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(IAAC) Obj: M41 - Inst: 10x50 binoculars




Observer: Lew Gramer
Your skills: Intermediate
Date and UT of Observation: 1997-12-16/17, 8:20 UT
Location: Whidbey Island, WA, USA (48N)
Site classification: rural
Limiting magnitude: 7.2
Seeing: 2 - good
Moon up: no
Instrument: 10x50 Tasco binoculars
Magnification: 10x
Filters used: None
Object: M41
Category: Open cluster
Constellation: CMa
Data: mag 4.5  size 38'
RA/DE: 6h47m  -20o44'
Description:
The "dog's spot" cluster (my name :>) is a stunning
object in telescopes at lower latitudes. From this
relatively northern spot with 10x50 binos, it was a
good-sized hazy blur with 7 stars clearly resolved,
and none seen intermittently. This may indicate that
the magnitude distribution in this cluster consists
of a "high hump" of brighter stars (7), followed by
primarily fainter stars. Or it may just mean this
cluster's beauty is reserved for tropical vacations.

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Karen Simmons & Lew Gramer dedalus@alum.mit.edu http://www.tiac.net/users/lewkaren
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