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2022-09-23

Condition: G6

Location: Home, Spearfish: 44.49, -103.87

10:16PM

Target: Struve 2816

Const: Cepheus

RaDec: 21h39m +57°29

Scope: ST80

Setting: 59x

Double: AB: 120°, AC: 340°

Image

Took a bit to get a good viewing of the siblings, had to drop the Barlow to see them better. All three appear white in color. Found a little above μ Cephei.

10:24PM

Target: δ Cephei

Const: Cepheus

RaDec: 22h29m +58°25

Scope: ST80

Setting: 59x

Double: AB: 175°

Image

Easy to find. Split immediately apparent. Primary yellow, secondary white.

10:32PM

Target: ξ Cephei

Const: Cepheus

RaDec: 22h03m +64°38

Scope: ST80

Setting: 150x

Double: AB: 270°

Image

Spit was noticeable at 59x, but I zoomed in for a better look. Both appear white in color. Found in the middle of the 5-pointed shape of Cepheus.

11:00PM

Target: σ Cassiopeiae

Const: Cassiopeia

RaDec: 23h59m +55°45

Scope: ST80

Setting: 150x

Double: AB: 300°

Image

This one was a challenge. I had a few environmental issues to add to the hardship. The wind picked up as I was navigating to this one, making it hard to view as the lens had a wobble off and on. Once I started focusing on it and working the micro-focuser, our new neighbors pulled up next door with another load to move into their house (wasn't expecting that at 11pm). The way they parked their truck positioned the truck bed lights to shine right in my direction. At this point, I had to cusp my hands over my face and the lens in order to stay focused.

Finally, after 20 minutes of fighting off the light and the wind and the difficulty of seeing such a faint and close sibling I was able to spot it. I tried half-stop, tapping the lens, AV, but none of those were needed. The sibling was riding so close to the primary that it was positioned right in it's glow.

I nearly gave up a few times, but I'm glad I didn't!