2022-08-18

• Condition: E7
• Location: Erik’s Ranch: 45.49, -110.70

9:38PM

• Target: 40/41 Draconis
• Const: Draco
• RaDec: 18h00m +80
• Type: Star (Double)
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 59x
• Double: AB: 250°

These targets near Polaris are a little tricky with the GEM. Found by centering between ζ and ε Ursae Minoris, then turning RA to the approximate location. The pair are similar in magnitude, but the secondary appears to be more yellow in color.

10:07PM

• Target: 70 Ophiuchi
• Const: Ophiuchus
• RaDec: 18h05m +2.3
• Type: Star (Double)
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 59x
• Double: AB: 135°

Primary seems much brighter than the secondary. The secondary keeps “popping” in and out of view.

10:17PM

• Target: M 26
• Const: Scutum
• RaDec: 18h45m -9.24
• Type: Open Cluster
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 40x, AV

Can see three or four stars in the cluster easily. AV produces a glow around these stars. Fairly small in size.

10:24PM

• Target: M 11, Wild Duck Cluster
• Const: Scutum
• RaDec: 18h51m -6.16
• Type: Open Cluster
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 40x

AV is totally not required. Even still, a ton of details are coming through. Shape is almost cone-like?

10:30PM

• Target: Θ Serpentis
• Const: Serpens
• RaDec: 18h56m +4.12
• Type: Star (Double)
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 40x
• Double: AB: 110°

Easy to find, both are near similar magnitude but exactly the same color. Looks like two eyes staring back at me!

10:49PM

• Target: Saturn
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 150x, ½ stop-down

As a treat to finish off the night, I took a look at Saturn for my first time! I could clearly make out the rings at 60x before zooming in. So cool. I’m catching three bits of light around it, possibly three moons?

11:20PM

• Target: Vesta 4, Asteroid
• Scope: ST80
• Setting: 150x

Following close behind Saturn tonight is Vesta 4, my first Asteroid! I had to wait a bit for it to appear from behind a tree. I also had to use Stellarium to help me locate and track it. Similar to a star in appearance, but the light seems more subtle and spread out. Not super impressive to look at, but still cool!