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Observer's Corner for October

ANDROMEDA GALAXY
         DOUBLE CLUSTER
               PLEIADES!
Three spectacular deep sky objects are easy to observe in October:

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All three objects are beautiful in binoculars or low magnification in  small telescopes.

Although all are easily spotted under rural skies in major cities in Ventura County (Simi, Thousand Oaks, Ventura), all shine under dark skies like Ojai, mountains and the desert.

 

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Clear Skies!  

 

--Hal

All photos from Hal Jandorf using wide angle image at 35mm and 55mm camera lenses, 66mm f/7 diameter refractor telescope, 100mm diameter f/9 refractor, and 120mm f/7 refractor from Borrego Springs.

ANDROMEDA GALAXY (M31): This huge spiral galaxy spans 2.5 degrees across the sky. The apparent size would let 5 full moons to fit across the image.

                                                           

  It is 2 million light years distant containing billions of suns. It has been found that M31 will collide with our galaxy (Milky Way) in a few billion years!

PLEIADES CLUSTER (M45): This cluster can be seen with unaided eyes! Normally, you can see 5 or 6 stars at 4th magnitude but binoculars reveals dozens!

                                                      The stars are reflecting off of a cloud of reflection nebula and can be seen in dark skies. Distance id 400 Light Years.

DOUBLE CLUSTER: A spray of bright stars separated but easily seen together at low magnification, making is even more impressive! Located between Cassiopeia and Perseus.

Both contains at least 600 stars (total) and are 7300 Light Years distant. Notice a few red giant stars in the photo. NGC 869 and NGC 884.

If you enjoy “OBSERVER’S CORNER”, please let VCAS know.

Positive comments or changes will be extremely appreciated!

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