star clusters

[hullobservertory]

Does anyone out here hunt star clusters if so drop me a line

[ghostdance]

You're going to get a lot of mail!

Depends I guess on what you mean by 'hunt'...As in looking for the really faint, obscure, only-found-with-big-aperture clusters?

[Alfian]

Yes, I really like star clusters and enjoy "hunting" for the ones that books etc. tell me I should be able to see. Occasionally, whilst just scanning the skies with binos I''ll happen upon a fuzzy object which will sometimes prove to be a Messier cluster. However, as Steve has said, if you are referring to "proper" hunting for the less well known/unknown clusters that need 8" +, I'm not there yet.

[hullobservertory]

Just ment looking out for them I think they are pretty awesome what gear does everyone have for there nights viewing

[ronin]

I would guess that much of the cluster hunting is performed as part of the Messier Marathon or the similar Caldwell list.

[hullobservertory]

So what equipment does everyone have for viewing clusters I have celestron binoculars 15x70

[hullobservertory]

What is messier marathon

[Scott]

What is messier marathon

The messier objects are a list of 110 targets discovered by charles messier. they are usually known by their number prefixed with an "M". for instance orion nebula is M42 etc. if you have not downloaded stellerium (free) I suggest you do....you can find loads of interesting targets in there

[hullobservertory]

Where can I download stellerium

[Alfian]

For an open cluster like the Pleiades (M45) 10x50 binos give good views, other tighter clusters are good through my 20x60s, but the best view I've had of M37, for instance, is through my Tal1. Globular clusters though visible through binos, unless you are talking big binos, are better through a scope to begin to show some detail.

[hullobservertory]

Thanks for that will get it as soon as possible sounds very interesting

[hullobservertory]

Alfian are 15x70. Big binoculars

[Scott]

Where can I download stellerium

here ya go

http://sourceforge.net/projects/stellarium/

[hullobservertory]

Got it cheers good app

[ghostdance]

(Jumping in...sorry Alfian ) 15x70 are not the biggest bins made, but they're at the very limit of what can be hand-held - but will greatly benefit from mounting (monopod or tripod). The Celestron ones you have are pretty light - my Quantum 4 weigh a ton in comparison. Clusters like the Beehive (Messier 44) will look very nice in 15s. But as Alfian said, get a scope on them with a  nice widefield ep and you can see loads more stars...

I'm fairly taken with asterisms ( 'accidental' star patterns that form a shape) as well - such as the Coathanger (good in bins) & Cheshire Cat (need a scope - in my lp skies at least).

[hullobservertory]

Yes I have just bought hama 61 star tripod and binocular adapter very much needed lol are hama 61 tripod usable with celestron 15x70

[hullobservertory]

So are double stars clusters or totally different things altogether

[ghostdance]

I don't know the Hama tripod, what is its maximum load?

Although...the Celestrons are light enough - but you may find the slightest breeze may make them jiggle if your tripod/head is not too solid. Without knowing your 'pod, I would have thought it would be OK (ish) - at least better than hand-holding for long periods.

Double stars are exactly that! Check out Albireo on Stellarium ( the most famous double I guess, although the Double-Double in Lyra, and Castor are as well known). Clusters are usually a whole mess of stars, usually very pretty

[hullobservertory]

Do you know if a double star is cluster or is it something totally different

[ghostdance]

Edited in above you!

And just a thought - clusters can be Globular (circular accretions, a real doggone star-fest going on) or Open - loose gatherings making up a group. M13 in Hercules is a Glob, M44 is Open. Fun eh?

[hullobservertory]

Cheers appreciated ok so wich is best cluster out there

[hullobservertory]

Where is m44 I seen globular very pretty

[ghostdance]

Best is open to personal interpretation.

The easy ones to see are M44 in Cancer, the Double Cluster in Perseus, M13 in Hercules etc. Also depends on your skies! I find M38 in Auriga (one end of the Cheshire Cats' smile) a real pain to make out sometimes...others see it at the drop of the old proverbial.

[hullobservertory]

I seen the one in auriga do you find it hard to focus on double stars sometimes

[ghostdance]

Where is m44 I seen globular very pretty

In Cancer. Just to the left of Castor and Pollux (Gemini). The Beehive sure is a cutie

Edit\ It's all about sky conditions for me - London skies (my bit of it anyways) are not too conducive to clear seeing.