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(IAAC) Obj: M103 - Inst: TV-102 (102mm f/8.6 APO refractor)



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Observation Poster: Ron B[ee] <ronby@home.com>

Observer: Ron B[ee]
Your skills: Beginner (< one year)
Date/time of observation: 11/16/01 11:00pm PDT
Location of site: 117h 9m W (Lat 32h 43m N, Elev 2000 ft)
Site classification: Exurban
Sky darkness: 6 <Limiting magnitude>
Seeing: 7 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>
Moon presence: None - moon not in sky
Instrument: TV-102 (102mm f/8.6 APO refractor)
Magnification: 22x, 30x, 60x, 110x, 
Filter(s): none
Object(s): M103
Category: Open cluster.
Class: 
Constellation: Cas
Data: mag 7.4  size 6'
Position: RA :  DEC :
Description:
My research showed that this is an unimpressive OC.  Boy, was I surprised by my 
TV-102!   Immediately at 22x, there was a hint of a teeny dipper and 30x showed 
yellowish and yellowish orange stars.  The “micro” dipper shape is very 
definite at 60x.  At 110x, all of the stars that made up the dipper are clear 
seen (no winking).  The dipper is composed of 4 stars: mag 10.5 GSC 4031:1380, 
mag 9 SAO 11824, mag 8.5 SAO 11826 and mag 8.2 SAO 11829.  The handle is 
composed of 4 stars: mag 10.8 GSC 4031:1538, mag 10.6 GSC 4031:2238, mag 12.5 
GSC 4031:428 and a brightest member mag 7.2 SAO 11822.  All stars were seen as 
pin pricked at all magnification.  GSC x:428, GSC x:2238 and GSC x:1380 were 
winking in and out at 60x.  Hence forth, I’ve christened M103 as the “Micro 
Dipper”.

I've learned now that there may be hidden "gems" in these supposedly boring
open clusters!
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