Bootes, Hercules and a surprise.

[cotterless45]

I made a few notes and then waited a few hours until the strong easterly wind dropped a bit .

 

Stars of Bootes.

 

Follow the handle of the "Plough " down and you'll find the bright star Arcturus in the constellation Bootes.This is a huge orange giant with a diameter of 27 suns and is the fourth brightest star in the sky . 

 

"Izar " ε (epsilon ) Bootis, a stunning orange and blue pair at x100.

 

"Alkalurops " μ (mu) gives afaint faint distant from the primary , making this a lovely triple star.

 

ξ (Xi) gives a yellow and deep orange pair .

 

 

Stars of Hercules .

 

α.    Ras Algethi (alpha Herculis) is a giant red star. It has a diameter of 1.9 AU ( astronomical units : distance from earth to the Sun). It's 475 times brighter than the sun . It's a lovely double star.In a small scope you'll spot a blue green companion to this orange red star.

 

 κ kappa.     "Marsic" (yellow giant and orange giant )are optical doubles.

 

γ gamma     "Eltanin" very faint companion , optical double.

 

δ delta.        "Sarin " a wonderful binary with a very delicate companion.

 

ρ rho             white and green at x50.

 

95                 Herculis, a golden near identical pair at x50.

 

100               Herculis , as above , white.

 

caught these for colour and contrast . Both the seeing and transparency were great . 

Got M102 in Draco , now that’s a forgotten one ! Very pleased to get a streak from town .

 

Then back to Hercules and the “Turtle” planetary nebula. Again another surprise and it blinks well ! 

Had a shot at M53 , but once again NGC 5053 didn’t show , anyone seen it ?!

 

Sky was very light and a pan through the spring galaxies only got M64 (black eye) and M63 (sunflower). 

I’ll Sarin a firm favourite , under clear skies ! Nick.

Edited April 20, 2023 by cotterless45

[wookie1965]

Wind was blowing a  hooley at 11pm so I gave up.