Jeff's Binocular Picks for November 2003
Seen? Object Type Constellation  In / Near
b Early Evening
____ Venus Planet Libra
____ M92 Globular Cluster Hercules
____ CR 399  (Coathanger Cluster) Asterism Vulpecula / Sagitta
____ Albireo Double Star Cygnus
____ M27  (Dumbbell Nebula) Planetary Nebula Cygnus / Sagitta
     
Mid Evening
____ M15 Globular Cluster Pegasus
____ Cygnus Star Chain Asterism Cygnus
____ M39 Open Cluster Cygnus
____ M31  (Andromeda Galaxy) Galaxy Andromeda
____ NGC 457 (ET Cluster) Open Cluster Cassiopeia
____ M103 ("Mini Dipper") Open Cluster Cassiopeia
____ Double Cluster (NGC 869 & 884) Open Cluster Pair Perseus
____ M45  (Pleiades) Open Cluster Taurus
____ Hyades Open Cluster Taurus
____ M37 Open Cluster Auriga
____ M35  (Kermit Cluster) Open Cluster Gemini
____ Saturn Planet Gemini
____ M42 - Great Orion Nebula Diffuse Nebula Orion
Later in the Night
____ M44 (Beehive Cluster) Open Cluster Cancer
____ M47 Open Cluster Canis Major/Monoceros
____ M81/M82 Galaxy Pair Galaxies Ursa Major

The monthly list of binocular objects contains some of the best objects visible through ordinary binoculars. Many of these are easy targets in binoculars, but a few can be challenging. Viewing some the more challenging objects from a dark site will help. If your binoculars have a threaded tripod mount, placing them on a tripod will also help.

Use this list along with a current copy of the monthly sky map from SkyMaps.com and try to locate as many as you can. This will help you learn how to navigate your way around the night sky. This list is also good for small scopes, too!

Please feel free to share your observations with other FVAS members by entering them on the FVAS Web Site - Member's Observations page, and also discussing them at the monthly meetings.

Good Luck and have fun hunting!
Jeff Benuzzi

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