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Here is the list for the April installment. I know it will crowd our
observing schedule with the marathon this same month but look at it
like this. Two of the objects are on tap for the marathon and one has
a planetary that is also on the April list, so it should be pretty easy
to bag those three. And, while in Puppis, take a diversion and finish
off the remaining objects. Here is the list, straight from the newsletter: During the January SAC meeting I was talking to some members about their observations in Puppis, so I decided that for April that should be a good constellation. This will give us a break from galaxies and give us a chance do some open clusters and planetary nebulae. So, with so much to choose from and so little space, where do we start? M47, of course! Next is M46! Third is NGC2438 the planetary nebula towards the north of northwest segment of M46. This is expected to be a separate observation that is not to be included with the magnificent M46. Try all the power the evening permits, try filters and try a hood to see what kind of detail you can record. Let us know your findings. Next up is NGC2539 another large open cluster at about 30 arc-minutes. It should be easily found as 5th magnitude 19 Puppis is located just at the edge of this cluster. Another open cluster NGC2527, also named NGC2520, is located about 4° south of rho Puppis is a pretty rich grouping of stars. Finally, the most southerly of this batch and located towards the west side of the constellation is Collinder 135, a large bright open cluster that included pi Puppis. At magnitude 2.1 and about 50 arc-minutes, can you see it with your naked eye? I wish we had time for more, as there are enough clusters and nebula for more visits. For now, enjoy this tour. Enjoy and clear skies,aj |
