearly see some edge detail on the two main equatorial belts, as well as easily spot the larger northern grey zone.  I'm still trying for a shadow transit and/or the red spot, but so far no luck.

Object # 41:  Alpha Gemini--1.9-2.9/4":  Olcott says "Herschel regarded Castor as the largest and finest of all double stars in our hemisphere.  It was observed to be double by Bradley in 1750..."  I enjoyed a beautiful view with the 2" refractor at 60x, certainly one of the finest doubles yet for Space Eye!  Both stars appear white, with a notable size difference.  Highly recommended showpiece.

http://divulgazione.uai.it/images/AA_Alfa_Gem_Kussi_2.jpg

Object #42:  Messier 44 ("Beehive"):  70'; mag. 3.1; 161 *s; Br. * mag. 6:  Seen during a 5.5 day old moon, it was still a real gem for Space Eye.  Beautifully resolved at 30x, the center seems dense with bright stars.  Stragglers continue beyond the field.  Everything seems to fit at 25x, however.  40x gives a wonderful view of the central area, and many fainter stars are easily resolved.  Olcott says "...the outstanding telescopic feature of Cancer."  It is certainly a showpiece with Space Eye. 

http://capella.lima-city.de/Sternhaufen/Bild/Messier-44-Krippe.jpg

Object #43:  Lunar Craters Aristoteles and Mitchell:  For the Olcott initial project, I am limiting myself to 10 lunar observations.  However, I am now certain that my original goal of seeing 60 objects (one for each $ spent on the scope) will soon be expanding to 100.  Even that number may expand eventually, and from all of this will come a condensed recommended list for a scope of this size.  Space Eye really excels on lunar work.  Even a nearly full moon is not too bright at higher powers, though I do use filter sometimes at 60x.  Most of my observing, however, has been at 75x.  There is more than enough detail to see with a 2" scope, and yet it doesn't completely overwhelm the viewer like it can with a larger scope.
Seen when the moon was 6.5 days old, Aristoteles is a crater with a diameter of 57 km, and its terraced walls were magnificent tonight.  A small rille or crease in the northern section of the floor was noted, as well as some rough spots just outside the crater, north.  It shows up on Plate IV in Olcott's field guide.  Attached to it is Mitchell, a 30 km crater that appears to touch the outer walls of the larger crater.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Aristoteles_crater_4103_h3.jpg/240px-Aristoteles_crater_4103_h3.jpg

Object #44:  Double Star Struve 1495 (Ursa Major):  7.3-8.8/34":  I often just randomly select something from Olcott's book, and this fainter, run-of-the-mill double star was chosen because it was far from the 7.5 day old moon.  Barely split at 30x, it was easy at 60x.  It is easy to find, about halfway between Alpha and Beta Ursa Majoris.  Olcott gives this at mag. 6 and 8.3.  He is wrong.

Object #45:  Lunar Crater Cassini:  Observed at the 7.5 day mark, the crater appears on Plate VI, and is mentioned in the accompanying text by Olcott.  In the 2" it appears nearly perfectly round, and is 57 km across.  Parts of the wall showed well.  Though the terminator was well past, good detail could still be seen.  Cassini A, within the mother crater, is also nearly perfectly round at 17 km.  A very rough area was noted between A and the main crater wall.  B was also seen (!), a crater only 9 km in diameter.  I used up to 100x on this area tonight.

http://www.damianpeach.com/images/lunar0709/cassini_2007_05_26dp_small.jpg

More very soon.  Clear skies!

Mapman Mike

#90-Small Telescope Adventures, Part 8

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Nights 9, 10, 11, 12

The small telescope project is alive and well, and I have now completed 2/3rds of my first goal of observing 60 objects.  Space Eye is a 2" refractor from Vixen.  It is quite a splendid little instrument, and it's helping me relive my early days as an amateur astronomer.  However, I always used reflectors when growing up, first having a toy 3", then a Tasco 4.5", then an Edmund 8", and finally an Orion 12" Dob.  There was one tiny refractor in my lineup.  I purchased a 40 mm refractor from K-mart back in 1971, using it for two months until my Tasco scope arrived.  However, Space Eye is my first true astronomical observing refractor, and I always enjoy using it when time permits.  Here are two observations from March 11th.

Object #32:  Messier 41:  Mag. 4.5; 39'; 80 *s; Br. * mag. 8:  From Olcott:  "Also observe M 41.  It is a superb group in a 3" telescope, and the red star near the center shows very clearly."  It is also a pretty fine sight in a 2" scope, with a nice concentration of bright stars in the center, and others somewhat further out.  30x shows some haze behind the resolved stars, but 60x resolves most stars.  About 40 members were counted, not including more distant stragglers.  I spent a long time here enjoying the view.

http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/archives/images/2005/img2005011502_M41lgrev1.jpg


Object #33:  Jupiter:  This is the first planet I have observed with Space Eye, and probably the one best suited for it.  This Spring, Jupiter is the planetary highlight.  On my first visit I was looking through a fogged over objective lens.  However, the planet was still sharp and bright.  Two equatorial cloud belts were very dark and dramatic; quite spectacular, actually.  The moons were easily seen, and provide beginners and experts alike a never-ending moving tableau.  On a second night (with no fogging) I observed the north hemisphere to be darker.  Two moons were nearly touching, but the scope resolved things well.  I have not used more than 60x so far (it's been very cold, and switching eyepieces requires refocusing), but will go much higher as weather permits.  Jupiter is a real showpiece for Space Eye.

http://en.es-static.us/upl/2013/04/Jupiter-and-moons-io-europa-ganymede-callisto.jpg

 Here are four objects seen on March 25th.

Object #34:  Beta Monoceros:  4.6-5.0/07":  Olcott class this a beautiful object.  While a lovely
                                                          -5.3/10":  double star at 30x, splitting B & C is a challenge, as they are only 3" apart!  I was pretty certain of a split at 60x, but I had to confirm it with Deb's 6" scope.  Lovely double, but a very challenging triple star.

http://web.utah.edu/astro/pics/paul/beta%20mon%20color%20352.jpg

Object #35:  Messier 50:  Mag. 5.9; 15'; 80 *s; Br. * Mag. 9:  Olcott places the object on his maps of Monoceros and Canis Major, though does not discuss it.  Smaller and dimmer than M 41, it nonetheless is a beautiful though faint cloud at 30x.  It is compact and compressed, with perhaps a half dozen stars easily resolving over the haze.  60x resolves the cluster nicely, showing about 25 stars.  Some haze is still evident in the background.  It is tricky to locate, but ultimately worth it.  A minor gem in Space Eye.

http://www.pictorobservatory.ca/images/m50-L_thumb.jpg

Object #36:  Epsilon Monoceros:  4.5-6.5/13":  Split at 30x, though seen beautifully at at 60x.  It seems white and bluish to me.  Olcott says Gold-Blue.  The 6.5 mag. companion was like a tiny pinprick next to the brighter star.

http://www.gabrielevanin.it/Eps%20Mon.jpg

Object #37:  NGC 2244:  Mag. 4.8; 30'; 100 *s; Br. * Mag. 7:  Olcott says:  "Note the cluster NGC 2244, visible to the unaided eye, and a fine sight in a field glass."  This is the famous Rosette Nebula, though no nebula was seen tonight.  This is one of the most easily identifiable clusters, nd it is lovely in a 2" scope.  It resembles a number "6" on a die.  The south two stars point north following to NGC oc 2252, barely discernible in the 2", though lovely in Deb's 6".  Continue further on to Cr. 106, with its central dense knot of faint stars appearing like fine silver dust in Space Eye.  A fun area to explore.

http://www.celestronimages.com/data/media/5/NGC2244a.jpg

A single object was observed on the night of March 26th.

Object #38:  Messier 48:  Mag. 5.8; 30'; 80 *s; Br. * Mag 8:  Olcott places the cluster on his Monoceros chart, but says nothing about it.  It turns out to be a nice object for the 2" refractor.  While there is lots of haze at 30x, several stars do resolve.  60x shows the full richness of M 48, which can take your breth away in a 6".  A few dozen stars are resolved in Space Eye, many seen using averted vision and a perfect focus.  This is a true wonder of the late winter sky!

http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2013/02/11/messier-monday-a-lost-and-found-star-cluster-m48/ 

The final pair of objects for this blog entry were seen on April 1st.


Object #39:  Algieba (Gamma Leonis):  2.6-3.8/4":  Olcott quotes Struve in his Field Book:  "Finest double in the northern sky."  Olcott himself calls it the telescopic feature of leo.  It certainly is beautiful in the 6" and 12", and most likely in a 3", too.  It is a challenge to resolve in the 2", and takes a practiced eye, steady seeing, perfect focus, and some patience.  Comfortable seating helps, too.  One star is deeper gold that the other, and one is noticeably bigger.  A beautiful pair in Space Eye, but not a showpiece for the masses.  I only used up to 60x, and will try a higher power next time.

http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~fringwal/Gamma-Leonis-2006-01-27-120s-f20.png

Object #40a and 40b:  Messier 65 and Messier 66:  65= 9'.8 x 2'.9; Vis. 9.3/SB 12.8.  66= 9'.1 x 4'.2; Vis. 8.9/SB 12.7:  I easily located and saw two of the three members of the Leo Triplet.  While I could not see the third member (NGC 3628), I did get a good glimpse of nearby eg 3593, which appeared round, faint and hazy, though not small.  Both Messier galaxies were seen at 30x, and indeed they were not that good at 60x.  I should have tried 40x.  Next time.  M 66 was noticeably rounder and brighter than M 65, which appeared very long and thin by comparison.  They both were bright and conspicuous, with very bright middles.  A nice catch for Space Eye, and worth showing to others!

http://www.astrofoto.ca/john/files/m065-66.jpg

(edited to crop out eg 3628)

 

Although there are a few more Spring objects I wish to view, I an anxiously awaiting summer, when I can dig into Sagittarius.  I will likely expand my project up to 100 objects.  Also, Saturn and Mars on on their way, and I have hopes of seeing a polar cap on Mars.  So stay tuned.

Meanwhile, work continues in Leo with the 12".  With over 350 NGC objects, this is a multi-year project.  However, I am going to begin reporting on progress so far, so stay tuned for that.  As ever, clear skies!

Mapman Mike 

#86 Small Telescope Adventures, Part 7

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Night 8

I am pretty far behind in my reporting on this blog.  I still have one more entry to complete for the Sagittarius deep sky report with the 12".  Watch for it soon.

This observation with Space Eye, our 2" 600mm refractor, took place back on Nov. 2nd, a warm and very clear night.  Six objects were added to the list, including four Messier objects (all clusters) and two double stars.

Object #26--Messier 39:  31'; mag. 4.6; Br. * mag. 7; 25 *s

This large, loose open cluster in Cygnus makes for really fine viewing in our 2" glass.  Easily found near Pi 2 and P Cygni, it is best viewed at 25x and 30x.  Its large size fills the eyepiece with stars, both bright and dim.  A nice showpiece for Space Eye.

Messier 39

http://www.celestronimages.com/data/media/5/m39.jpg

Object #27--Messier 29:  10'; mag. 6.6; Br. * mag. 9

Tiny and intriguing at 30x, this little cluster bares magnification well, showing a dozen or so stars at 60x and 75x.  Not a showpiece in the 2", it is none the less a fun object to view.  Located not far from Gamma, which is in a grand area of Cygnus for slow motion sweeping at low power.

Messier 29

http://www.pictorobservatory.ca/html/messier.htm

 Object #28-- Sigma Cass:  5.1-8.7/3"

This is a really fine object in the 12" at 136x.  Would Space Eye have even the ghost of a chance of splitting it?  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  At 30x it was not split.  At 60x and 75x I thought I saw something very close, very faint, and very tiny.  For the first time we used our 6 mm eyepiece, giving the 2" refractor a power of 100.  Split!!  Very tricky, and for expert double star observers only, and in very good sky conditions.

Sigma Cass.

http://www.deepskywatch.com/images/sketches/Sigma-Cassiopea-sketch-s.jpg

Object #29--Lambda Aurigae:  5.2-8.7/104"

Three companions can be seen some distance away from the primary star.  We took the brightest one as the object Olcott reports on.  This is a lovely area filled with interesting star fields.  Take some time and look around.

Lambda, along with 3 Messier clusters in Auriga.

Object #30--Messier 38:  15'; mag. 6.4; Br. * mag. 8; 160 *s

Large but quite faint, it resembles a sizable hazy cloud.  Resolution is fair at 30x, but better at 40x.  A 2" glass has to work full out on this one!  It is a lovely sight, though too faint to use 60x effectively.

M38 

http://i2.wp.com/www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/m38.gif

Object #31--Messier 36:  10'; mag. 6; Br. * mag. 9; 60 *s

A bright and glorious open cluster in a 2" scope; the full range of magnifications can be used effectively.  25x and 30x give fine views, but increasing to 40x and 60x is even better.  While the stars are not countless, there are an impressive amount of them.  Highly recommended for small scopes!

  M36

We tried unsuccessfully to locate M37, and will try again another time.  In the meantime we are nearly a third of the way through our project.  I hope you will continue to follow our adventures, and feel free to comment on your own views with small scopes.  Until next time, may you have clear skies.

Mapman Mike

#83 Small Telescope Adventures: Part 6

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Night 7

Tonight's lunar observation (October 22nd) was aided by still air and mild temperatures.  Our 50 mm refractor is proving to be a wonderful instrument with which to study the lunar surface once again, something we haven't done much of in many years.  We observed our 25th object with Space Eye tonight, a minor milestone.  This marks our second lunar observation, with eight more allowed in our initial project of sixty objects.  We are hoping to eventually include several planets, too.

Object #25:  Sinus Iridum

We used Plate VII from the Field Guide, studying a very attractive and conspicuous area in and around Sinus Iridum, also called "Bay of Rainbows."  The Bay is 242 miles x 157 miles, and has a flat floor that sits about 2,000' lower than adjoining Mare Imbrium.  The curving mountain range ringing the north end are the Jura Mtns., rising to 18,200'.  They were spectacular tonight.  While some of the Bay was still in deep shadow, the mountain tops were brightly lit beyond and into the terminator.  We studied the area at 60x and 75x (without a filter), noting many other involved features (see sketch, below).  This area was lit spectacularly tonight, repaying careful study, and was easily the finest sight on the moon!  The moon was exactly ten days old.

Each curving end of the Juras has a name.  Cape Laplace, on the eastern end, rises to 7900', while Cape Heraclides, on the opposite side of the Bay, rises to 5500'.  The craters Bianchini, Helicon, and Leverrier all require a 2" glass to see clearly.  Their diameters are 23 miles, 15 miles, and 12 miles, respectively.  The adjoining Straight Range/ Montes Recti rises to 5500'.

 Deb's sketch of the Sinus Iridum area.  60x, 2" refractor.  10-day old moon.

Here is what Olcott says about the Sinus Iridum area:  "Capes Heraclides and La Place are at the eastern and western extremities respectively of the Sinus Iridum or "Bay of Rainbows."  They are 135 miles apart.  The former is 4,000' high [now 5500'], and its shadow forms the silhouette of the "moon maiden," best viewed when the moon is 11 days old."

 We also explored the Carpathian Mountains, a complex area near the terminator tonight, and just north of Copernicus.  The crater Tobias Mayer, at the eastern edge of the mountains, is 9300' deep and looked like a circular black pit!  This would also make a good area for detailed observations around the 10-day phase.

Mapman Mike

#82 Small Telescope Adventures: Part 5

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Night 6

Welcome back Space Eye fans!  The night of October 18th was a classic one, cold, dry and very clear.  However, I used my entire observing time hunting galaxies in Pegasus with the 12".  Despite a low 6-day old moon, I began picking off faint galaxies just after 9:30 pm.  I had a lovely tree blocking my view of the moon, which didn't set until 10:45 pm.  

The night of the 19th was clear but hazy.  However, it was actually warm out.  Deb and I undertook our first lunar observation (7-day moon) with our new 50 mm refractor.  As usual, Space Eye did not disappoint.  Small refractors usually excel at lunar observing, and our scope proved quite amazing.  Due to rather windy conditions we limited ourselves to 30x and 60x, using only the 20 mm and 10 mm Plossls that came with the kit.  They were more than adequate for the job at hand.

We worked off of Olcott's Moon Chart V, selecting two craters to focus on.  We spent about 30 minutes observing them, and Deb even did a little sketch (see below).  Here are my observing notes, followed by Olcott's comments:

Objects #24a and 24b:  Two lunar craters, Albategnius and Hipparchus:  Moon Plate V from the Field Book of the Skies:  These two craters are very conspicuous at first quarter moon, and lie at the very center and along the terminator.  We observed them at 30x and 60x.  The interior of Alba was completely in dark shadow, except for the tip of its central peak, along with one other summit closer to the rim towards the terminator.  Hipparchus was 90% lit.  Since they were both stacked one on top of the other right at the terminator, it is easy to tell that Alba is a deep crater and Hipparchus is not.  Several smaller craters could be seen inside Hipparchus.  Halley, a smaller crater between the two main ones, was prominent, as was Horrocks, at the opposite tip of Hipparchus.  Halley is 22 miles across, while Horrocks is 18 miles in diameter.  Alba is 82 miles (not 65, as mistakenly reported by Olcott in the Field Book), and Hipparchus is 91 miles.  Upon observing them it is easily apparent that they are similarly sized.  The same can be said of Halley and Horrocks, which require at least a 2" scope to be clearly seen.  They were clearly seen.  Other details could be viewed inside Hipparchus, and the rim of Alba was wonderfully distorted and ravaged.

Deb's sketch of an area of the 7-day old moon, observing at 60x with Space Eye.

Here is what Olcott says:  "About the center of the moon, just west of the terminator, lie Albategnius, 65 miles across, and north of it Hipparchus, 90 miles in diameter.  The latter exhibits signs of deterioration and is presumably older than Albategnius, which is very deep and comparatively perfect."

 Olcott discusses several other lunar sights located on Chart V, but we will save them for another first quarter moon session.  As we are coming up towards full moon, we hope to grab another lunar session or two soon.  Please stay tuned!
Mapman Mike

#81 Small Telescope Adventures: Part 4

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Nights 4 & 5

We have managed to squeeze two more clear nights out of the October new moon session.  I am still hard at work with the 12", and recently completed observations of "Stephan's Quintet" in Pegasus, along with eg 7331 and its attendant galaxies.  We take time out to work with Space Eye from time to time during these clear nights, finding it just as addictive as observing with our bigger scopes.

The night of October 10th began as a hazy mess.  We drove to Hallam Observatory anyway, thinking that we might just set up the 2" and review some of the already seen objects.  Well, the night didn't turn out to be so great for galaxy hunting, so the 12" stayed inside the VW Tiguan.  However, the haze lifted enough to provide us with a pretty decent night of observing.  We set up Deb's 6", along with Space Eye, and we ended up comparing views.  The 6" has about 9x the light gathering power of the 2", so there isn't much to compare.  I ended up using the 2" exclusively that night, adding 7 new objects to our ever-growing list.

Each time we use the scope we get better at finding objects using Olcott's charts.  A big part of this new-found success is the red dot finder now installed, replacing the 5 x 20 toy finder scope.  We are finding the alt-azumith's up and down locking device a bit of a pain, especially when the scope is pointed high.  Once an object is sighted and the device is "locked," there is some play in the system, causing the tube to fall just a bit short of where it was placed.  We are learning to compensate, however.  Also, when the knob is tightened, it really needs to be tightened.  A few times I thought I had tightened it and the eyepiece gracefully descended to a vertical position.  There are no problems with the side to side controls.  Both slow motion controls work flawlessly, too, and the focusser has loosened just enough to make it perfect for getting that exact image of a star.

Object #14:  M13:  20'; Vis. 5.8; Br. * mag. 11.9:  We had a good, long look at the grand-daddy of northern sky globular clusters, and Space Eye did not disappoint!  At 30x the center blazes with light.  Three distinct levels of brightness can be observed, as the cluster fades outwards.  A large area of very faint haze surrounds the central, brighter areas.  At 60x the texture of the cluster becomes granular.  At 75x 3 or 4 stars can be seen, winking in and out.  Fun!  Olcott devotes five paragraphs to this cluster, but only on his binocular and naked eye observing page!

http://www.vcastro.com/messier/page004/html/04-0811_m13_gk0r3006_std.jpg

Object #15:  Delta Herculis:  3.2-8/11":  Not an easy double star for a 2" scope.  But what are all my years of observing experience for, if not for challenges like this one?  We split it at 60x, but the two stars appeared very close.  It's very likely that a trained eye is needed here.  The primary star is white.

http://www.astrosurf.com/bolteau/etoilesdoubles/delta-herculis.jpg

Object #16:  Beta Lyra:  A multiple star with 4 members:

     3-6.7/46"

       -9.2/67"

      -9.8/86"

On the first night I misread Olcott's list and left out the 9.8 mag. member.  However, that was remedied on the 11th of October, when we reviewed the whole system.  Three star members are observable at 30x, and the fourth at 60x.  Beta also is a gateway star to M 57.  Olcott discusses Beta's variable characteristics, as it is one of the most famous variables in the sky.  It was considerably dimmer than Gamma tonight.

http://i0.wp.com/www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/beta_lyrae.gif

Object #17:  M57 "Ring Nebula:"  76"; Vis. 8.8:  Small, faint but quite distinct at 30x, I reached here using the slow motion controls from Beta Lyra.  60x and averted vision really help with the view, though the dark center is elusive and challenging.  75x (Epic 11 8 mm) gives really decent views of a now dark-centered ghostly object.  It appears to be pretty large in this range, and very round.  This marks Space Eye's first planetary nebula!  Olcott says: "The "+" [on his chart of Lyra] marks the location of the famous "Ring Nebula," a wonderful sight in our largest telescopes."

http://www.jagowds.com/_jap/gfx/deepsky/m57_042404.jpg

Object #18:  NGC oc 663:  15'; Mag. 7.1; Br. * mag. 9:  Observed both nights (10th and 11th), I really enjoyed spending time here.  This is another open cluster success for Space Eye.  I enjoyed long looks using 30x, in addition to sweeping the area slowly.  40x and 60x were also used with success.  Along with several obvious brighter stars, many faint ones were also seen.  The cluster field fits nicely at 60x.  The surrounding area is also rich with stars, making for fine sweeping with the slow motion controls.  Recommended for 50mm apertures.

http://www.jagowds.com/_jap/gfx/deepsky/m57_042404.jpg

Object #19:  Struve 163 (Cass):  A triple star. 6.2-8.2/35"  -9.7/115":  On the 10th I overlooked the fainter star, so we redid it on the 11th.  Nothing was split at 30x.  However, at 60x a lovely gold and blue pair resolved, though somewhat faint.  It looks much more impressive in the 6", but it isn't too bad in the 2".  The third member was seen at 60x and 75x under excellent skies on the 11th.  It may have been visible on the 10th under less favourable sky conditions, but I did not look for it.

http://www.deepskywatch.com/images/sketches/struve-163-sketch-s.jpg

Object #20:  NGC oc 7789:  25': Vis. 6.7; Br. * mag. 10:  Olcott places the cluster on his Cassiopeia chart, and says:  "NGC 7789 was discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783."  That's not much of an incentive to go looking for it, but experienced observers will know that this is one of the most remarkable open clusters in the sky.  In my 12" scope at 136x (82 degree field) I am left speechless and breathless every time I observe it.  It is a challenge, however, for the 2".  I located it both nights, even though I really wasn't expecting to find it.  The given magnitude is deceiving.  Due to its vast size it is very faint.  We found it at 30x, though it was better at 40x, where a few stars began to resolve.  It was too faint for 60x to be of any use.  It looks like a ghostly, round, very faint cloud.  I was thrilled to even find it!  A second look on the much better night of the 11th showed very tiny stars resolving across the entire hazy patch at 40x.  Definitely worth a stop for veteran sky viewers.

http://www.walter-hohmann-sternwarte.de/galerie-dateien/offene_sternhaufen/NGC7789-20120907_kl.jpg

Observing Night #5

The night of October 11th gave us a near-perfect sky.  Much of the time I was hunting galaxies with the 12", but we took time out to add a few new objects to Space Eye's ever-growing list.  We had quick looks at Messier 8, 20 and 21 in Sagittarius, but I did not take any notes.  We'll wait until next summer for these, and many others, in that fabulous constellation.  Here are three new objects added to our list.  Pretty soon we will be halfway through our goal of 60 objects, and we haven't even started on the moon or planets yet!  I'm thinking this project may easily reach 100 objects.

 Object #21:  NGC oc 752:  75'; Mag. 5.7; Br. * mag. 8:  The cluster is easy to find thanks to a wide double star (56 Andromedae: 6-6/189"), a lovely object on its own, but lying just south of this remarkable open cluster.  Both members of the double are white, and it can be seen in binoculars.  The cluster can best be appreciated at 30x, using the slow motion controls to drive around its nearly endless circumference.  This is one of the largest and richest clusters one could imagine, and would be a perfect candidate for our 4" Astroscan.  However, the 2" shows it in its full splendour, too.  This one is worth many more visits!  Olcott merely places the cluster on his Andromeda chart.  However, he does mention the double star:  "The double star 56 can be separated with a field glass if it is held steady..."

 A nice image, showing the adjacent double star 56 Andromedae.

http://www.amateurastronomy.co.uk/constels/and/ngc752.gif

Object #22:  Messier 42 & 43 "The Great Nebula:"  Wow!  Certainly one of the finest objects for a small telescope, it is totally enthralling and amazing in Space Eye!  It appeared far brighter than I expected, and a lot of detail can be observed, even at 30x.  We viewed it around 1 am, and it wasn't even that high yet.  The Trapezium star group was bright and very appealing.  60x shows off the nebula to great advantage, with dark and light areas mingling and curling like smoke.  This is truly remarkable in the 2", and should get some oohs and ahhs at open houses and star parties, especially if someone has never seen it before.  Obviously it is worth many repeat visits.  Olcott devotes several paragraphs to it on his binocular page.  On the telescope page he says:  "Of course observe the nebula.  An excellent way to do this is to sight the telescope in advance of the nebula, and allow this to creep into the field.  A far better idea of the extent of the luminosity can be obtained by using this method.  Only a long exposure photograph can show the true vastness of this wonder of the skies."  Perhaps, but a 50 mm will not disappoint.

https://www.google.ca/search?client=tablet-unknown&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1360&bih=631&q=delta+herculis&oq=delta+herculis&gs_l=img.12..0i24.1585.4928.0.7128.14.10.0.4.4.0.126.993.2j7.9.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..1.13.1004.nv6SdVRqaDM#hl=en&tbm=isch&q=messier+42&imgrc=_

Object #23:  Messier 1 "Crab Nebula:"  I had zero expectations for this faint object, so you can imagine my surprise and delight when we located it at 30x without much trouble!  Apparently all of the faint galaxy work I do with the 12" has paid off!  The Crab was really faint, but nonetheless quite unmistakable.  It was oval, and though fairly small, we found that using averted vision and cupping our hands around the eyepiece really helped to bring it out from the background.  Huzzah!  Olcott says:  "The + shows the location [on his chart of Taurus] of the famous "Crab Nebula," the first nebula discovered by Messier.  It takes a powerful telescope to bring out any detail."  This one is for experts only.  There is not much here to see for a novice.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/guy.m/Sketches/DSO/M1.jpg

Until next time, clear skies to all!

Mapman Mike 

#80 Small Telescope Adventures, Part 3

The Olcott Project:  Adventures with a 2" Telescope--Nights 2 & 3

We have had two fine nights of observing since my last blog entry, and we managed to view an additional 8 objects with our newest telescope, the Space Eye 2" refractor from Vixen!  The very first thing we did was go back and re-observe NGC 457 (see entry for Object #2 for the update).  We observed Objects 6 through 8 on October 5th, and Objects 9 through 13 on October 7th.  Both nights had very fine conditions until clouds rolled in shortly after midnight.  Our list of objects is viewed in no particular order, just whatever strikes our fancy.

Object #6: NGC oc 225:  Mag. 7; 15'; Br. * mag. 9.3:  Merely listed on Olcott's map of Cassiopeia, the open cluster is located north preceding Gamma (2) Cass.  While a pretty fine object in the 6" and 12", this one likely requires a 3" scope to look somewhat impressive.  It's unique half-circle shape was noted, with about a dozen faint stars seen at 60x.  The central area appears dark at 30x, but 60x resolves some stars in there.  Not really recommended for a 50 mm, though it certainly can be viewed.

http://www.ngcicproject.org/dss/n/0/n0225.jpg

Object # 7:  Messier 31:  The "Great Nebula" in Andromeda is one of the finest objects in the heavens for small telescopes, and it looks marvelous in the Space Eye!  The mid-section is enormous and bright at 30x.  By using the slow motion controls the full extent of the galaxy can be traced at the eyepiece.  As a bonus, adjacent M32 is an easy object to see, a very bright star-like object.  It resembles a star that will not focus properly.  As an even further bonus, Messier 110 is no problem at all for this scope in a dark sky, its oval shape being easy to make out at 30x.  All three objects can be made to fit in the same field of view.  Don't miss this one with Space Eye!  In the section of his handbook discussing Andromeda for the unaided eye and field glass, Olcott uses almost a full page to talk about this object.

http://www.vcastro.com/messier/page004/html/04-0811_m31_result01_std.jpg

Object #8:  Double Cluster in Perseus:  NGC oc 869 and oc 884:  Olcott says of these objects:  "The famous double cluster is a wonderful object.  It should be observed with low power.  One of the finest clusters for a small telescope.  The field is simply sown with scintillating stars, and the contrasting colors are very beautiful."   In other words, folks, you miss this one at your peril.  It looks fabulous in the 2" scope!  At first it seems like the pair of open clusters may not reveal much charm at 30x.  However, once a satisfactory focus is achieved, stars begin to pop out everywhere!  While resolution improves at 60x, our best view was with my Epic 2, 15mm, giving 40x.  This was the perfect vantage point to bathe in stars!  Serious observing work can be done here.  Bonus:  Follow Deb's "Trail of Breadcrumbs" north from NGC 869 (the densest of the pair).  A string of a dozen or so bright stars leads soon to Stock 2, a massive open cluster rich with bright stars.  I was able to easily navigate here using the slow motion controls.  All three clusters are highly recommended for a 2" scope.  

 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/Double_Cluster.jpg/300px-Double_Cluster.jpg

After two nights of using the new scope, it became obvious that the 5 X 20 finder had to go.  We replaced it with a red dot one for the third night, having better success with locating objects.  Remember, however,  that we are only using the star charts in Olcott for navigation.  Of course we know the location of many of these objects without any aid. These next five objects were all observed on the third night out, using the red dot finder.   

Object #9:  Alpha Cass (Shedar):  2.5-9.0/64":  Another challenge double for our 50 mm telescope, this one has similar magnitudes to Polaris (see Object # 5).  However, the separation distance here is much greater.  Not split at 30x, and at first not with 60x either.  We used my Epic 2, 8 mm eyepiece (75x) and got it right away.  Afterwards, we could see it minutely at 60x.  Recommended only as a test for your eyes and your objective lens.  Olcott says:  "The star Alpha Cass is 181 light years distant from us.  It is a star of the solar type."

http://www.daviddarling.info/images/Alpha_Cassiopeiae.jpg

Object #10:  Eta Cass:  3.6-7.4/9":  A very close pair, best split at 60x.  Yellow and white, possibly bluish.  Following Alpha in the sky (east of it), it is very close to that star.  A much better object for the 2".  Olcott says:  "Eta was discovered by Herschel in 1779.  It is a binary with a period of more than 500 years.  It is about 17 light years distant."  Though it is a bit of a challenge, this was a pretty decent double for Space Eye.

 

http://www.solstation.com/stars/etacas2.jpg

Object #11:  Messier 52:  16'; mag. 6.9; Br. * mag. 11:  This is a very fine open cluster in Cassiopeia through the 6", and absolutely breath-taking in the 12"; so how does M52 look in the 2"?  Aside from two brighter stars within, the cluster stars themselves begin at mag. 11.  So it's not going to be a blaze of light!  Once focused at 30x the main bright star (mag. 8?) is seen to be surrounded by a faint "mist."  60x resolves about a dozen tiny, very faint stars!  Not a showpiece for the crowds, but a nice little object for expert observers.  It does push the limits of the Space Eye, something it seems to handle well.  Well done, Space Eye!

 

http://www.ngcicproject.org/dss/n/7/n7654.jpg

Object #12:  Messier 34:  25'; mag. 5.2; Br. * mag. 9:  A truly fine object for the 2", this open cluster in Perseus can be seen well at 30x.  It is a very large group, and the eye is kept busy.  The central knot showed well, and several bright stars are also seen in the outskirts.  Recommended, even for star parties.  Olcott says:  "The several other clusters indicated on the [Perseus] chart are good objects for a 3" telescope, particularly M 34, which lies about halfway between Algol and Gamma Andromeda."

 

http://www.ngcicproject.org/dss/n/1/n1039.jpg

Object #13:  Messier 45:  The Pleiades:  This open cluster is a showstopper in the 2"!  A bit of nebulosity could even be seen around Alcyone, the brightest member.  Views were best at 30x, though even here the slow motion controls were needed to sweep around the cluster, which more than fills the viewfinder.  This object is really fun to view, and it would easily wow people at a star party.  The bonus here is how easy it is to find!  Olcott says:  "Many consider the cluster of the Pleiades the most attractive of all the star groups.  In an opera or field glass they present a charming appearance."  On the telescope page he continues:  "Alcyone, the brightest star in the Pleiades, is a very beautiful object."  One certainly can't argue with that.

 

http://www.constellation-guide.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pleiades-Messier-45.jpg
 

Clear skies!

 
Mapman Mike

#79 Small Telescope Adventures, Part 2: First Light with the Space Eye 50 mm Refractor

First light for Space Eye came the same day we received it (see Part 1).  However, the night was mostly cloudy, very windy, and pretty chilly.  We didn't even bother setting up Deb's 6".  Set up time from car to observing takes about 2 minutes, so we really liked that part of our evening.  We were at our favourite dark sky site outside of Windsor, ON, though we may as well have observed from our light-polluted back deck at home.

Our first project with the new scope is a tribute to a fellow blogger who appears to have abandoned his cause, or perhaps run into some other type of difficulty.  His idea for observing objects with a 2" scope got me thinking.  Here is his blog, not updated now for many years:

http://small-telescopes.blogspot.ca/

His project was to observe 50 objects with a 2" scope; ours is 60 objects, one for each dollar spent on the scope.  Like him, we will limit ourselves to only 10 lunar sites.  However, we are going to use William T. Olcott's "Field Book of the Skies" to select our objects.  So here we go!

 My own copy of this incredible book.

Object #1: Mizar, Ursa Major:  First light went to the Horse and Rider, Mizar (mag. 2) and Alcor (mag. 5).  Both stars were seen in the 5x20 finder.  At 30x there is a fainter star midway between the two naked eye stars, forming a triangle with them.  Deb then went on to split Mizar first (2.4-4/14"), at 30x.  My eyes were watery from the wind, but I eventually got it, too.  At 60x it is a beautiful object, with a possible slight colour difference, the fainter star yellowish and the primary white.  Star images seemed excellent, despite passing clouds and a lot of turbulence tonight.  Had this been the only object seen tonight, it would have been enough to tell us that we had a very good little telescope on our hands.  This was no toy.  Unfortunately, the wind hampered most steady views.  Olcott tells us that this was the first double star ever discovered, by Riccioli in 1850.  In 1889, Professor Pickering discovered that the star was also a close binary.  He goes on to say that the star has the distinction of being the first one photographed by Bond, using the collodion process (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collodion_process).  To us, it looked something like this at 60x, minus background stars:

http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/archives/000603.html

Mizar is a gem object in a good 2" glass, and we are glad we chose it to be our first object!

Object #2: Oc 457, Cassiopeia:  Mag. 6.4; 20'; Br. * mag. 8.6:  This object appears on Olcott's map of the constellation, south preceding Delta.  In the comments section he is rather concise:  "The cluster NGC 457 is an elegant group."  Who could resist a come-on like that?  In the 6" and 12" mirrors this is a great showpiece cluster.  What would it look like in a 2"?

Despite several attempts at long looks at oc 457, the clouds and wind thwarted us.  30x showed us about a dozen bouncing stars, using averted vision.  60x gives a much better view, and many more stars can be seen.  However, we enjoyed our best views (a few seconds at a time) using my Epic 11 8 mm eyepiece, giving 75x.  I am not adverse to using other eyepieces, provided we used the given ones first.  It becomes pretty amazing at this range, with a ton of resolved stars showing clearly, along with the two brightest ones.  I did not have enough clear sky time to actually count stars, but there were more than 20.  Perhaps I will return on a better night.  However, it does seem that this telescope will shine prominently in the study of open clusters and double stars!  It looked a bit like this to us, only jiggly.

NGC oc 457

http://www.graphitegalaxy.com/index.cgi?showsketch=8 

Object #3:  Messier 15, Pegasus:  Mag. 6.3; 18'; Br. * mag. 12.6:  Easily picked up at 30x, the globular cluster appeared remarkably bright and concentrated.  60x will show the brighter star just north.  At this range the center is very bright and star-like, surrounded by a larger area of bright haze, and then again by fainter haze.  Obviously we will not be resolving many globulars with this scope, but the bright ones will be easy to see.  Olcott includes this as the only deep sky object on his telescope map of Pegasus.  His brief text line reads: "The cluster M15 was discovered by Maraldi in 1745."

 M15.  No stars resolved for us, but the star north could be seen.

http://www.astroimages.de/pics/gallery/full/M15-20080928.jpg

Object #4:  B Cygni (Albireo):  3.2-5.4/35":  Easily the highlight of the night, colours and star images were outstanding!  We have a winning scope on our hands!  Deep golden yellow and very blue, surrounded by a rich star field.  Viewed at 30x and 60x, in between the clouds.  Olcott claims yellow and lilac, and says "very fine."  He continues below the chart with: "Many consider B Cygni the finest double star in the sky.  Its contrasting colours, gold and blue, are very beautiful."

Albireo.

http://i1.wp.com/astrobob.areavoices.com/files/2013/07/Albireo-Chumack.jpg?resize=960%2C762

Object #5:  Alpha Ursa Minoris (Polaris):  2.5-8.8/19":  Olcott claims this to be "not an easy object in a 3" glass."  Ponder, then, the plight of the lowly 2" glass.  However, we split it!  I spotted it first at 75x, impossibly tiny and faint and quite close to the primary.  When it comes to star images and splitting doubles, refractors rule.  We were able to (barely) glimpse it afterwards at 60x, once we knew where to look (just above it in the eyepiece, as in 12 o'clock high).

Polaris

http://jeffreysboldlygoingnowhere.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Polaris.jpg

Three doubles, an open cluster and a globular later we packed up our gear (3-4 minutes) and headed home.  We are now five objects into our 60-object Olcott project.  I hope you will join us for the rest of them in the coming months, under the heading "Adventures with a Small Telescope."  I doubt that a new astronomer on his/her first night out would have had our success, especially with the crappy weather.  Our long experience with telescopes, the night sky, reading charts, dark adaptation for the eye, and using averted vision all came into play.  We were able to turn an otherwise unusable night into a modest success!

 

Mapman Mike