The star clusters we
have observed are among the most famous. We used our 10x50 powered
binoculars and the Orion 10-inch Newtonian reflector telescope. The
Pleiades (M45) and Hyades were viewable only during the first month of
class (April). The double cluster in Perseus (NGC 884 & 869)
is still viewable rather early in the night.
We both drew our
observations, and approximated the azimuth and altitude of each cluster.
In the Pleiades and Hyades, only about 30 stars were visible through binoculars
in each cluster. The Pleiades and Hyades appear best with binoculars.
In the 10-inch Orion, they extend beyond the angular view of the telescope.
This causes uncertainty as to what stars are within the cluster.
The double cluster is
so far away that the two together viewed in the telescope is a dynamic
display of stellar delight. The sketches of these two were extraordinarily
difficult, because of the vast array of stars visible through the telescope.
Christina's
Observations
This is the double cluster
NGC 884 and NGC 869
This was observed with
the Orion 10-inch telescope.
Date: 4/15/99
Time: 9:00 p.m. (PST)
The Pleiades & Hyades
Christina used her 10x50
binoculars for these sketches.
The Pleiades
The Hyades
Date: 4/13/99
Time: 9:15 p.m. (PST)
Date: 4/13/99
Time: 9:30 p.m.(PST)
Sara's
Observations
The Pleiades &
Hyades
Sara used 10x50 binoculars
for all of her observations
The Pleiades
The Hyades
Date: 4/13/99 Time:
9:15 p.m. (PST)
Date: 4/7/99
Time: 9 p.m. (PST)
Double Clusters
Date: 4/15/99
Time: 9:20 p.m.(PST)
Open Clusters to
See
Here is a list
of different open star clusters observed by Charles Messier (Frommert,
Online):
