Observer's Corner for April
There are a few interesting objects for small telescopes....
DOUBLE STAR ALGEIBA: This second magnitude (g) star is in the “sickle” or “backward question mark” of Leo’s head. At 2.3 magnitude, it is easy to spot. The companion is 3.5 magnitude but is a close separation of 4.7 arc seconds apart. At 100x magnification will split the two stars. Algeiba is 126 light years distant. I see the colors of golden yellow. Don’t mistake the 5th magnitude background star as the double.
BRIGHT STAR REGULUS: Alpha star in Leo, Regulus shines at magnitude 1.4 and 77 light years distant. The Blue white (B7V) star is actually a Multiple Star system. One companion is 7.6 magnitude at a wide 177 arc second separation. That makes this easy for a small telescope.
The Constellation Leo Rides Overhead In April
GALAXIES M-65, M66: Located under the triangle that is the rear of Leo. Both galaxies are very faint, you’ll need good transparency and dark sky to observe them. At 9th and 8th magnitudes, respectfully, both galaxies are 20 million light years distant.
One photo below shows the visual image while the second taken by VCAS member Dave Holland shows the structure that is revealed by excellent astro-imaging. Notice a third galaxy (NGC 3628) that makes the “Trio in Leo”. M-65, M-66 RA 11h 19m, Dec +13
NGC 3628
M66
M65
by Hal Jandorf
