[Prev][Next][Index][Thread][Search][Objects]
(IAAC) Obj: NGC 869, NGC 884 - Inst: TV-102 (102mm f/8.6 APO refractor)
----
Observation Poster: Ron B[ee] <ronby@home.com>
Observer: Ron B[ee]
Your skills: Beginner (< one year)
Date/time of observation: 11/15/01 10:00pm PDT
Location of site: 117h 9m W (Lat 32h 43m N, Elev 2000 ft)
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: 4.5 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 5 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: TV-102 (102mm f/8.6 APO refractor)
Magnification: 30x, 60x, 110x, 146x, 220x
Filter(s): none
Object(s): NGC 869, NGC 884
Category: Open cluster.
Class:
Constellation: Per
Data: mag 4.3 size 30'
Position: RA : DEC :
Description:
I've seen NGC 869/884 on and off, but tonight was my first log.
How can an observation be written for such a beautiful cluster? So
I'll only concentrate on one interesting part. NGC 869 and 884 both
have pin-pricked stars at 30x and 60x. But there are two interesting
yellowish white stars of equal brightness in NCG 869 that looked like
eyes: 6.6 mag SAO 23178 and 6.6 mag SAO 23182. The eyes looked like
they belong to a face hidden behind a veil. Above SAO 23178, there
is a group of stars that forms a semi-circle that looked like an
eyebrow (at 60x). The eyebrow is very notable at 110x. The stars
that made up the eyebrow are: 9.4 mag GSC 3694:1772, 8.1 mag GSC
3694:3804, 8.6 mag GSC 3694:3807, and 9.3 mag GSC 3694:2324.
However, I couldn't find the faintest star in the group between GSC
3694:3807 and GSC 3694:2324 on my chart! This missing star is hard
to see as it winked in and out. All 5 stars could be seen with
winking one as noted. 146x and 220x showed great view, but 110x is
best. Last but not least, only a 2" eyepiece that give at least 3
degree FOV can truly appreciate the majestic view of both clusters
together.
Ron B[ee]
--
Optional related URLs:
** This observing log automatically submitted via the Web from:
http://www.visualdeepsky.org/enter-log.html
To stop receiving all 'netastrocatalog' lists, use the Web forms at:
http://www.visualdeepsky.org/subscribe.html