TheSkySearchers

Two nights ago I was observing with my AT102ED refractor telescope and eventually I was trying to see if I could see the Leo Triplets through my Bortle 8 skies. Though that was a bust, I came across a curious double star. It was a yellow star with a very close and much fainter blue companion. It was an impressive sight. I had to go to 285x to clearly separate the pair. My star hopping indicated that the pair should be Iota Leonis. However, I can find little descriptions or photos of the double star system. Can anyone confirm my description, have photos of the pair, or a correction of my identification?

Thanks.

That sounds like it. Sissy Haas describes it as "pale yellow...light blue".

Some info here: http://perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/2011/ ... eonis_str/.

Also check this out: https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/ ... tion=click

Dave

Dave,

Thanks. I believe I came across those resources but the image in the Yahoo link shows the companion as orange which added to my uncertainty. Any any case this is a worthwhile multiple star system for those observers that like challenging yet beautiful doubles. Most of the images I find don’t do it justice.

Apparent star colors are affected by sky conditions, optics (aperture, coatings) and observer physiology and perception. As a result you will find that observed colors of doubles could vary from report to report. IMO it adds charm and individuality to double star observing.