(IAAC) Obj: GC1 - Inst: 8" Homemade Dobson reflector, f/6

[Natko Bajic]

Observation Poster: Natko Bajic <natkobajic at yahoo.com>

Observer: Natko Bajic
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)
Date/time of observation: July, 17th/18th, 2004.
Location of site: Konjevrate, near Sibenik, Croatia
(Lat 44, Elev 225m)
Site classification: Rural
Sky darkness: 6.6 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 9.5 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: 8" Homemade Dobson reflector, f/6
Magnification: 240x
Filter(s): None
Object(s): GC 1 (Mayall II)
Category: Globular cluster
Class: ?
Constellation: And
Data: mag 13.8  size 10"
Position: RA 00h 33m  DEC +39° 35'
Description:
Globular cluster in Andromeda galaxy, M 31, the
largest in whole group of galaxies. I have found its
field of view at 33x, then switched to 120x for the
optimal view. This object is situated in approximately
2' large triangle of 12th magnitude stars, northern 
being double star separated by less than 20". Southern
star is actually a close "triple" in which GC1 is
situated. At this power I have noticed this is
definitely not stellar object, which was confirmed
when I swiched to 240x. But still "star" was not
clearly resolved, although night was perfect, with
great seeing. Looking it carefully quite soon gave
results, occasionally two outer stars were appearing
as faint dots, definitely stellar. Central object, GC1
was not stellar at any time, faint and fuzzy,
specially when using averted vision. I have estimated
diameter at most 5 arcseconds, much smaller than
listed. Magnificent object.
--
Optional related URLs: http://natkobajic.netfirms.com


		
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