Melotte 71 – Open Cluster In Puppis – Sketch and Notes – February Observers Challenge Object
Melotte 71, Observers Challenge complete report: Please click on the following link.
FEBRUARY 2013 OBSERVERS CHALLENGE – MEL-71
Date of observation: February 28th 2013
Melotte 71: Open Cluster in Puppis
Telescope: 10-inch f/4.5 reflector, with the employ of an 11 mm eyepiece and a 2x Barlow for a magnification of 208x. I was observing from my backyard, with a NELM of around 4.5-4.8, due to moderate light pollution. One of the most notable features of this cluster is a triangle of three brighter stars with the apex star being due south away from the cluster. The brighter western-most star of the triangle has a subtle red color. The star at the east leg of the triangle becomes a double at high magnification, also many of the fainter members begin to appear, but intermittently, and not constant. When using low power, the cluster appears as little more than a nebulous patch with only a few of the brighter stars being noted. The following sketch was made using a 5 x 8 blank note card, a No. 2 pencil, and an eraser, with the colors being inverted using a scanner. Roger Ivester
Observation by Debbie Ivester (Date: February 28th 2013)
Telescope: I used a 10-inch reflector at 208x for the following notes: Debbie
Melotte 71: Open Star Cluster in Puppis
I could see the triangle of three brighter stars pretty easily, but the main cluster to the north appeared as a faint haze. After careful observing, a few of the brighter stars appeared. The cold breeze was causing my eyes to water, which gave me difficulty in my attempt to observe this object. It’s really hard for me to be outside when the temperature is below freezing, and especially with an icy wind. I could hardly wait to get in the warm house!
Debbie Ivester
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