Archive for August 29, 2012

M22 – Globular Cluster In Sagittarius – Observer’s Challenge – Updated: September 21st 2012

August 29, 2012

One of the most observed objects in Sagattarius by amateurs would have to be globular cluster, M22.  When viewed at 191x with my 10-inch reflector the cluster comes alive with many resolved stars.  The cluster has a brighter middle with two strings of stars leading off the SW edge.  A small concentrated patch could be seen on the northern tip, and another, however, smaller was noted toward the east. 

The following pencil sketch was made using a 10-inch f/4.5 reflector at 191x from my moderately light polluted backyard in the foothills of  North Carolina.  

 

After careful observing for the longest time, I would suggest that this cluster appears looking like a strange alien creature.  The star chains in the SW edge would be the legs, and the concentrated spots in the N and E would be the eyes.  It is very interesting to note that after many observing sessions over the years, I have never noticed this most interesting comparison.  

Please check out this globular for yourself and see if you too can see the alien. 

My small 76 mm f/4 reflector at 25x presents M22 as a fairly dim ball of unresolved stars.    Roger Ivester

Read the full Las Vegas Astronomical Society report, please click on the following link.

AUGUST 2012 OBSERVERS CHALLENGE – M-22