JANUARY 2010 OBSERVERS CHALLENGE – NGC-2264

From “Deep-Sky Wonders” visual notes by Sue French: 

“Dubbed the Christmas Tree Cluster by Leland S. Copeland, this striking cluster well deserves its nickname. I recall observing NGC 2264 long ago when I’d heard of the Christmas Tree but didn’t know to which cluster the name referred. One look through the eyepiece and I knew this must be it!”

“…I can imagine them fashioning a large five-pointed star crowning the tree. Since the tree hangs tip-south in the sky, it can sometimes be seen upright when viewed through a telescope that inverts the view…” 

Jim Yeager has always allowed me to use any of his aerial photos, which over the years have included, a beautiful photo of the Barringer Crater in New Mexico, covered with snow, and the Mount Potosi Observing Complex in SW Nevada. Both of which I’ve used in previous blog articles and other.

I really like the following image, as I’ve never seen the Southern Cross.

Jim’s notes and photo:

Here is somewhat of clear picture taken with an iPhone using a 3 second exposure on a descent out of 41,000 feet about 100 miles north of Lima, Peru.

You can see Alpha and Beta Centauri pointing to the Southern Cross.

The residual cockpit lights, moonlight behind us, and the haze of high altitude cirrus kept us from seeing the Magellanic Clouds.

Other aerial photos by Jim Yeager:

https://rogerivester.com/category/mount-potosi-observing-complex-in-southern-nevada/

https://rogerivester.com/2016/12/06/aerial-view-of-meteor-crater-compliments-of-james-yeager-pilot-american-airlines/

After a five month hiatus from observing, it felt really good to be back outside with a telescope. 

Fifteen years plus or (185 consecutive months) of compiling the Observer’s Challenge report left me with a bit of observing burnout. Fred Rayworth of Las Vegas, and myself issued the first report in February 2009. But for the past five or more years, Sue French (former S&T Associate Editor and author) would take Fred’s place, and I would work with Sue to compile the report.

The challenge report ended in June 2024, but not before receiving almost 200,000 .pdf world-wide downloads. However, the reports will live on via the following link:

https://rogerivester.com/category/observers-challenge-reports-complete/

My objective is to complete a personal goal of seeing and sketching galaxies (NGC 7335, 7336 and 7340) known as “The Deer Lick Galaxy Group.” This “these three galaxies” were given this name by Tom Lorenzin, based on an incredible night of transparency and seeing from the Deerlick Gap Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the early 1980’s.

But would they be possible from my suburban backyard and with a 10-inch Newtonian?  

Tuesday, November 26th 2024: At 7:00 PM, the sky was clear, but with very poor transparency. After an hour of observing the Deer Lick Group location, I was finally able to see or glimpse NGC 7335, which is the brightest of the three galaxies. However, I could see this galaxy only intermittently, and appearing as an elongated blur.

I used my 10-inch Newtonian with a magnification of 208x, and despite all of my imagination, I could not see galaxies NGC 7336 or 7340.

A pleasant surprise: I was able to see Stephen’s Quintet, which is a very faint cluster of five tiny galaxies. However, I could only see a faint glow or brightening in the location, which would not have even been possible without the use of a GoTo equatorial mount. It’s amazing what we can see, when we know the deep-sky object is in the center of the telescope field.

Cold nighttime temps and dry air will return this Friday night (November 29th 2024) which “for most part” guarantees improved transparency.  I’m very hopeful I’ll be able to achieve my 30 year goal of seeing all three of the galaxies, using my 10-inch f/4.5 EQ Newtonian, and from my suburban backyard.

Friday, September 29th 2024 observation notes: Transparency was excellent, as well as seeing. The Andromeda galaxy was incredibly bright and easy to see without optical aid and with direct vision. The NELM was about 5.1 or possibly a bit better, especially in the area of the Deer Lick Group.

Again, I used my 10-inch f/4.5 Newtonian for the Deer Lick Galaxy Group and Stephen’s Quintet. I increased the magnification for my previous observation to 291x, using an 11mm EP and a 2.8x UO Klee Barlow. Seldom can I use a magnification this high.

After an hour of careful observing, I could only see only galaxy NGC 7335, with averted vision. The galaxy appeared very faint, not constant, elongated, no center brightness or concentration. I really think I was seeing galaxies NGC 7336 and NGC 7340, but could not confirm, or not definitive. So no…I could not see all three of the Deer Lick Group.

Now to Stephen’s Quintet: With improved sky conditions versus my previous observation, and with increased magnification (291x) I could see a very soft glow or brightening. No individual galaxies could be identified or seen. However, I’m very pleased just seeing it definitively, if only a soft glow in the location.

The above notes are my final for the Deer Lick Galaxy Group and Stephen’s Quintet:

Original post or article as following:

While driving through Little Switzerland, North Carolina, we stopped at the Deerlick Gap Overlook, which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’ve always considered this to be a very famous location for both amateur astronomers and professionals alike.

The overlook became the namesake for faint galaxies NGC 7335, 7336 and 7340 in Pegasus, which has become known as the Deer Lick Group. It had nothing to do with the appearance of the galaxies, but from the location where they were observed from.

Tom Lorenzin, author of “1000+ The Amateur Astronomer’s Field Guide to Deep-Sky Observing” was observing from the Deerlick Overlook one incredibly transparent night in October, 1983. He was able to get an extraordinary view of the faint triangle of galaxies. The name stuck, and is now known by many as the Deer Lick Group.

Note: Tom Lorenzin passed away from a heart attack on Aug. 23, 2014 in Winston Salem, at the age of 67. I had known Tom for many years, receiving advice on both visual observing targets and pencil sketching.

Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to see the Deer Lick Group from my 4.8-5.0 NELM suburban backyard, using my 10-inch f/4.5 equatorial Newtonian. However, it’s my goal this year to attempt this trio of galaxies from a dark-site, and if I’m successful, a thirty year goal will be achieved.

I should note: I have observed the three galaxies that Lorenzin list as following, with a friends 14.5-inch Newtonian from a semi-dark-site, but I didn’t make any notes, and without a sketch.

So my goal now, is to attempt the three galaxies (NGC 7335,6,40) from my suburban backyard, using my 10-inch Newtonian, during October and November 2024. I think I can do it!

And I’ll also try “Stephen’s Quintet” while I’m at it. With this group of faint galaxies, and from my backyard, I’ll take just a faint glow, and maybe a separation of a galaxy or two. Again, I’ll be sketching what I see.

The following are Tom’s Lorenzin’s descriptive notes from “1000+” based on his October 1983 observing session from the Deerlick Overlook.

NGC 7331: 10.4M; 10′ x 2.5′ extent; bright and much elongated edge-on spiral with stellar nucleus; axis oriented NNW-SSE; the Deer Lick group, a very faint triangle of 14+M GALs (N7335,6,40) is a few minutes E and a little N; “STEPHAN’S QUINTET” (soft glow of five very faint and distant GAL’s) is 30′ due S; good supernova prospect.

original photo of Deerlick Gap Overlook just off the Blue Ridge Parkway:

For the complete article and photos, click on the following link: https://rogerivester.com/2020/10/06/the-deer-lick-galaxy-group-and-deerlick-gap-overlook-little-switzerland-north-carolina/

     Questar Telescopes (Maksutov-Cassegrain) have been built in New Hope, Pennsylvania since 1950.  Questar has chosen Brandon eyepieces for many years, which are also made in the USA. https://www.questar-corp.com/ 

     Brandon eyepieces are optimized for telescopes with a focal ratio of f/7 or greater.   https://043a19c.netsolhost.com/

     The following are some photographs of a friends 3.5-inch Duplex.    

   

     During the early 50’s, Cave Optical in Long Beach, California, manufactured the 3.5-inch mirrors.

    Questar graced the back of the front cover of “Sky & Telescope Magazine” for decades!

 

 

A challenge to Questar?   

     In 1996, Meade Instruments Corporation, introduced the Meade ETX 90mm Astro.  This telescope was designed to be an economy Questar.  Mostly constructed of plastic, but with all the emphasis on the optics.   

     At that time, Meade was manufacturing the ETX, as well as most all of their higher-end telescopes in Irvine, California.     

     I purchased an ETX 90 the following year (1997) for use as a very portable telescope, to observe deep-sky objects within its grasp.  It served that purpose well.  The telescope had very good optics and would easily exceed Dawes’ Limit on double stars on a night with good to excellent seeing. 

     Dawes Limit:  4.56/A (A is aperture in inches) for two equal stars of about 6th magnitude.   

https://www.astronomics.com/info-library/astronomical-terms/dawes-limit/                                                                                                                                                                                                

     However, when considering fit, finish, cosmetics and ease of use, the ETX cannot compare to the “much” more expensive and precision Questar.  

     The 3.5-inch Questar continues to have its place in astronomy, despite most amateurs of today wanting larger and larger telescopes, but how many telescope companies do you know that have been in business since 1950?

      And from their longtime advertisement in “S&T” the following was said:   “Questar, The World’s Finest, Most Versatile Telescope”

     This must be true, to have survived in the ever-changing world of amateur astronomy equipment for 72 years.  (1950 – 2022)  

https://rogerivester.com/2012/02/02/questar-a-high-precision-3-5-inch-telescope/

     Since late summer 2019, my wife and I have had regular business in Matthews, North Carolina, which is a town on the outskirts of Charlotte.  Our Dachshund needed eye surgery, and we take her for regular visits to the Animal Eye Clinic even to this day. (July 2025)   

     Matthews has some excellent and very attractive, full cut-off lighting fixtures.  Lighting should be “fully-shielded” and directed downward to avoid glare and excessive light pollution, as the following photos show.  However, I can’t be for sure of the temperature….hopefully 3,000k or less?  

     No one wants, or should want a bright “unnatural” daytime appearing light, which is that of a 4,000k LED light.  Unfortunately, most all of the new LED lights installed these days are 4,000k or even brighter, which is damaging to human health, wildlife and the natural world.  Unfortunately this light has now become the standard for lighting not only cities, but also for rural and even quiet residential streets. 

     Back to the lighting in Matthews:  Many of the lights have back-shields which eliminate unnecessary light shining into house windows.  This is a great feature.  Proper outdoor lighting should direct light where it’s needed only, downward and with a shield to avoid excess glare.     

     The lights in Matthews, which I’m discussing are in a “seemingly” newer business and residential area.  An example below:   

      Currently, the trend is to light residential areas and sidewalks in cities are the “short pole” colonial style fixture with 360º of 100 watt and 4,000k LED’s.

     No, I’m not suggesting that lighting is bad, but lighting should be of “intelligent” design, and used only where necessary.   And that would be using lighting of an “acceptable” wattage and with a temperature of (3,000k or less) and with “full shielding” to prevent glare and unnecessary and “excessive” light pollution!   You may try, but seems that few cities are willing to go less than 3,000K for city streets.  

     High-intensity LED lighting and all other “excessive” light pollution is proven to damage or injure wildlife, insects, and also increases the risk of cancer (especially) hormonal cancer(s) in both men and women, being prostate and breast cancer.  

Exposure to Artificial Light at Night Can Harm Your Health!

     Humans evolved to the rhythms of the natural light-dark cycle of day and night. The spread of artificial lighting means most of us no longer experience truly dark nights.

     Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer, and more.

     Like most life on Earth, humans adhere to a circadian rhythm — our biological clock — a sleep-wake pattern governed by the day-night cycle.  Artificial light at night can disrupt that cycle.

     Our bodies produce the hormone melatonin in response to circadian rhythm.  Melatonin helps keep us healthy.  It has antioxidant properties, induces sleep, boosts the immune system, lowers cholesterol, and helps the functioning of the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands. Nighttime exposure to artificial light suppresses melatonin production.

     An expressed concern about exposure to blue light from outdoor lighting and recommends shielding all light fixtures and only using lighting with 2700K color temperature and below.   

Some more excellent examples of proper lighting fixtures….  

This article or post is featured on my site:  www.rogerivester.com  and listed under the title of “light pollution issues.”  

A report worthy to read, which I took from Dr. Mario Motta’s diverse site https://www.mariomottamd.com/ which includes light pollution issues as related to human health problems.  Rather than inserting a link, I chose to just copy and paste for easy reading…as following.   Dr. Motta is world renowned for his work, and dedication to the importance of proper lighting.   RI 

REPORT 4 OF THE COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH (A-12) Light Pollution: Adverse Health Effects of Nighttime Lighting Authors: David Blask, PhD, MD (Tulane University School of Medicine); George Brainard, PhD (Jefferson Medical College); Ronald Gibbons, PhD (Virginia Tech); Steven Lockley, PhD (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School); Richard Stevens, PhD (University Connecticut Health Center); and Mario Motta, MD (CSAPH, Tufts Medical School).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective. To evaluate the impact of artificial lighting on human health, primarily through disruption of circadian biological rhythms or sleep, as well as the impact of headlamps, nighttime lighting schemes, and glare on driving safety. Concerns related to energy cost, effects on wildlife and vegetation, and esthetics also are briefly noted. Methods. English-language reports in humans were selected from a PubMed search of the literature from 1995 to March 2012 using the MeSH terms “circadian/biological clocks/rhythm,” “chronobiology/disorders,” “photoperiod,” “light/lighting” “sleep,” “work schedule,” or “adaptation,” combined with the terms “physiology,” “melatonin,” “adverse effects/toxicity,” “pathophysiology,” “neoplasm,” “epidemiology/etiology,” “mental disorders,” “energy metabolism,” and “gene expression.”

Additional articles were identified by manual review of the references cited in these publications; others were supplied by experts in the field who contributed to this report (see Acknowledgement). Results. Biological adaptation to the sun has evolved over billions of years. The power to artificially override the natural cycle of light and dark is a recent event and represents a man-made self-experiment on the effects of exposure to increasingly bright light during the night as human societies acquire technology and expand industry.

In addition to resetting the circadian pacemaker, light also stimulates additional neuroendocrine and neurobehavioral responses including suppression of melatonin release from the pineal gland improving alertness and performance. Low levels of illuminance in the blue or white fluorescent spectrum disrupt melatonin secretion.

The primary human concerns with nighttime lighting include disability glare (which affects driving and pedestrian safety) and various health effects. Among the latter are potential carcinogenic effects related to melatonin suppression, especially breast cancer. Other diseases that may be exacerbated by circadian disruption include obesity, diabetes, depression and mood disorders, and reproductive problems. Conclusion. The natural 24-hour cycle of light and dark helps maintain precise alignment of circadian biological rhythms, the general activation of the central nervous system and various biological and cellular processes, and entrainment of melatonin release from the pineal gland.

Pervasive use of nighttime lighting disrupts these endogenous processes and creates potentially harmful health effects and/or hazardous situations with varying degrees of harm. The latter includes the generation of glare from roadway, property, and other artificial lighting sources that can create unsafe driving conditions, especially for older drivers. More direct health effects of nighttime lighting may be attributable to disruption of the sleep-wake cycle and suppression of melatonin release.

Even low intensity nighttime light has the capability of suppressing melatonin release. In various laboratory models of cancer, melatonin serves as a circulating anticancer signal and suppresses tumor growth.

Limited epidemiological studies support the hypothesis that nighttime lighting and/or repetitive disruption of circadian rhythms increases cancer risk; most attention in this arena has been devoted to breast cancer. Further information is required to CSAPH Rep. 4-A-12 — page 2 of 25 evaluate the relative role of sleep versus the period of darkness in certain diseases or on mediators of certain chronic diseases or conditions including obesity.

Due to the nearly ubiquitous exposure to light at inappropriate times relative to endogenous circadian rhythms, a need exists for further multidisciplinary research on occupational and environmental exposure to light-at-night, the risk of cancer, and effects on various chronic disease

      

Date:  November 1964  

     My five older brothers built something similar or akin to what might be called a “Rat Rod” today.  The origin was a 1951 Studebaker…using the frame, which had been shortened by three feet, the original engine and transmission.  

       In the following photos are my brother Jimmy, who was driving, I’m in the middle with the “cool” cowboy hat, and my brother, Phillip.

     My older brothers, Richard, Jimmy, Ronny, Donnie and Phillip, worked on fabricating “The Bug” as it was called.   I was a bit too young, and mostly just enjoyed watching.  Sometimes I would assist by handing them wrenches or anything else they might need.   

     Improvements were made over the next year with the installation of a mid-50’s Chrysler Hemi engine, which had much more horsepower than the Studebaker.     

     The sad looking tires, especially the front white-walls would eventually be changed out with some better looking wheels.  Additions would also be made to the body, however, still constructed of wood panels.  With a larger budget, many improvements could have been made, but….

     My brother, Donnie, being in high school drove the school bus in the background, which was an early 1950’s model Chevrolet.  

An astronomical telescope purchase in 1963:    

     It was my brother Jimmy, who had already purchased (at the time of the photo) a 60mm f/15 equatorially mounted refractor from Sears, at a cost of $100.  This would be the equivalent of $835 in 2019.  An expensive telescope for sure.

     Two years later, I would begin using this telescope to observe deep-sky objects (galaxies, nebulae and star clusters) and a lifelong interest in astronomy would follow, even to this day.

Roger Ivester   

     

 

 Improved budget, greater skills and abilities, my brother Phillip would become a race car and engine builder.  He would also go on to win an incredible 164 drag racing events. with multiple drag cars.    

The following photo was made in September 2019:     

          

     Cloudy skies and rain have prevailed for the past few days, but what a nice day it was on Christmas Day to get outside.  While relaxing shortly after lunch, I received a message from Mike Ribadeneyra, wanting to go for a bicycle ride.  I was actually thinking about a nap, but as a cyclist, when someone offers an opportunity to ride, the guilt can be a bit overwhelming should I decline…and especially for NO good reason. 

     So, after answering the message, I got up and began to get dressed and checked my bike.  It might not be fun preparing to ride, especially when it’s cold outside, being relaxed as I was finishing a good cup of coffee.  However, it’s a great feeling of accomplishment when the ride is complete and riding back into my driveway.  And this is especially true on Christmas Day when my wife and dachshund are anxiously waiting my return!! 

     When headed home, we stopped to visit “Albert” the donkey who loves to see us ride by, behind his pasture fence.  It’s always great to hear him running…fast as he can, from the bottom of the pasture with his collar bell jingling.    

     Albert loves for me to bring him an apple, but it has to be quartered.  He will chew each piece individually.  If a piece falls on the ground, he won’t eat it until I pick it up and offer it to him again.  Albert is a bit finicky, but loves the attention…and especially an apple.      

Albert is glad to see both Mike and I.  

Photo below:  Saturday, December 28th, after another ride:  Sophie (our Dachshund) enjoys watching me feed Albert.   

While visiting our family in Mullins, South Carolina over the past few years, we have enjoyed finding some very interesting things. 

Only a few miles outside the city limits, there are country roads, agriculture fields, and no houses or lights for miles and miles, and virtually no light pollution.        

The next morning….Tuesday August 14th 2018.  

When driving in a secluded area, via unfamiliar country roads, you never know what you may find:   

While riding around with my oldest grandson, John-Winston, who just received his learners permit, and I was sharing my wisdom, on how to be a safe driver.  During our  leisure drive, we found sand dunes, in the middle of a swamp! 

Sand dunes, and a very sandy area….at first resembling snow, all in the middle of a dense forest and surrounded by swamp land.  

There were Bald Cypress trees growing out of the black murky water, Spanish moss hanging from the trees, and who knows, maybe even an alligator or two in that dark water!

Note:  This very remote small sandy area is a protected site.  I took some pictures as following, but somehow missed the eerie swamp.   

Roger 

Stopped and using the car as a size reference, to a part of the protected site: 

South Carolina Grandkids

Debbie (Grammy) with granddaughter Gracie

Couldn’t leave our Sophie behind!  She’s ready to go anytime we are! 

Cline Observatory Double Star List – 25double-5triple 

     Tom English has put together an excellent list of twenty-five doubles and five multiple stars, which at first glance would seem to be compiled for only those new to this facet of amateur astronomy.  However, for those of us who have enjoyed double star observing for decades, we know there is no such thing as a beginners list.  

     Double star lists may be compiled of the most difficult pairs due to their close separations and sometimes with unequal magnitudes, or those with wide separations and beautiful contrasting colors.  It was the latter which coined the name: “The jewels of the night sky.”

     This list contains some beautiful and interesting doubles, all of which can be observed with a small telescope.  

     The famous double star, Epsilon Bootis is probably the most difficult double on the list, which has always required at least a 4-inch refractor for me.  Many observers have reported seeing the companion to Epsilon with a 3-inch aperture.    

     Are you stressed, too tired to take out that big telescope, but would like to enjoy an hour or so of relaxation under the night sky?  So….why not a 60 mm refractor or a 3-inch reflector?   And you don’t have to worry too much about a bright moon or ambient lights as both have little effect on “most” double or multiple stars.     

     Want to become a better double star observer?  I’ve listed a few things as following which have helped me over the years:  

     I’ve never been able to observe through a telescope eyepiece and stand at the same time, much less attempt to separate a very close pair.     

     And for those extremely close and difficult doubles, an eyepatch is necessary for the non-observing eye.  

     It’s important to relax the facial muscles and “absolutely” essential to hold the observing eye very still and on-axis….hence the need to be seated.  

      A good quality astro-chair, as pictured below is a must when observing double stars.

Roger Ivester  

 

 

     This telescope is sold as an optical tube assembly, without accessories from Orion Telescopes and Binoculars.  However, no problem, as I have extra finders, an equatorial mount, a correct image amici diagonal and plenty of eyepieces. 

     This is a surprise birthday gift from my son, Brad.  I’d always wanted an 80mm f/5 refractor, since University Optics sold their 80mm refractor kit, which required painting and assembly.  However, I wasn’t too excited about the painting and assembly.  It’s hard to duplicate a factory paint job with a spray can. 🙂

     The telescope fits nicely to my Vixen GP mount and I had a three pound counterweight which allows for perfect balance. A smaller and lighter duty equatorial mount would be sufficient for the CT-80, but the Vixen GP makes for a rock steady mount for sure.  A good quality heavy duty tripod could also suffice for either astro or terrestrial viewing. The GP mount and tripod with the legs folded together, and telescope can be easily be carried all together, in one trip.   

     Before I go to my first light evaluation, I’ll share what I found in the shipping box.  It was packed very nicely in a heavy corrugated box and I was surprised at its light weight.  The optical tube and dew-shield are both made of aluminum and has a beautiful pearl-white paint job.  

      The rack and pinion gear assembly is made of steel. The focuser had a minor rough feel, but after a little petroleum jelly on the gear rack, and then with a bit of adjusting the “lock-down” thumb-knob, problem solved. 

       So, everything was good so far, but how would it perform under the night sky?   

First Light:

     My first target was the beautiful double star, Castor in Gemini.  I started with 33x, but this was not enough magnification.  I then added a 2.8x Barlow, giving a magnification of 93x and was pleased with the double being cleanly separated. 

     My next object was the Trapezium in Orion.  The four primary components were crisp and clean even at 33x.  When increasing the magnification to 93x, the four primary stars were a beautiful sight indeed. The Orion Nebula appeared very bright with excellent contrast, but what about galaxies?  

     M81 and M82, located in Ursa Major, have always been two of my favorite galaxies.  Both galaxies fit nicely within the large 1.8º field of view at a 33x magnification. A beautiful sight!  This took me back more than forty years (1977) when I first observed this galaxy pair with a 4.25-inch f/10 Edmund Newtonian.  So, I’d been outside for almost an hour which was my time allowance for this night. Never would I take out my 10-inch equatorially mounted reflector, or my 102 mm refractor or 6-inch reflector, all with EQ mounts for less than an hour.  This telescope had already proved its value and convenience as being light and compact, also providing excellent views of brighter deep-sky objects.     

     My wife has always had an interest in making some photos of the moon.  Now for her story: By Debbie Ivester

My first photo of the moon: By Debbie Ivester

Other attempts of the moon:

Easy enough to attach the camera to the telescope:

I changed the “single-screw” attachment ring on the back of the telescope, to a more secure “carbon-fiber” ring with two-screws to more securely hold the camera: Debbie

I wanted to include a couple examples of my pencil sketches using the CT-80: Roger

The telescope and mount (with counter-weight) can easily be taken out in one trip. This telescope is especially nice for my “very early morning” observing sessions, before drinking my first cup of coffee, or those 15-30 minute sessions before going to bed.