#125: Crab Nebula

The following is an article I wrote for our astronomy club newsletter, for January 2020.  I belong to the Windsor branch of the RASC, and write articles five times per year.  To see previous newsletters, link to this address on our homepage.  There are also other fine articles by other members, as well as some outstanding amateur photos.

This time of year very little time is spent at the telescope eyepiece. I did enjoy a fine night on December 21^st, but as of early January that has been it, other than a few naked eye peeks at Betelgeuse. Instead, I will talk briefly about the 2019 highlights and lowlights, and say a bit about 2020.

For me, 2019 will be remembered as the year I had to abandon the club's Hallam site for my observing program. The greenhouse lights to the south have reached a level of insanity I could not have imagined even a few years ago. While in the long term I am optimistic that the stray light problem from Leamington will be addressed, in the short term Hallam is now reserved (for me) for lunar and planetary work. I have had to move my deep sky observing to Chatham Kent County, where I can at least enjoy good skies to the north, east, and south. The success of Detroit’s streetlight program has made the west and northwest sky much more light polluted than several years ago, when nearly half the streetlights in that city did not function.

And yet another big problem lies in the near future, as over six thousand new satellites will be orbiting the Earth within two or three years. These satellites will be used to bring fast internet to the entire planet. They are supposed to be highly reflective, too. In 2020, 1500 of them will be launched. The first few batches of 60 are already up there. Even using remote telescopes for photography will be greatly affected. Needless to say, it isn’t only amateurs who are worried; major observatories will have some serious obstacles to overcome as well. And what happens to these satellites if Earth is struck by a major solar flare? If you think we have a lot of space junk up there now, just wait.

My NGC observing project continued in 2019, as I managed to get out under clear skies with my telescope 34 times, totaling over 100 hours of observing. That is considerably better than 2018, one of the cloudiest years I have ever seen. One of those observations was the total lunar eclipse of January 20^th, possibly the coldest observation I have ever recorded from Essex County. It was a very fine and clear night, however.

And in Spring 2019 I finally managed to complete my viewing of the entire NGC list in the constellation boundaries of Leo! That was a seven year project that took me to some fabulous sights, a few of which I have shared in these pages. My newest Spring observing adventure lies within the border of Coma Berenices, and might take me just as long. Will I ever get to tackle Virgo someday? If I do, you will read about it here.

Winter months are an excellent time to plan a viewing program for the warmer months. I wish you all many happy observing planning sessions, and excellent skies with which to undertake those plans.

Messier of the Month: M 1, “The Crab Nebula”

Approximately 7500 years ago, a star exploded in the direction of the constellationTaurus. Seen and recorded over a thousand years ago by the Chinese in 1054 A.D., the remnant from this supernova was the first astronomical object to be identified as such. The Earl of Rosse drew the object in 1840, observing it with his 36” telescope. His drawing was said to resemble a crab, and thus the nickname. This is one of the most studied objects in the sky, and provides for some fascinating on-line reading. Stunning photos reveal the object in breathtaking detail. What is highly unusual about M 1 is that on very detailed professional photos, significant changes can be noted in less than a month. Even so, I still like to view it in a small scope. In a really dark sky it can be seen with binoculars, though my views have been only through telescopes. And it continues to expand, being significantly larger now in photos than when I first began the hobby.

My first look came in March, 1973, using my 4.5” Tasco reflector. With fresh snow on the ground and an unshielded streetlight only a few meters away, it wasn’t the ideal first look at such an object. A much better view came from my back deck in Anderdon Township in March, 1994. I was using my trusty Edmund 8” reflector. At lower powers it reminded me somewhat of a very large and bright galaxy. The edges appeared smooth, even at 169x. Skip ahead to late November, 2016. I viewed it with the 12” Dob from Hallam, and found it impressively large, very bright, and quite elongated. The large central area is much brighter than the outer areas. Several faint stars appear to me very close, or even touching the outside edges. The south-following end is very patchy, whereas the north end tapers and fades gradually.

My Space Eye view came in October, 2015, from Hallam. I did not have high expectations of seeing M 1 with the 2” refractor, but it was located at 30x! The nebula was really faint, but quite unmistakable. It was oval, and though fairly small, averted vision really helped bring it out.

Messier 1 (NGC gn 1952): 6’ x 4’ emission nebula in Taurus.

Mapman Mike

#124: Messier 34

Perseus is home to some of the finest clusters in the sky. Messier 34 is only one of the showpieces in this constellation sitting atop the Milky Way, and in January the cluster is ideally suited for observation, being almost overhead in the early evening. I have had the good fortune to observe this bright open cluster with three different scopes, including Space Eye, my 2” refractor. M 34 is a fine object for very small scopes, and is seen well at 30x. It is a large group filled with bright stars, and the eye is kept busy. The central area resolves well, and there are also several bright stars in the outskirts. That observation was done in October of 2015.

Back in October of 2002 I viewed it from Comber with my Edmund 8” reflector. At 36x it appeared as a very loose, medium-rich cluster. There are numerous bright stars, some in pairs. The cluster is best viewed at low power. 56X resolves the entire group, though views were also lovely at 72x. 

In January of this year I finally got to look at it with the 12” scope. It fits in the field of view at 60x, its many bright stars becoming almost blindingly white. The cluster includes some fine doubles, and the overall large and loose structure invites the eye to search all around for interesting pairings and other details. One aspect that struck me was a fascinating string of faint stars on the south end, intersecting with another line coming through the center of the cluster. There are about 12 stars in the first line, some with very faint companions. 100X shows the central area in good detail, though at this range the full cluster size is lost. Since M 34 is right in the Milky Way, it is fun to sweep the area surrounding the cluster. A rich knot of faint stars can be seen just south following, and I also came across a wide U of stars not far away.

It’s often too cold in January to do much more than a brief observation. This time is usually reserved for a look at the Orion Nebula. However, M 34 can be appreciated on a quick visit, and will also reward those with time for a closer view.

M 34 (NGC 1039): Size 25’; overall mag. 5.2; about 60 stars; brightest star mag. 9.

 https://skyview.gsfc.nasa.gov/current/cgi/runquery.pl?Interface=bform&VCOORD=ngc+1039&SURVEY=Digitized+Sky+Survey&SCOORD=Equatorial&EQUINX=2000&MAPROJ=Gnomonic&SFACTR=0.35&ISCALN=Linear&GRIDDD=No&COLTAB=B-W+Linear&PIXELX=600&PIXELY=600  

Clear skies!

Mapman Mike

#123: A Second Method For Tackling Unknown Skies

In blog #120 (M 103) I talked about a way of getting to know unfamiliar parts of the sky by using a bright deep sky object as a jumping off point for telescope users.  Exploring slowly and carefully in different directions has always been a worthwhile way to spend time with the night sky.

 This time I would like to talk about a second method of preparing for a night's observing.  However, a star atlas is now required, and perhaps some books describing deep sky objects, variable stars, and double stars.  I like the books put out by the Webb Society, but I still often use the 3-volume Burnham's Celestial Handbook.  As to sky atlases, the only one to even consider for advanced amateurs is the Uranometria All-Sky Edition, 2nd Ed, revised.  For the price of a cheap eyepiece ($60), this will be the best investment you ever made.  Cloudy nights suddenly become fun with this atlas.  And it comes with free shipping.

 http://www.willbell.com/atlas/index.htm

If you are among those who purchased the first edition way back when, as I did, then realized the maps were backwards and difficult to use in the field, have no fear.  Things are corrected and much improved now!  And an all-in-one edition means only one volume is now needed to study Orion in depth!  Before the 2nd edition of Uranometria came about, I used to do the following for my 2nd Method of preparing for a session.  Afterwards I will tell you am alternate, improved way, thanks to the revised atlas format.

1)      Pick an area of sky of interest to you.  I will pick oc 2232 in Monoceros, for reasons that should become apparent if you glance at the atlas (it's a simple enough area to start with).  However, any area will do, as long as you begin somewhere you will recognize.

2)   Without looking at any photos of objects to be observed (wait until after you have actually searched for them at the eyepiece), write down some info about the main object from one of your resources.  (oc 2232: 29'; stars mag 6--8, about a dozen).  I use the companion volume to the Uranometria atlas (see the link, above).

    3)   Search on the map (chart #116 in Uranometria) for neighbouring points of interest.  Write down any info about these objects you may have.  You should notice oc 2219 preceding, oc 2250 following, and oc Cz 26 north following.  These clusters are within easy star-hop range of oc 2232.  Their relative obscurity may or may not be deserved.  You can decide for yourself.  The size of your mirror and the darkness of your sky will help you determine this, along with your experience as an observer.  A few unnamed doubles are also indicated nearby, as well as a handful of variables, including GL, V723, and IM. Don't ignore the brightest star within oc 2232, which is labeled as a double star.

 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/NGC_2232.png

What we have just done is prepare our session more in depth than with the previous method, where we only needed the location of one bright object (and no atlas) to get started.  This time we have gone target hunting, looking for specific objects near our bright starting point. One of the reasons I chose 2232 is that despite a good star-hop search using Method 1, those three other open clusters still may not have been found.  They are faint, and at low power may be missed (if you found them using Method 1, then congratulations!).  Using Method 2, we are now searching in an exact location for specific objects, hopefully with some success.  Use neighbouring stars leading from 2232 and marked on the atlas to guide you directly.  This is called guided star hopping, and with practice can be a very quick and efficient method of getting around. Thus Method 2 works similarly to Method 1, but it is now required to choose an area of sky with a few other objects of interest near the main object.  If you have the right atlas, this will pose no difficulty.  Choose your area based on your sky conditions, horizon, and season.  This is how I prepare for a session using Method 2.  As mentioned at the beginning of this article, however, I will sometimes do things differently now. 

Since the publication of the 2nd edition of Uranometria it includes, in addition to 220 star maps that show every NGC and IC object down to Mag. 15, 24 close-up maps at the back of the atlas.  These highlight and enlarge x2 or x3 things like galaxy clusters (Virgo, Coma, Hercules and others), extra rich areas of the Milky Way (Cygnus, Sagittarius, Scorpius, etc) and the Magellenic Clouds.  There is a lifetime of observing just within these supplemental maps!  I can't wait to get at Cygnus this summer with Charts A1 and A2, and in the spring with the Leo galaxy charts (A10, 11).  And once you see the Large Magellenic Cloud Chart and how many NGC objects reside there (a 2-page spread), you will want to book an astronomy B & B in Australia or Chile for a month!

     Soon I will detail Planning Method 3.  May you have clear skies and successful star hunting until then!

 

Mapman Mike

#122: Messier 39

I first made the acquaintance of this wide open star cluster in late July of 1971.  I was observing with my Tasco Lunagrosso 4.5” Reflector.  It was also the summer of a very favourable opposition of Mars.  Life was good!  I wrote at the time: “A very large open cluster of stars, mostly white.  The object filled about half of my field of view at 22x, and all of my 45x eyepiece.  At the lower power I counted about 25 stars, several of them 6th and 7th magnitude, although some were much fainter.  M 39 is a very pleasant cluster to view, and easy to locate.”

Cut to late August, 1978.  I am now using my Edmund 8” Reflector, the big red beast!  My notes from then:  "M 39 is a cluster so bright and widely scattered that it is seen very well in the 9 x 30 finderscope [virtually a 1” scope].  This also makes it a very worthwhile object for binoculars.  36x and 56x suited this very loose group.  I stopped the scope down to 4”, and the group was splendid to view!  Indeed, full aperture added nothing but more brightness, and a few much fainter stars.  At full aperture, an interesting way to view this cluster is to put it well out of focus.  My favourite view was at 56x and 4” of aperture, however.  A lovely wide pair of stars lies near the very center (ARN 78: 7.6-8.8/52”).”  Two other doubles with bright primary stars are just south.

In late September of 2013 I observed it with my Orion 12” Dob.  “The cluster looks best at low power.  It is suitable for a 2” refractor and anything larger.  I used 43x and 60x, where the cluster appears like a slightly more condensed version of the Pleiades.  The stars are nearly blinding in a 12” mirror.  Not a rich cluster, but very bright and well scattered.”  And I did indeed view it in Space Eye more recently, my wonderful 2” refractor, declaring it a minor showpiece for that instrument.

 https://skyview.gsfc.nasa.gov/current/cgi/runquery.pl?Interface=bform&VCOORD=ngc+7092&SURVEY=Digitized+Sky+Survey&SCOORD=Equatorial&EQUINX=2000&MAPROJ=Gnomonic&SFACTR=0.35&ISCALN=Linear&GRIDDD=No&COLTAB=B-W+Linear&PIXELX=600&PIXELY=600

I consider M 39 a great summer object to show people who are new to telescopes.  It makes an immediate impact, and rewards longer views with the bright double stars, as well as the many fainter members.  For experienced observers an interesting side trip can be made to oc Platis 1, marked as Anon Platis on Unronometria Chart 32.  Lying ½ degree north and 2' preceding (west) the Messier object, this tiny cluster will reward viewers with scopes of 8" or higher.  The region around Messier 39 is littered with small clusters and interesting star fields, and makes a good starting point for some low power meandering.

M 39 (oc 7092):  Size 31’; Mag. 4.6; Br. star mag. 7.

Oc Platis 1:  Size 10’; Br. star mag. 8.9.

Clear skies.

Mapman Mike

#121: Planning Observing Sessions: A Few Ideas*

For the next few articles, I would like to discuss observing plans.  The dark sky is a very large neighbourhood, filled with all manner of stars, clusters, nebula, and galaxies.  It can be a bit overwhelming.  Where to start?  Most of us began with the moon, the planets, and the brightest Messier objects.  I still don't think there is a better place to start.  However, this series of articles is not aimed at beginners.  I am aiming at the seasoned amateur, perhaps someone who has already logged the Messier catalogue and bagged a number of objects from other lists.  This kind of activity is certainly to be encouraged, as there are many different types of objects to see, and any number of variations among them.  And lists are prevalent.  Even though checking off astronomy object life lists can be a good thing, there can be downsides.

     One downside to using popular lists is that often only the biggest and brightest objects make it there.  What's wrong with that?  Nothing is wrong with it.  However, by including a number of interesting fainter and more difficult objects, those brighter ones, if saved for just the right moment, become even more impressive.  Training the eye to see fainter objects will certainly make a brighter one pop out of the eyepiece even more.  Many of my greatest observing accomplishments have been spotting galaxies at the very limit of my telescope's, and my eye's, ability.  Afterwards, it is always amazing to check out M 31 or M 33 again!

     'Ah,' you say, 'I not one of those observers that like to look for faint fuzzies--no thanks; not for me.'  ‘Don’t be hasty,’ I say.  Viewing fainter objects helps one appreciate the brighter things even more, not to mention the degree of challenge and the navigation skills you will acquire.  But they really do improve your observing skills.

     A second problem with lists is that we want to finish them.  If you are ticking off the 400 brightest Herschel objects, you are going to want to get to #400 someday.  Again, this is all well and good.  Unless you are hoping to tick off 30 or 40 of the objects during the next clear night.  Sorry, but that is not observing.  That is merely using a checklist.  If you are going to only observe the best and the brightest, then the urge to race through the list should be at the very back of your mind.  Often it isn't.  Locate.  See object. Check it off.  Multiply by 400.

     A third problem is that areas of unfamiliar sky around the listed objects are often avoided, in a haste to get on to the next thing on the list.  What else might be nearby?  A lovely double star, perhaps?  A nebula?  Maybe a rich star field?  Or it could be a stunning red carbon star.  All missed because the observer has moved on to the next object without bothering to check the surrounding field.

     So, are there other fun ways of approaching the night sky besides using lists of popular objects?   In my previous article (M 103) I would talked briefly about one of three methods I like to use.  Let me know what you think.  

* This article is an update of one I wrote for this blog, near its very beginning.

#120: Messier 103: A Method For Tackling The Unfamiliar Sky

When I set out for a night of deep sky observing, I have a list of objects on my clipboard that I hope to locate, write about, and sketch.  In a future article I will explain how I go about creating and arranging my lists, and my reasons for doing so.  Readers of this column already know that I am seeking all of the NGC objects visible from northern locations, and my deep sky travels take me even further beyond that virtually unconquerable catalogue.  However, it is what I do at the end of an observing session, or if I need a break from a series of very faint objects I am hunting, that I wish to discuss this month.

At the end of the night’s work I like to choose at least one bright object previously logged.  After viewing it for a time, I then undertake a little journey into the surrounding skyscape.   So let's begin with M 103, a distant open cluster in Cassiopeia and the last entry by Messier into his famous catalogue.  I first observed it in August of 1978, using the Edmund 8” in northern Ontario. 

 “Another fine cluster, resolving to the center stopped down to 4” of aperture and using 36x.  Averted vision helps resolution.  At 6” of aperture stars resolve very well at this low power, while the full 8’’ of aperture begins to show splendid star colours in the brighter members, some of which actually overlay the cluster, rather than belong to it.  At 56x and 4” of aperture the group was triangular in shape, and quite fine to view.  Views were much improved at 6”, especially at 72x and 112x.  The member stars that were so very dim at low power were now much brighter, and a further group of very dim stars began to faintly resolve beyond them.  At 8” and 169x M 103 becomes quite large and bright, though not as rich as oc 457 or Messier 52.  338x showed the central area well.  Double star Struve 131 sits as a beautiful foreground object amidst the cluster.”

I observed it again in October, 2013 from Hallam Observatory with my 12” scope.

“On a really clear, very dark October night, M103 is not an object to hurry over, especially with a 12” scope.  Perhaps not as instantly likable as M 52, nor with as many stars, this open cluster is still quite rich and beautiful to observe.  Lovely even at 60x, there is a generous amount of brighter stars.  These are led by a yellow star on one end, an orange one near the center, and a fine triple star on the side opposite the yellow star.  The cluster remains bright even up to 200x, where over 40 stars can now be counted.  The cluster is pretty dense, but don’t be put off; even a 6” scope shows the group well.  Don’t be afraid to use high magnification.” 

https://cassiopeiaconstellatiom.weebly.com/messier-103-ngc-581.html

After taking my time observing the bright object (often chosen on a whim), I begin to explore the immediate surrounding area.  It helps to know your four directions before beginning, but is not essential.  With a Dob, allow the object to move across the field of view.  Where it exits is West (or preceding).  North is 90 degrees counter-clockwise.  Let’s begin by heading north.  Move the field so that the cluster is just out of view.  Return, and then go north a little beyond your last journey, trying to use guide stars to find your way.  In Cassiopeia, one does not travel far before encountering something of interest; a double star, a coloured star, an interesting asterism, or just a rich field of stars.  Now travel south, going slowly and looking carefully about as you go.  Go as far as you can without losing your way back to home base, namely M 103.  East and West are next.  This is not an exercise in finding your way back home, but rather in trying to discover something that perhaps no one else has really noted before.  Go slowly, and you are guaranteed to have a rewarding journey.  Once the four directions have been mastered, try moving on the diagonals, until you have covered a reasonable area surrounding the main object.  I am not giving away any of my secret observing discoveries in this area, but I have a small treasure trove that I like to revisit now from time to time.  Observers are only limited by their patience and their observing skills.  Training oneself to look at everything in a field of view, especially at low power, is a skill that can be developed with practice.  It you become bored with the activity, don’t blame the stars!  15 minutes of slow and careful exploring will almost always prove rewarding.

Though I used M 103 for my little sample excursion of wandering through the stars, any bright object can be used; another Messier object, an NGC one, a bright star or double—the only restriction is your own imagination.  I like using this observing method—the first of three methods I will discuss in this column—to de-stress and simply enjoy a beautiful and practically limitless collection of relatively unknown dark sky territory.   Keep notes if you wish; I usually just go for the ride.  No atlas or prepared notes are needed for this method of observing, just the ability to start somewhere with a bright deep sky object to use as a center point.  In this way, if you do find something interesting it can always be found again.  Enjoy the Autumn skies, and may they be clear ones!

M 103 (NGC 581): Size 6’; Mag. 7.4;  Brightest star mag. 9.  Approx. 40 stars at high power with 12” scope.

Mapman Mike

# 119: Auriga Part 2: The Non-NGC Objects

Even though I am engaged in the pursuit of all the northern NGC objects listed in Uranometria, I always check out clusters and such from other catalogues when in the area.  Especially clusters.  There are too many faint planetary nebulae and way too many faint galaxies from other catalogues, but clusters seem to do well with my 12" scope.  Here are all of the non NGC clusters in Auriga, listed in alphabetical order....

oc Bas 4:  Mag. 9.1; 5' 134 *s; Br. * mag. 12.2:  It is easy to locate, south from O. Struve 117.  At 136x I observed a pretty bright group of stars in a distinctly linear formation.  Viewed also at 187x and 250x, fainter stars resolve away from this line, which contains very close doubles.  I was pointing very close to a 1st quarter moon tonight, so I should return here for a 2nd look in darker skies.

oc Be 14:  6'; 30 *s; Br. * mag. 16:  A very faint cloud was spotted at 187x, with a few stars resolved.  A few more stars showed up at 250x, being somewhat scattered.

oc Be 15:  5'; 35 *s; Br. * mag. 15:  Spotted at 100x, I noted a small, hazy cloud with a few nearby brighter stars.  187x resolves 4-5 stars; 250x shows 10 in a compact area.

oc Be 17:  8'; 100 *s: Br. * mag. 16:  Spotted at 136x, it was a pretty large, faint, indistinct haze.  Though views are better at 187x, there is no resolution.  At 200x it appears much like a large, faint galaxy with a brighter centre.  Still no stars.

oc Be 18:  12'; 300 *s; Br. * mag. 16:  Located at 136x, I saw a large ball of haze and a few embedded stars.  187x and 200x show from 6-10 stars.  The cluster was best at 250x, with 14 very faint stars resolved.  This is a pretty large group, no doubt awaiting an 18" scope!

oc Be 19:  4'. Vis. mag. 11.4; 150 *s; Br. * mag. 15:  Located at 187x, it appears as a small, very faint hazy ball.  It lies north of 2 notable stars.  It was becoming too windy for higher magnifications, thus I have no resolution to report.

oc Be 69:  4'; Vis. mag. 11.9; Br. * 15:  This is much easier to locate than nearby Do 18.  136x shows a hazy patch, small, with 1 star resolved.  At 250x 6-8 very faint stars are seen.

oc Be 70:  7'; 40 *s; Br. * mag. 15:  Located at 136x, a very few faint stars are resolved around a brighter one.  187x resolves 6-8 stars; 250x resolves about 10, all very faint. 

oc Be 71:  5'; 30 *s; Br. * mag. 15:  Observed at 187x and 250x, this cluster is faint and elusive.  The central area was seen at 187x.  Only 2 stars could be resolved at mag. 15 or fainter.  It was mostly just a small, hazy patch best with averted vision.

oc Cr 62:  28'; Vis. mag. 4.2:  This was mostly viewed at 42.5x.  I noted two busy and bright star fields, separated by a mag. 4 star to the north.  The fainter group south preceding the star is circular, and contains about 15 stars.  The second group, which is south following the star, contains about 20 members, randomly scattered.  Many fainter stars were seen within these two groups when viewed at 100x.

oc Cz19:  15'; 50 *s:  Located in the extreme southwest corner of Auriga, I had to star hop here from NGC oc 1746 in Taurus.  It is a large cluster with many stars, but they are quite faint.  There are 4 bright stars on the following (E) edge, 3 of them close together and the 4th one north.  Many faint stars precede them, towards a single bright star, mag. 9? on the preceding end.  250x resolves 25-30 stars.  The cluster is rather tricky to access.

oc Cz 20:  36'; 30 *s:  Viewed at 42.5x this is a very large group containing many bright stars.  While the cluster is noteworthy, there are impressive star fields in all directions, making it a fine area for casual sweeping.  Especially not the following field.  In the south preceding part of the cluster sits NGC oc 1857 (see Auriga, Part 1).

oc Cz 21:  8'; 40 *s:  A moderately large group of very faint stars was seen at 200x, likely mag. 14.5 and fainter.  There are perhaps 15 stars seen.  Somewhat disappointing in a 12" mirror. 

oc Cz 23:  5':  Located at 136x, a small group of resolving stars can be seen following a mag. 10 star.  Views of this dim group are good at 187x, but best at 250x.  About a dozen stars are glimpsed, many of the same mag. (14.5-15.5?).  Worth a peek only with a 12" or higher.

oc Do 15:  18':  At 60x many bright stars are seen amidst a faint group.  The brightest stars form a line.  The preceding end of this line has faint clumps of stars north and south.  At 136x, and especially at 187x the stars are well resolved.  There are about 25 stars.  The bright stars are likely an asterism rather than a true cluster.

oc Do 16:  6'; 10 *s:  There are some scattered bright stars, though nothing obvious as a cluster.  There is a very faint group of about 10-12 stars between two of the brighter groups. 

oc Do 18:  6'; 15 *s:  A hazy, dim cloud was observed at 136x.  At 187x only two stars are resolved.  Overall, the group is indistinct in a 12" mirror.

oc Do 20:  5'; 10 *s;  Observed at 187x, and seen well at this power.  It is an interesting though small group of faint stars immediately north preceding a mag. 9 star.  It is also involved with a scattered group of much brighter stars.  There are at least 10 faint stars, and several much brighter ones nearby. 

oc King 8:  4'; Vis. mag. 11.2; 198 *s; Br. * mag. 15:  Located at 100xm the cluster appears as an oval haze with a very few faint stars resolving.  There is a bright star on the north end, and another on the south end.  Another brighter star is found immediately following the cluster.  At 136x averted vision resolves a sprinkle of faint stars all across the hazy patch.  At 187x and 250x the cluster now extends beyond the north and south border stars.  12-15 stars are resolved, all very faint.  This is an open cluster challenge, but fun to view.  It is very close to M 37.


oc King 17:  5'; 25 *s; Br. * 14:  Spotted at 100x, it was a hazy, tiny ball of faintness.  2 stars were showing.  At 136x about 10 stars are resolved.  It is already a nice object.  187x shows a tiny nest of very faint, glittering jewels.   This is a decent cluster with a 12" scope.

oc Mel. 31:  135'; 35 *s; Br. * mag. 4.5:  This enormous group of bright stars contains many fine doubles, along with 2 IC nebula, an NGC cluster, and oc Do 16!  Sweeping through the area at 42x is a wonderful experience.  8 of the stars are very bright in a 12" scope.  Uncountable numbers of fainter stars lie in the background.  The richest area of brighter stars lies in a northeast-southwest direction, and more than 2x longer than wide, perhaps 90'x 40'.  I hope to revisit with the 2" refractor and 4 1/3" RFT scope!  Most of the bright stars are white, though 16 Aurigae is golden, and 14, a superb double, is yellow and blue!  Use the lowest power available and enjoy the scenery!

oc Skiff jO458.2 +4301:  4'; Br. * mag. 10.5:  Noted at 100x, it is easier to spot than Be 14, close by.  A small but distinct haze was noted.  At 136x 2 or 3 stars resolve.  187x shows 4 or 5 members, while 250x shows 8 stars, all very faint.  there is still unresolved haze.  It is not yet known if this is a true cluster.

oc Skiff j0507.2+3050:  6'; Br. * 10.8:  Viewed at 136x and 187x, I saw an east-west elongated group of 10-12 stars, situated between 2 brighter stars.  The group is north preceding a wide pair of bright stars aligned north/south. Its status as an actual cluster is still in some doubt.

oc St 8:  15'; 40 *s; Br. * mag. 9:  The cluster is involved with NGC gn I. 417 (see Auriga, part 1).  It is located near a bright golden star (24 Aurigae).  At 100x the field is filled with bright and beautiful stars, with wispy puffs of nebula interspersed. 

oc St 10:  25'; 15 *s:  Observed well at 60x.  9 stars are plotted on Uranometria, including a double.  The cluster is very large, and includes 5 very bright stars, with 3 in the north and 2 in the south.  About 40 stars are in the group, though most of these are faint.  An interesting faint group lies immediately preceding the bright pair of stars in the south.  The cluster is attractive at low power, and suitable for small apertures.

eg UGC 3273:  3' x 0'.9:  Vis. 14.2; SB 15.1:  A very dim oval haze was seen amidst a few foreground stars. 

This completes my deep sky study of Auriga.  Clear skies!
Mapman Mike