si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses.
Astrophotography by GrandpaJunkrat - ----- Region LDN 1215
Cosmology from my armchair..............................
I do it metric .............................................................. Location:
Sneek
bastion@protonmail.com The Netherlands
Bortle 7 - 9
Region LDN 1215,
Image 1 (Stellarium) Region 22:50:7 +62:7:0
I propose here a long-term observational study to be conducted throughout 2026 - 2031. The program focuses on a specific region within the Cepheus OB3 association, centered on J2000 coordinates RA 22ʰ50ᵐ07ˢ Dec +62°07′00″. This field, situated in close proximity to the Sh2-155 (Cave Nebula) HII region, presents a rich stellar environment ideal for investigating key questions in stellar formation and evolution.
1. Region of Interest
The primary field of observation is a dynamic star-forming environment within the Cepheus OB3 association. Its location directly adjacent to the photogenic Cave Nebula provides a context of ongoing stellar birth, making it a prime candidate for studying young stellar objects (YSOs) and related phenomena.
2. Key Targets and Observational Strategy
The observational campaign is designed to monitor several critical targets within this field. The research will be conducted using a broad suite of methods, including photometry, spectroscopy, and direct orbital measurements of binary systems.
The Anchor Star: The luminous star ES 142, embedded within the reflection nebula vdB 155, serves as a central reference point. This star will be subjected to continuous monitoring throughout the entire observing period. A primary question driving this observation is whether ES 142 is a binary system. While it is catalogued in GAIA as a single star and lacks an entry in the Washington Double Star (WDS) catalog, our own imaging has revealed a potential companion. A key objective is to determine the nature of this pair, specifically, whether it is a gravitationally bound system or a mere optical double caused by a line-of-sight alignment with a background star.
Young Stellar Objects: The region is known to host several Herbig-Haro (HH) objects and Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) protostars, which are prime targets for this study. Their variability and outflow activity will be tracked to understand the earliest phases of stellar life.
Variable Star: A previously identified Mira-type variable star is also within the field, providing a point of comparison for evolved stellar phenomena.
3. Scientific Objectives
The overarching goal of this program is to gain insight into stellar evolution in its broadest sense. The specific scientific objectives are:
To study the mechanisms and timescales of stellar evolution within binary and multiple star systems.
To resolve the specific nature of the ES 142 system, determining the physical association of its detected companion.
To investigate the critical question of coevality—whether binary star components formed simultaneously or through subsequent capture or fragmentation processes.
To characterize the physical processes and variability of Herbig-Haro objects and YSOs to better constrain models of early stellar evolution.
4. Supplementary Targets of Interest
For a comprehensive analysis, the following additional objects within the field have been identified for further investigation:
Sigma 2950: A double star system catalogued in the Washington Double Star Catalog as WDS J22514+6142.
Hipparcos Star: HIP 112759
HD Catalog Star: HD 216658
These objects will provide valuable contextual data on the stellar population and dynamical history of the region, complementing the core research on young and variable stars.
