Double Double in Lyra

[Merlin66]

I see this gets mentioned in the latest Aust. S&T (p50)
I was recently testing some 2" diagonals and had the chance to observe the double double with the ol' 4" Genesis and the TV plossls.
At x78 it showed easy separation and perfect Airy disks for each star...I though it would be interesting to see what the minimum magnification would be to still separate the stars.
It turned out that all I needed was x48 (a 10.4mm TV plossl) - the black dividing line between the stars was definately seen and held.
Not bad for a BoF, a 25 year old scope (and eyepiece) and average seeing from the lowlands of Belgium.
I'd be interested in hearing from others similar "low magnification" double star experiences.

[ngcles]

Hi Merlin,

I also issued it as a naked-eye challenge split in that article and the weekend before last I was out at my usual spot and even at my ripe old age of not quite 49, I could still see it barely split into a pair naked-eye -- though I must admit it was very difficult. Two of my companions, one extremely experienced and the other an advanced beginner failed to split it -- though it was very simple in the finder as a double and in the 'scope at x111 as a double-double.

Interested in what people's experience with this naked-eye challenge is as it is very close to the threshold for good vision so some people will succeed and others will not.

I also scored (for me) that night another naked-eye first -- an asteroid. I have spotted 1 Ceres in binoculars and 'scope before but 4 Vesta was no problem at all to see naked-eye in Capricornus. Vesta is at magnitude 5.7.
and currently close to opposition, about 3 degrees southwest of mag 5.3 Chi Capricorni.

Conditions at an outer suburban/rural site to see 4 Vesta naked-eye could hardly be better (once the Moon is out of the way) as it is in an uncrowded neighbourhood and passes close to zenith (for observers in southern Australia). Plus there is the thrill of knowing Dawn is currently in orbit around Vesta as well.


Best,

Les D