Re: (SNES) Looking for Doubles, whats going on with this group?

[Albireo54@aol.com]

Hi Barry and everyone,  

When you start talking about double stars you're into one of my favorite 
areas of observing. I like many different types; as you know I've posted a 
lot about some of the more difficult to split pairs. But of course this type 
of challenge is not for everyone, including you - as I recall. Many observers 
justifiably prefer the more "attractive" doubles or multiples - where two or 
more stars can be seen with little difficulty, often exhibiting fine color 
contrasts. 

The list of potential targets is long, even if you just go by observing 
season. I'll second Steve's comments about Gamma Andromedae - it is one of 
the finest doubles in the sky, and good for all telescopes. It is also very 
conveniently placed right now, high in the east after sunset. (This happens 
to be the bright star that comes closest to passing EXACTLY overhead from our 
latitude.)

I can suggest many others for this time of year: Zeta Aquarii, Gamma Arietis, 
HD 178849 an 178911 (the other double double in Lyra), Delta Cygni, 61 Cygni, 
Eta Cassiopeia, Sigma Cassiopeia (a fine triple star), Alpha Piscium, Delta 
Geminorum, Sigma Orionis, and....of course.....the challenging Beta Orionis 
(Rigel). There are dozens of other worthy pairs as well.

Beginning this winter the big FDO 16" scope and other large scopes that often 
frequent the yard at FDO will start having a decent chance of spotting the 
close white dwarf companion to Sirius - which can only be seen when it has 
swung away from the dazzling primary during its roughly 25 year orbit. It 
will be a real tough challenge, requiring a very stable night, finely 
collimated optics and high power. Not everyone's cup of tea, but on a par 
with seeing the Encke division in Saturn's rings or the Horsehead Nebula in 
Orion.

Hope to see you at FDO tomorrow!
:o)
Doug
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