And that miniature Albireo is...

Hi All,

As some of you know, I recently observed a double star that looked like a miniature version of Albireo.  Unfortunately, I was unable to locate it in my report then - the best I could do was state that it appeared to form an equilateral triangle with the stars Muphrid and Vindemiatrix. I can do better tonight though: it was 24 Coma Berencies. 

To help me accurately position it in the night sky I used a technique that Michael showed me during my first observational session with a group at the Sugar Loaf. That first night out my red dot finder packed-up, so I found it difficult to find objects in the night sky. However, Michael kindly showed me how to use a green laser as a finder. Well that technique was invaluable when locating the position of 24 Coma Bereniecs tonight.

Once I found the miniature Albireo with my 32mm Plossl, I removed it from the telescope and carefully pointed the laser at the secondary mirror, which then bounced off the primary, and then out into the night sky. Once the green laser beam pointed at the spot, I then noted bright stars in the vicinity. Following that, I referred to my Starry Night Software, and did some internet searches to confirm that it was 24 Coma Berenices. Interestingly, the star Michael demonstrated the technique on during my first night out was Alberio! So, thank you Michael as you had a part to play in helping me find 24 Coma Berenices tonight! 

In terms of what it looked like tonight; 24 Coma Berenices Looked only gorgeous at 37.5X, and even nicer at 50X. Through my 150mm Newtonian reflector I feel the primary star is somewhat darker that Albireo's primary, but its blue companion is maybe a little lighter than Albireo's. Interesting to hear what others think?

Also, I was keen to report on what the other nice star I observed recently, but failed to locate. As it turned out it was 16 Comae Berenices in the Coma Star Cluster (Melotte 111). I think I read before that other observers see it as a little steering wheel, and I would have to agree - it really does. This was the first of the two mystery objects I located tonight. I normally work from a Telrad, but circumstances tonight meant I popped on the 10 X 50 finder scope. As I slewed through the night sky, I was struck by how beautiful the Coma Star Cluster looked through the finder scope, so I took a closer look at it, and there it was, the bright star in the middle of a triangle I saw last time. I was delighted, so thanks Aubrey for the recommendation of getting the 10 X 50... it did the trick tonight!

In addition to observing the above, I also revisited Arcturus, M3, M53, Picot 1, those two asterisms I have been looking at, and I finished up with M13.

All in all, another great night under the stars.

Thanks for reading, and clear skies to all,

Darren.

That truly is an excellent report, Darren.
Thank you very much for it!

I'm so glad you "discovered" your mystery double star is 24 Comae Berenices. This is the correct spelling. Ha Ha!
And while I'm on: where did that alternative spelling for Beta Cygni come from?? I reckon www.cloudynights.com has something to do with it! Ha! Ha! It's spelt Albireo.

Your colours for 24 Comae are spot on, Darren. It has been some years since I observed it.

Melotte 111 is a wondrous sight. At the Sugarloaf I have seen it with my own eyes.

Good man for using a 10X50 finder, Darren. Using one of these always makes sense.

Philibert Jacques Melotte was an astronomer who lived from 1880 to 1961. He died before I was 1 year old. His parents left Belgium to live in England where Philibert was born. He discovered the Jupiter moon Pasiphae. In 1938 the open star cluster Melotte 111 was finally recognized as a true cluster. If anyone is wondering how it is pronounced - it's "mel-ot" as in Mel Brooks and "that's your lot" for the 2nd syllable.

You certainly had an excellent night observing, Darren.
Please keep up the good work.

I wonder if it is going to be clear tonight Tuesday.

Kind regards from Aubrey.

Hi Aubrey,

Very many thanks for your your nice comments. It really was one of the most enjoyable sessions, and I'm certainly going to revisit Melotte 111, and 24 Comae Berenices. I would love to attempt to sketch Melotte 111 with either binoculars, or the 10X 50 finder scope.

Also, many thanks for providing the additional information on Philibert Jacques Melotte - very interesting.

Clear skies, and I really must a closer eye on some my star names ; )

Darren. 

Hi Darren

If you are going to be observing Melotte 111 again, make sure to have a look for the fantastic edge-on galaxy NGC4565. See attached for a guide as to where to find it, it is in the bottom left corner of the image on the link below

www.astrobin.com/348274/?nc=all

Darren might need a darker sky for NGC 4565, Stevie.

Kind regards,

Aubrey.

Hi Stevie, 

Very many thanks for your message, and for sending me the link to your photograpgh...it's stunning. 

I would love to observe that Galaxy, but as Aubrey said, I'll have to wait until I'm under a dark sky again. I have to deal with pretty bad light pollution. Consequently, galaxies are real challenge. 

Clear skies, 

Darren.