Theta 2

[jason.p]

I had my first good look at M42 last night (till cloud moved in). Trapezium was nicely defined and noticed the three stars in a line going south. I looked up in TLAO and says the first two are Theta2 and described as a double. What is the third one and is Theta2 really a double, they seem quite far apart?

[cotterless45]

This gives what you were observing. http://www.perezmedia.net/beltofvenus/archives/000348.html

The double is certainly very wide, the third star is just in the same field.

If you'd like a tighter more interesting group, then try :

Sigma Orionis below Alnitak.

Lambda and Mesartim in Aries.

Almach in Andromeda.

Eta and Iota in Cassiopeia and

Beta in Monoceros, considered to be the finest triple,

Nick.

m

[jason.p]

This gives what you were observing. http://www.perezmedi...ves/000348.html

The double is certainly very wide, the third star is just in the same field.

If you'd like a tighter more interesting group, then try :

Sigma Orionis below Alnitak.

Lambda and Mesartim in Aries.

Almach in Andromeda.

Eta and Iota in Cassiopeia and

Beta in Monoceros, considered to be the finest triple,

Nick.

m

Cheers Nick. I'd just assumed that doubles, by definition, had to be really close and a job to split. (I've seen Albireo and Alcor and Mizar). Thanks for ideas for others, next clear night I'll give them a try.

Jason