what is this cluster?

[Jezza94]

Hi All,

I'm currently outside observing a cluster or nebula, can't work out what it is, only a newbie.

It's a bit "left" i guess of Alnitak and it is a "line" of stars, 3 sets of double stars with a lot of single stars between it.

is the a nebula?

Sorry if it doesn't make sense, but it's the only way i could describe it's location

[mithrandir]

Jeremy there are quite a few double stars around Alnitak. It and the other two stars forming Orion's Belt (Alnilam and Mintaka) are all multiples.

Get yourself one of the free planetarium programs and compare the area around Alnitak with what you are seeing. CdC and Stellarium are the two most common ones.

[Jezza94]

thanks mate - i'm extremely happy that i've found it. it is very beautiful.

thank you mate! I will get one now.

[Jezza94]

looking on Stellarium, It is the Great Nebula in Orion! :eyepop: :D

[Suzy]

It's exciting isn't it Jeremy! :D

Do you see a little nursery of 4 teeny weeny stars towards the end of the nebula? That's called the famous "Trapezium". They're newborn stars and very hot- that's what lights up the nebula and that's why you see it naked eye, as a bright/fuzzy star in Orion.

If you want more nebula goodness amidst oodles of star clusters, head over to the milky way to the Southern Cross (look on your sky programme to locate it- it's very easy) just cruse your telescope between the Southern Cross and Carina, there's so much excitement to be had there. Aside from the gorgeous clusters in that area, there sits another treasure- the famous Eta Carina Nebula! :eyepop: Depending on your location, just with your naked eye, you may be able to see that area as a fuzzy, dusty patch in the sky out of the corner of your eye. I have no problem making it out living only 15mins out of the city, in light pollution & a street light out the front. If your southern view looks out towards the city way, then hmmm maybe a problem naked eye, but will look gorgeous in your scope at any rate. Actually, it's brilliant in binoculars too! Oh & btw, there's a bright yellow star sitting in that nebula- its name is eta Carinae & it's a hypergiant on the verge of going hypernova :eyepop: any day now... *tick* *tick* *tick* ........ We all dream to be alive to observe that experience *sigh*

Don't even think of going to bed until you've had your first view of Saturn! See when it rises in your area, and wait till it gets up to at least 30 degrees away from the murky lower atmosphere to enjoy it properly. You won't skeep a wink that night after you've seen it.:P It'll be rising in the east as a bright yellowish tinted star- but unlike stars, it won't twinkle, that's sort of general way of telling planets from stars. Unless of course when the seeing is bad and then everything wobbles around like jelly :rolleyes:. So note to self, some nights can yield spectacular views, and other nights hmmm... cum se cum sa, so it pays to re-visit objects regularly- including during the same session.

Have fun Jeremy, and happy star gazing! :)

[Jezza94]

Hi Suzy,

Thank you for your wealth of information and giving me a general idea of where to look :)

I have my alarm set to have a look at Saturn, according to Stellarium, I should have a really good view of it between 3:04 and 4:00. So it will be hard getting up in the morning, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

I have been checking out a few of the brighter stars that I can easily guide myself too by using binoculars to spot them and then using a 20mm EP to draw in on them. Stars such as Pollux, Procyon and Capella.

I'm really loving this :)

Jeremy