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2022-08-18

Condition: E7

Location: Erik's Ranch: 45.49, -110.70

9:38PM

Target: 40/41 Draconis

Const: Draco

RaDec: 18h00m +80°

Scope: ST80

Setting: 59x

Double: AB: 250°

Image

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

Scope: ST80

Setting: 59x

Double: AB: 135°

Image

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

Scope: ST80

Setting: 40x, AV

Image

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

Scope: ST80

Setting: 40x

Image

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

Scope: ST80

Setting: 40x

Double: AB: 110°

Image

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, 1/2 stop-down

Image

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, Astroid

Scope: ST80

Setting: 150x

Following close behind Saturn tonight is Vesta 4, my first Astroid! 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!