Double Stars: Worth Investigating

[Rodstar]

What are your experiences with double star observing?

I am becoming very interested for a number of reasons:

1. You don't need dark skies: even full moon is OK for most observations, so it is something you can do throughout the month. :)

2. Because you start with the separation figure (expressed in arcseconds) and magnitudes of the member stars, you get the know the value of arcseconds and magnitudes very quickly, which is very helpful to all types of observing. ;)

3. From an aesthetic point of view, the colour contrast between stars can be quite striking and beautiful. :painting:

4. Over time, you can keep records of the relative motions of particular binaries, and contribute the information to the scientific community (eg through the Webb Society). :atom:

5. The science of binary star systems, especially cataclysmic binaries, is bizarre and fascinating. :scared:

6. It actually allows me to make use of the SAO and Hipparcus catalogues on my LX200 autosuite! :astron:

Is anyone on the forum a binary star observer? What are you looking at, at the moment?

[h0ughy]

Sounds very interesting Rod! That was one item our society was looking at some time back, and then we got reved up with Rev Bob Evans and Supernovas are the flavour of the month. We intend to band together and with a catalogue of DSO and galaxies look inthe southern part of the sky, each person given a few galaxies to image and cover for possible candidates. This is a work in progress project, but with the help of those from the NAS who can image we may have some chance to get some work done with this. Also variable stars were mentioned as well. You make it sound quite good.

[Rodstar]

I suspect there is more glory in the supernovae than double stars, Houghy! Sounds like a great project the NAS has running. Which are your assigned galaxies?

[h0ughy]

Well thats a matter of debate. As yet we have not decided on the exact path of attack, only that all members will view the same galaxies and record them. we are hoping to kick this off in january. We are still getting volunteers who can image at the moment. We have two plus newbie me.

[ving]

well as you know rod, i do a little binary observing. I am not doing any sort of research tho... i just like the pretty colours :D
I have thought of doing something like this tho. :)
its very interesting :)

[Rodstar]

Yeah Ving, John Bambury is also interested in doubles. Maybe next time at Kulnura we could do some double star hunting together? I am interested in comparing the performance of different scopes in splitting close doubles. When I have saved up for my rich field scope I will know what to get! I am thinking takahashi!!! :) :prey:

[Miaplacidus]

I don't know if anyone will be interested, but I've just made myself a sky chart with the SAO numbers of about 600 doubles (plus arcsecond separation) actually marked on the chart. It covers +40 to -90 declination. I'm going to get an A3 version printed and laminated, but if anyone wants a copy on a couple of plain A4 sheets to try out, just PM me. Too big to JPEG, so I'll have to snail mail it I'm afraid. (I'm doing the same thing for Messier's / Hartung's / Herschel's DSOs, and will get around to variables one of these days. Who really wants to have a laptop in the field if they can help it?) I'm hoping Meade will decide to include them with their scopes.

Cheers,

Brian.

[ving]

sounds like fun :)
count me in.

[Rodstar]

Excellent Ving. Do you know if anyone is heading up to Kulnura this Saturday? I am keen. Third time lucky??

[ving]

er... dont know. I know i am not. I am busy for the next 3-4 weeks. :(

[beren]

Brian cool idea :) .....the LXs have the SAO catlog although you have to punch in the number, and listings for the prominent multiples .

At one stage i was recording some doubles on a DSLR frame with a inserted LPI pic for the closeup ....might have to resume the project , enjoyed it