Clusters, A Galaxy, And A Pretty Double

[cloudsweeper]

Out at last after a few weeks of inactivity!

3.45 this morning, 8SE cooled, aligned on Regulus and Pollux, no plan - just looking round, guided by Stellarium.

M44 Beehive (open) Cluster in Cancer  - GoTo spot on.  An attractive, bright, loose cluster which filled the FOV at x48.  (It's only a little smaller than the Pleiades.)

M67 Open Cluster also in Cancer - smaller, fainter, denser.  Mag increased to x85, x113.

M53 Globular Cluster, Coma Berenices - confirmed by close pair of stars beneath it, and which also helped with maximising focus.  This object remained fuzzy right up to x203, which I put down to poor seeing.

I had hoped to take in some brighter galaxies, but transparency was poor, so I only saw a few very faint smudges, until:

M64 Black Eye (spiral) Galaxy in Coma Berenices - a pale patch, with a noticeably brighter nucleus,  x48, x85.

Finally, a pretty double - 35 Com (Comae Berenices) - just out of the FOV with M64 at x48.  This quadruple is a visual double comprising a 5th magnitude yellow giant with a very close, faint companion.  The primary had a clear yellow tinge, which was pleasing.  Doubles have so much interest and variety to offer.

5.15, clouds closed play after my observation of some old favourites and a new double.  Good to get out again!

Doug.

 

[Littleguy80]

Great way to get going again, Doug. I’ve spent lots of time with M44 using my Binoculars recently. Really pretty  

[Knighty2112]

Good to see you out under the dark skies again Doug. Nice wee session.  I’ll add 35 Com to my list to view when I next get a chance.  

[domstar]

A nice session with lovely targets I remember. It's been weeks for me. Your report has really made me itch for a break in the sky.

[Stu]

Good to be back in the saddle Doug, nice.

M44 is a lovely one, not see it for a while.

[cloudsweeper]

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone - much appreciated.  Even "easy" targets can be rewarding, especially when you've had some time out!

More exotic stuff to follow, I hope, as well as further exploration of all those marvellous doubles.

Doug.

[Stu]

Doug, you put me to shame with your ability to pull yourself from a nice warm bed. All credit to you!

[Doc]

Great report Doug I really enjoyed reading it 

[RobertI]

3:45am? Impressive! Some nice objects there, will have a go myself should the heavens reveal themselves again.

[Astro Imp]

Nice report Doug, as you intimate we don't always have to chase the exotic and unusual to have fun. M44 is a great subject, I always give it a look when it's available.

Good luck and let's have some clear skies.