Messier 34

Messier 34
Constellation Perseus
Right ascension 02h 42.1m
Declination +42° 46′
Distance 1,500 light years (470 pc
Apparent magnitude (V) 5.5
Apparent dimensions (V) 35.0′

Messier 34 (also known as M 34 or NGC 1039) is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus. It was probably discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and included by Charles Messier in his catalog of comet-like objects in 1764. Messier described it as, "A cluster of small stars a little below the parallel of γ (Andromedae). In an ordinary telescope of 3 feet one can distinguish the stars."(Wikipedia)

Dob 10' S/W F.L.1200/f4.7
T/S 30mm plossl F.O.V.70°
Mammari

Thanks for looking
Marios

I was only looking at Gamma Andromedae last Thursday night.

Perhaps it is time I finally observe M34 for the 1st time.

Aubrey.

Hello, Marios.
I now have M34 at 112X in my telescope.
I have to say it is very nice indeed.
It is my first time to observe it.
I started off by splitting Almach at 5.30 pm.
Up next was 59 Andromedae which I could split at 11X in my guidescope.
This wide double star is very impressive at 40X in my 158 mm apochromatic refractor.
It is south of Almach (Gamma Andromedae).
Then I starhopped over towards Algol.
Somewhere in between I came across M34.
It is a superb open cluster alright.
Perhaps other fans of open clusters might give it a go.
I would suggest it would look very impressive when a good sized scope is situated at a dark site.
The cluster has plenty of bright stars.
I recommend a magnification of about 100X.
Although 40X is very pleasant indeed too.

Clear skies,

Aubrey.

Hello Aubrey,
Very nice report of M34!!!

158mm Refractor Apo! Wow. ....

Thank you for sharing
Marios

Yes, Marios.
I was very surprised how easy it was to find M34 simply by starhopping to it from Almach as you suggested. Earlier, I had observed the Double Cluster in Perseus. Even though the early evening was not yet dark at, NGC 869 and NGC 884 still looked in pristine.
I had to wait for about an hour before Almach rose over the roof my house. It is very much nearly everybody's favourite double star. Its strong orange and blue colours are very attractive. I find 112X a very suitable magnification to greatly admire it.
Thankfully I did not need too much extra time to pinpoint the exact location of M34. A lot of its stars are blue and one very fine yellow star which turns out to be its brightest star. This star can be observed even at 11X. Its magnitude is 7.3 which is bright enough for any finderscope. And if our finderscopes are in line with our main scopes, there is no trouble getting our observation of M34.
I had used the telescope from 5.30 until 6.30 pm. It was then that I had a lot of cloud coming in over the Irish Sea. So my observing session had to end prematurely.
It was still worth it!

Clear skies to all.

Aubrey.

Lovely. Enjoy the light!

Clear Skies Always
Marios