Lyra : More than just "The Ring".

[cotterless45]

With the Lyrids peak tonight and tomorrow night , no doubt if you can you'll be looking to the left of the Keystone. While you're there, let the scope drift over to Lyra.

A scan with binoculars will show lots of doubles.

The "Double double".

The top star of the Vega triangle is epsilon Lyrae, the "double double". It's that easy to find. We've split it at x48 on a clear night. I love looking at x200 as it was this sight that caused me to get into refractors.These pairs are at ninety degrees to each other. For a parallel pair try the

"Other double double" of STF2470 and STF2472 at 19h09m. +34 46', just out from Sulafat in the right angle triangle with delta.Quite easy at x25 upwards.

STF2349, first bright star west of beta Lyrae gives a fov at x133 of 4 stars with a delicate double.

Don't forget Vega, a lovely double at x40.

Sheliak is a multiple (SAO 67451). Delta1 and 2 are unrelated blue white and a red giant (SAO 67310).

Delta Lyrae and zeta are both binocular doubles.

Aladfar (eta) at x40 gives a wide delicate double.

The Ring Nebula (M57) is easy to locate between the two base stars. At high magnification under dark skies I've seen colour to the outer ring and inner area. NGC 6765 is

NGC 6791 is a lovely open cluster that I marked with three asterii. There's another at NGC 6891.

M56 is the globular cluster here, ideal for dark skies and incredibly old at over 13 billion years. Will resolve with 200mm.

T Lyrae is a lovely carbon star ( SAO 67087).

Just a couple of challenges here,

NGC 6703 a 13th magnitude galaxy for larger aperture.

STTF 525 (SAO 67566) is a lovely triple set in a good starfield with a 1.8" A -b split.

Last year it was the clouds and tonight doesn't look good here,

Clear skies,

Nick.

[jason.p]

When I first started Vega and Lyra were my starting off point for quite a while so I have a certain fondness for it. I found my first DSO (the ring) and from there my first double (Albireo). At the time I didn't know about the double double so I'm waiting for it to come out from behind a tree to have a go at it! (It should be do-able with the 200p shouldn't it?)

[cotterless45]

The other "double double" is an easier and satisfying target, happy hunting !

Nick.

[estwing]

Thank you for sharing Nick

[mapstar]

As ever Nick fab detailed write up. I'll be sure to have another look the next time I'm out.

[Paul73]

Lyrids in the rain........

But I am looking forward to having a look at the doubles when the weather picks up.

As always, an entertaining and informative read.

Paul

[Astro Imp]

When I first started Vega and Lyra were my starting off point for quite a while so I have a certain fondness for it. I found my first DSO (the ring) and from there my first double (Albireo). At the time I didn't know about the double double so I'm waiting for it to come out from behind a tree to have a go at it! (It should be do-able with the 200p shouldn't it?)

Yes, I can split both components with my 150P.

Good luck.