Another Double Star Session (3-18-20)

[terrynak]

Another clear sky presented itself, so after returning home from work again I got out the 2” F/10 Galileoscope. However, breezy conditions made seeing average to below average (especially earlier in the night).



First target was Venus and it showed itself as a clear gibbous phase. But because of the wind, I replaced the lightweight Slik mount for a more sturdier Astromaster alt-az mount.





The targets for tonight were double stars in Orion, selected from the Double Star Marathon Observing List of 110 double stars. Had to wait for Orion to sink lower down the horizon in order to get a comfortable view using the straight-through scope.

1) beta Ori (R.A.=05 14.5; Dec=-08 12; Mag=0.1, 6.8; Separation=9.5”) – FAIL; couldn’t see the companion even at 62.5x.

2) delta Ori (R.A.=05 32.0; Dec=-00 18; Mag=2.2, 6.3; Separation=52.6”) – no problem with the 40x because of the wide separation.

3) sigma Ori (R.A.=05 38.7; Dec=-02 36; Mag=4.0, 7.5; Separation=12.9”) – not difficult using 62.5x.

4) rho Ori (R.A=05 13.3; Dec=+02 52; Mag= 4.6, 8.5; Separation=7.1”) – FAIL; could not separate.

5) STF 747 Ori (R.A.=05 35.0; Dec=-06 00; Mag=4.8, 5.7; Separation=35.7”) – very easy given their closeness in brightness and the wide separation.

6) iota Ori (R.A.=05 35.4; Dec=-05 55; Mag=2.8, 6.9; Separation=11.3”) – FAIL; could not see the companion.

So not an easy night – only 3 doubles seen. Will try bumping the aperture from 50mm to 60mm to see the other 3 from my urban skies.

[Juno16]

Very nice!

Good for you. Another clear night! Another cloudy night for me!

Some tough splits. Hopefully, you can separate the fails with more aperture. I know that you like to keep things simple, but urban skies sure do make things tough! I really cannot imagine trying to view through skies in a big city like LA.
I had to drive to New Orleans last week at about 4 a.m. (well before dawn). The clouds were hanging low and it really looked like it was getting daylight even though it wasn't. I know that you like the challenge!

I hope that you get another clear night tonight to get out!

Thanks for the nice report.

[terrynak]

Thanks Jim!

Again, it just felt good to go out and observe - and putting one of my smallest telescopes to work. Hopefully a little more aperture should do the trick, despite my Bortle 8.5 skies.

With the coronavirus related shutdown of going to the office and nights out on the town, I'll be staying home and taking advantage of more clear nights, whenever they arise.

Hope things improve (both the weather and the virus scare) at your end!

[Lady Fraktor]

Very nice effort again Terry, hopefully you will get some more settled skies for viewing.

[helicon]

Cloudy here. But I did make some progress in completely wiping down my scopes and cleaning everything. Nice night out again Terry.

[Makuser]

Hi Terry. A fun read and well written report from you on your double star conquest. You and your Galileoscope did a great job last night. Thanks for your great report Terry, and the best of wishes for many more clear skies.

[terrynak]

Very nice effort again Terry, hopefully you will get some more settled skies for viewing.

Thanks Gabrielle (and thanks again for the list!).

Yup, the seeing probably contributed in not seeing the fainter companions on those tighter double stars. Will try with the 50mm again on a night of better seeing before I use a 60mm one.

Cloudy here. But I did make some progress in completely wiping down my scopes and cleaning everything. Nice night out again Terry.

Thanks Michael - I was fortunate to get two clear nights in a row.

With more time on my hands at home, will probably do some simple maintenance with my scopes as well.

Hi Terry. A fun read and well written report from you on your double star conquest. You and your Galileoscope did a great job last night. Thanks for your great report Terry, and the best of wishes for many more clear skies.

Thanks Marshall! It was fun going out and seeing how much a 50mm scope can show in urban skies. The first good telescope I ever owned was a 50mm Tasco (Model 66TE).

[NGC 1365]

Thanks for sharing Terry.

[Bigzmey]

Nice catches Terry! I appreciate your interest in doubles.

[terrynak]

Nice catches Terry! I appreciate your interest in doubles.

You're welcome Andrey! Having the Double Star marathon list that Gabrielle (Lady Fraktor) sent was an excellent place to start, especially for those who prefer to use smaller scopes.