Target Type R. A. Dec. Constellation Magnitude Size NGC869 Open Cluster 02h 19m 00s +32° 58′ 41″ Perseus +5.3 18 arcmin NGC884 Open Cluster 02h 22m 23s +57° 07′ 00″ Perseus +6.1 18 arcmin Overview Our final challenge of the month is an awesome double cluster in Perseus, which look wonderful in the low magnification …
Target Type R. A. Dec. Constellation Magnitude Size NGC281 Nebula 00h 52m 48s +56° 36′ 00″ Cassiopeia +7.4 35×30 arcmins Overview This might be one of the best-named objects we’ve looked for in the history of the VAC. When you see the picture below, it’s easy to understand why NGC 281 carries the rather more …
Target Type R. A. Dec. Constellation Magnitude Separation* Alpha Geminorium Double Star 07h 34m 36s +31° 53′ 18″ Gemini 1.6 and 3.0 5.2″ at 54° Eta Geminorum Double Star 06h 16m 53s +22° 30′ 24″ Gemini 3.3 and 6.2 1.6″ at 251° e Geminorum Double Star 06h 54m 39s +13° 10′ 34″ Gemini 4.7 and …
Target Type R. A. Dec. Constellation Magnitude Size M86M84 Galaxies 12h 27m 14s12h 26m 06s +12° 49′ 59″+12° 46′ 28″ Virgo +8.8+9.0 11.5 arcmin7.4 arcmin Our second challenge presents two objects for the price of one, the galaxies M86 and M84 in Virgo. Overview Virgo is renowned for being rich in galaxies. There are 14 …
Target Type R. A. (15th May) Dec. Constellation Magnitude Size Venus Planet 05h 21m 49s +27° 13′ 48″ Taurus -4.5 to -3.9 38.9′ to 57.4′ Venus reaches a climax this month as it prepares to leave our evening skies following its inferior conjunction with the sun on 03rd June, ending several months of good viewing. …
