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(IAAC) OBJECT: NGC2264 (Xmas tree cluster) INST: 16" f/4.59 NEWT



Observer:  Todd Gross
Your skill:  Intermediate 
Date and UT of observation: 12/16/97 08:10GMT
Location & latitude: 22 miles west of Boston, Ma. 42.3N
Site classification: Suburban
Limiting magnitude (visual): 4 (estimated) 4 (est) in vicinity of object
Seeing (1 to 10 - worst-best):  3-4
Moon up (phase?): Yes, 85%
Weather: Clear
Instrument: 16" Newtonian-dob w. 96/99% coatings f/4.59   f.l. 1865
Magnifications: 69x (27 Panoptic)
Filters used: none
Object: NGC2264, Christmas Tree cluster
Constellation: Mon.
Object data: Open cluster
Size(s): About 65 arc min. 
Position: RA 6:41  DEC  +9:53
Magnitudes: 3.9
Personal "rating" (at this aperture, and sky condition):  C+

The Christmas tree cluster was a large loose cluster at this 
magnification. Looking like an upside down triangle (inverted)
with another line of stars running parallel alongside the triangle. 
Took up the entire fov in a 27mm panoptic.

Near the apex (but not quite the top) of the triangle was a much 
brighter member of the cluster, giving the appearance of an upside
down Christmas tree, but I think lower magnification would have 
brought this out more.