Universe Sampler: Planet & Moon observations, NGC 5907 & NGC 6720
Messier Observing and Imaging Programs: M4, M80, M62, and M19
Variable Star Observing Program:
SS Cygni – a dwarf nova in Cygnus. Discovered in 1896 and well observed for over a century. Visual brightness ranges from mag ~12.2 at quiescence to ~8.3 in outburst. With outbursts occurring every 4 to 10 weeks.
Double Stars Observing Program:
Beta Cygni (Albireo) – the “beak star” of Cygnus the Swan. Known since ancient times, a perfect target for a small telescope and an all-time favorite! Is this an optical double or a true binary system?
Resources:
- FBAC is a member of the Astronomical League which provides many different Observing Programs. These programs are designed to provide a direction for your observations and to provide a goal. The programs have certificates and pins to recognize the observers’ accomplishments and for demonstrating their observing skills with a variety of instruments and objects. Even if you aren’t actively working on an observing program, the Astronomical League has a number of resources and tools to guide you in making observations: https://www.astroleague.org/observing-program-division/.
- The AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers) has a number of resources and tools to help variable star observers. Here’s a link to some beginner tutorials: https://www.aavso.org/tutorials. A number of FBAC members are also members of the AAVSO and can help guide you in making variable star observations.
Image:
- Hubble’s composite image of the core of this star cluster–Messier 13, the Great Hercules Cluster–was created using observations taken between 1999 and 2006 in both visible and infrared wavelengths.
- NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA); Acknowledgment: C. Bailyn (Yale University), W. Lewin (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), A. Sarajedini (University of Florida), and W. van Altena (Yale University)
