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Back in 2018 when I worked on the Stellar Evolution Observing Program, I viewed most of the targets with binoculars. Back then it didn't make a difference if you used a telescope or binoculars. In 2026, certifications were announced for other viewing methods, and now Binocular and Naked Eye have their own special certifications. Here is my submission for the Binocular Award.
The Rules for Binocular Level Certificate: Observe 65 objects using binoculars only.
69 Targets should be visible in Binoculars in either hemisphere.
There must be at least 1 target from the 14 available categories.
You may skip any 4 of the available 69 targets
You may also count additional targets if you are able to see them in binoculars.
Back in 2018 when I worked on the Stellar Evoluiton Observing Program I vie
As part of this Observing Program, you’ll be looking at, and understanding the HR diagram. This diagram was developed independently by Ejnar Hertzsprung and Henry Norris Russell in about 1910. Although there is a lot to be gained from the study of the HR diagram, its concept is easy. The X (horizontal) axis of the chart is the temperature of the star (color and temperature are the same thing) and the Y (vertical) axis of the chart is the luminosity of the star. The luminosity is the intrinsic brightness of the star. A star's magnitude is the brightness of a star as seen from Earth, so a high luminosity star that's very far away may look dim to us and a lower luminosity star that is nearby may appear brighter to us.
I doctored up and labeled an HR diagram for the observed stars when I did for the original Stellar Evolution Observing Program.
Locations; Latitude Longitude Altitude
Arches - Double O Parking Lot 38.687N 109.539W 5150 ft
Brommelsiek Park 38.723N 90.815W 644 ft
Bryce Canyon – HQ Parking Lot 37.597N 112.170W 8190 ft
Danville Wildlife Area 38.868N 91.514W 823 ft
Green Bank, WV -NRAO Observatory 38.427N 79.832 W 2712 ft
Canyonlands Needles Outpost Site #3 38.178N 109.743W 4910 ft
White Memorial WA (Whiteside) 39.171N 91.005 W 802 ft
Binoculars Used: FOV
Bushnell 7x50s 7 degrees
DIY 2x54 binoculars 26 degrees
Lunt 6x30 Solar 6.5 degrees
Orion 11x80 binoculars 4.5 degrees
Oberwerks 15x70 4 degrees.
Filters used: None other than the unknown type built into the Lunt Solar binoculars.
My red/green colorblindness prevents me from seeing and describing color unless the color is very saturated. Stars rarely have saturated colors.
aCategory: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: M 42
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Orion Nebula
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05h 35m 17s
Dec: -05d 22' 51"
Magnitude: 4
Type/Color/Age: E
AL Provided Notes: Includes the Trapezium
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:11 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
I've view and imaged M42 100s of times before so doing it at 11x was easy, even if it was only 30 degrees from eastern horzion. The nebulosity was easily seen (no color) as were the imbedded stars.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: M78
Object Type: DSO
Other Name NGC2068
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05h 46m 46s
Dec: +00d 04' 10"
Magnitude: 8.3
Type/Color/Age: R
AL Provided Notes: Reflection nebula Containing 45 T Tauri stars
My Observations
Date Seen: 2/16/2011
Time Seen: 09:06 p.m. CST
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Very faint nebulosity visible about 1 field up from belt towards Betelgeuse. More of a "tougher" than easy.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Barnard 68
Object Type: DSO
Other Name
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 17h 22m 38s
Dec: -23d 49' 34"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: D
AL Provided Notes: Requires dark skies
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/1/2018 9/10/2018
Time Seen: 09:08 p.m. CDT 9:22 p.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park & Danville WA
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
How do you know when you've seen a dark nebula? I'm in the right field and looking where it should be based on the marker stars, but nothing there. I repeated the effort at Danville WA under much darker sky on 9/10/2018 with identical results.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: M 20
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Trifid Nebula
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18h 02m 28s
Dec: -22d 59' 11"
Magnitude: 9
Type/Color/Age: ERD
AL Provided Notes: HII region
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/24/2011
Time Seen: 10:42 p.m. CDT
Location: Arches Double O PL
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 9/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Same field of view as M8 & M21. Above M8, faint but visible. No color. One of the objects I showed at Bryce Canyon with binoculars. Not really a challenge to find.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: M 8
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Lagoon Nebula
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18h 04m 08s
Dec: -24d 20’ 15”
Magnitude: 6
Type/Color/Age: ED
AL Provided Notes: Includes young open cluster NGC 6530
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/27/2011
Time Seen: 10:30 p.m. CDT
Location: Bryce Headquarters
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 9/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Naked eye, easy to make out with binoculars, both nebula and open cluster. Same field of view as M20 & M21. One of the objects I showed at Bryce Canyon with binoculars. Easy object as noted.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: M 16
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Eagle Nebula
Constellation: Ser
RA: 18h 18m 54s
Dec: -13d 51' 04"
Magnitude: 5.6
Type/Color/Age: E
AL Provided Notes: Cluster associated with star forming nebula
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/24/2011
Time Seen: 11:47 p.m. CDT
Location: Arches Double O PL
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 9/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Nebulosity seen but no real detail because of the small size. View too small to see the eagle. Easy object as noted.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 7
Name: M 17
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Omega Nebula
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18h 20m 48s
Dec: -16d 11' 00"
Magnitude: 9
Type/Color/Age: E
AL Provided Notes: Also called Horseshoe or Swan Nebula
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/24/2011
Time Seen: 11:47 p.m. CDT
Location: Arches Double O PL
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 9/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. A bit small in the 4.5 degree field, but nebulosity clearly seen. The checkmark/swan clearly visible. Easy object as noted.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 8
Name: IC 5070 NGC 1435
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Pelican Nebula
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 20h 50m 48s
Dec: +44d 21' 00"
Magnitude: 8
Type/Color/Age: E
AL Provided Notes: Associated with the North American Nebula, req's dark skies, diffuse
My Observations
Date Seen: 7/17/2026
Time Seen: 11:28 p.m. EDT
Location: Green Bank, WV
Binoculars DIY 2x54 binoculars
Magnification: 2x
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 8/10
My Notes
The FOV of the 2x binos is 26 degrees. I could see from Deneb to Albereo, with the Veil, North American and Pelican Nebulae all in the view at the same time. The binos grab about 1.7 more magniturde than my eyes and all three popped out of the field.
Category: Nebulae see 6 for binoculars
Done in Category: 9
Name: NGC 7000
Object Type: DSO
Other Name North America
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 20h 58m 50s
Dec: +44d 31' 00"
Magnitude: 8
Type/Color/Age: E
AL Provided Notes: Visible unaided eye under dark skies
My Observations
Date Seen: 7/17/2026
Time Seen: 11:28 p.m. EDT
Location: Green Bank, WV
Binoculars DIY 2x54 binoculars
Magnification: 2x
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 8/10
My Notes
The FOV of the 2x binos is 26 degrees. I could see from Deneb to Albereo, with the Veil, North American and Pelican Nebulae all in the view at the same time. The binos grab about 1.7 more magniturde than my eyes and all three popped out of the field.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: NGC 884
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Double Cluster
Constellation: Per
RA: 02h 20m 50s
Dec: +57d 07' 58"
Magnitude: 5.3
Type/Color/Age: ~ 4 M years
AL Provided Notes: Great sight in a wide-field telescope!
My Observations
Date Seen: 3/16/2012
Time Seen: 08:46 p.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Fairly easy to find with the parallelogram mount. Kind of impressive with the 11x binos. Angled diagonally with NGC 884 on the top left and NGC 869 on the lower right. Both clusters were small in the 4.4 degree field.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: NGC 869
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Double Cluster
Constellation: Per
RA: 02h 20m 50s
Dec: +57d 07' 58"
Magnitude: 5.3
Type/Color/Age: ~ 4 M years
AL Provided Notes: Great sight in a wide-field telescope!
My Observations
Date Seen: 3/16/2012
Time Seen: 08:46 p.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Fairly easy to find with the parallelogram mount. Kind of impressive with the 11x binos. Angled diagonally with NGC 884 on the top left and NGC 869 on the lower right. Both clusters were small in the 4.4 degree field.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: M45
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Pleiades
Constellation: Tau
RA: 03h 46m 03s
Dec: +24d 07' 57"
Magnitude: 1.6
Type/Color/Age: ~100 M years
AL Provided Notes: Close, bright. 440 ly away
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:04 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
I've view and imaged M45 100s of times before so doing it at 11x was easy, even if it was only 20 degrees from the 3rd quarter moon. No nebulosity seen, but many stars.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: M37
Object Type: DSO
Other Name NGC 2099
Constellation: Aur
RA: 05 52 18
Dec: +32 32 42
Magnitude: 6
Type/Color/Age: 450 m yrs
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 11/17/2011
Time Seen: 08:54 p.m. CST
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Tiny open cluster in the center of the field of view. As the lowest of the three open clusters in Auriga it is very faint in the glow of Chesterfield but easy to find. No detail possible. Easy object as noted.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: M47
Object Type: DSO
Other Name
Constellation: Pup
RA: 07 36 00
Dec: d14 30 00
Magnitude: 4.4
Type/Color/Age: 73 m yrs
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 12/23/2011
Time Seen: 11:24 p.m. CST
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Faint open cluster in the same field of view as M46. More towards the west and north of M46. It more pronounced too. Required star hopping. Not easy.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: M44
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Beehive Cluster
Constellation: Cnc
RA: 08h 39m 57s
Dec: +19d 40' 21"
Magnitude: 3.1
Type/Color/Age: 600 M years
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 05:01 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
About fifteen degrees above the NEN horizon and in the St. Louis light dome. Thirty stars in a ball taking up most of the 4 degree field of view.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 7
Name: M6
Object Type: DSO
Other Name NGC6405
Constellation: Sco
RA: 17h 40m 17s
Dec: -32d 16' 17'
Magnitude: 4.5
Type/Color/Age: 100 M years
AL Provided Notes: Butterfly Cluster
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/25/2011
Time Seen: 09:50 p.m. CDT
Location: Needles Outpost
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 10/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Easily visible sweeping the area between Sgr and Sco. M7 is further west and a bit further north. Easy object as noted.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 8
Name: M24
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Sagittarius Star Cloud
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18 17 00
Dec: 18 29 00
Magnitude: 2.5
Type/Color/Age: 220 m yrs
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/27/2011
Time Seen: 10:35 p.m. CDT
Location: Bryce Headquarters
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 9/10
Transparency: ‘8/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Many stars in the star field. Most impressive with the binoculars and very black sky. Good views sweeping the Milky Way. Of the three, M23, M24, & M25, this one, M24 has the most stars and is in the center. Easy object as noted.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 9
Name: M25
Object Type: DSO
Other Name
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18 31 00
Dec: 19 07 00
Magnitude: 4.6
Type/Color/Age: 92 m yrs
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/24/2011
Time Seen: 11:09 p.m. CDT
Location: Arches Double O PL
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 09/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Small open cluster of 20 or so stars. Easy to find. Of the three, M23, M24, M25, M25 is the most easterly. Easy object as noted.
Category: Open Clusters see 10 for binoculars
Done in Category: 10
Name: M11
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Wild Duck
Constellation: Sct
RA: 18h 51m 06s
Dec: -06d 16' 00"
Magnitude: 5.8
Type/Color/Age: 220 M years
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/25/2011
Time Seen: 10:46 p.m. CDT
Location: Needles Outpost
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 10/10
Transparency: 9/10
My Notes
No moon in the sky. Small, tight open cluster. Good object to revisit for public viewings. Easy object as noted.
Category: O-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Upsilon Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name Thabit
Constellation: Ori
RA: 5/31/2056
Dec: -07 18 06
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: O
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:16 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
Pretty easy to find once I looked it up in SkySafari. Continue down from Orion’s belt through M42 and pick the brightest star above a line between Rigel and Saiph. Once I knew it was there I could even pick it up naked eye.
Category: O-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Sigma Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05 38 45
Dec: -02 36 00
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: O
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:15 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
It is in the same field of view as Alnitak, With the 7x binos it is just towards M42 from Alnitak. I had a bit of trouble doing it naked eye.
Category: O-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Zeta Oph
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 160006
Constellation: Oph
RA: 16h 37m 10s
Dec: -10d 34' 02"
Magnitude: 2.6
Type/Color/Age: O
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:33 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
The middle star in the bottom three of Oph. Supprisingly bright with no color (white).
Category: O-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: 10 Lacertae
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 72575
Constellation: Lac
RA: 22h 39m 16s
Dec: +39d 03' 01"
Magnitude: 4.9
Type/Color/Age: O
AL Provided Notes: 16 solar masses
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 11:33 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
A convoluted starhop for me up from the Great Square to this guy…Matar, Pi2 Peg, 1 Lac, to 10 Lac. A mag 5 star that is white. SkySafari says double, but no split in the binocualrs.
Category: B-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: SAO 45864
Object Type: star
Other Name Algol
Constellation: Per
RA: 3/8/2010
Dec: +40 57 20
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 3/12/2013
Time Seen: 8:53 pm CST
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
Looking for Algol while doing the Universe Sampler Program. Easy to find in the binos because it was so bright. Magnitude guess 2.1.
Category: B-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Theta 1 Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO132314
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05 35 16
Dec: -05 23 23
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:08 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
I think my naked eye notes say it all “Well, I can see the Orion nebula, and the brighter spot in it that’s the Trapezium. To say that I’m sharp eyed enough to actually split that and see just Theta 1 apart than the rest of the bright nebula ehhhhh. “
Category: B-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Eta Uma
Object Type: star
Other Name Alkaid
Constellation: UMa
RA: 13 47 32
Dec: +49 18 48
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/2/2026
Time Seen: 09:07 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Oberwerk 15X70
Magnification: 15x
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
An easy one to find as Alkaid is the last star in the Dipper’s handle. Bright.
Category: B-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Beta Cyg
Object Type: star
Other Name Beta Cyg
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 19 30 43
Dec: +27 57 35
Magnitude: 3.1
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes: Beautiful – the blue star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:02 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Always popular at FNOHs because of the colors, Albrieo B is the blue component. I could just make out the split with A. Naked eye visible.
Category: B-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: Eta Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Ori
RA: 5/24/2029
Dec: -2 23 50
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 04:07 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
It is over on the west side of Orion about where his hip would be. It is easy to spot with either binoculars or naked eye.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Mu And
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 54281
Constellation: And
RA: 00h 56m 45s
Dec: +38d 29' 58"
Magnitude: 3.9
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:02 AM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Easy to find in the binoculars between M31 and Mirach and seen often in the past. I didn't see any color which is appropriate for a class A star.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Alpha CMa
Object Type: star
Other Name Sirius
Constellation: Cma
RA: 06h 45m 09s
Dec: -16d 43' 11"
Magnitude: -1.4
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes: Brightest star in the sky
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 04:28 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
I waited for an hour for Sirius to get up high enough to be seen. Bright white, no color, lots of twinkle.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Alpha Lyr
Object Type: star
Other Name Vega
Constellation: Lyr
RA: 18h 36m 56s
Dec: +38d 47' 04"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 8:47 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Vega was not quite at the zenith when viewed. Easy to see with naked eyes even in the less than dark conditions. It really stood out in the binoculars. Big, bright, glaring white, and twinkeling.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Alpha Aql
Object Type: star
Other Name Altair
Constellation: Aql
RA: 19h 50m 47s
Dec: +08d 52' 10"
Magnitude: --.8
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes: Altair, Vega, and Deneb form the summer triangle; all are 'A' stars
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 8:58 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Knowing where these stars are and having them bright enough with naked eye really makes observing them a whole lot easier. Altair was relly high in the SW and very bright. Lots of twinkle in the binocuarls with a glaring white color.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: Alpha PsA
Object Type:
Other Name Fomalhaut
Constellation: PsA
RA:
Dec:
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/2/2026
Time Seen: 09:20 pm CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Oberwerk 15X70
Magnification: 15x
Seeing: 3/5
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
It has always seemed to me that Fomalhaut is the brightest and most neglected star in the Fall sky. It is easy to find because noting else is there. I saw it naked eye and then switched over to binoculars.
Category: A-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: Omega Aur
Object Type: star
Other Name 4 Aur
Constellation: Aur
RA: 04h 59m 15s
Dec: +37d 53' 24"
Magnitude: 5.1
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:15 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
An easy star hop from Capella. It was fairly dim under the third quarter moon possibly magnitude 6-7 so it didn't pop out. I didn't see any color.
Category: F-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Gamma Lepus
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Lep
RA: 05 44 28
Dec: -22 26 54
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: F
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:35 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
I had to look this one up in SkySafari. It is an easy starhop from Rigel, three fields down with my 7x50 binos. The first field has a big V, the second tow bright stars, and the third this guy. Once I knew where it was, it was easy to see naked eye.
Category: F-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Alpha Cmi
Object Type: star
Other Name Procyon
Constellation: CMi
RA: 07h 39m 18s
Dec: +05d 13' 19"
Magnitude: --.4
Type/Color/Age: F
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 04:29 p.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
I waited for an hour to see Sirius and Procyon (was hiding behind a tree) before they got up high enough to really fiew. Procyon had a slight yellow color.
Category: F-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Theta Boo
Object Type: star
Other Name 23 Boo
Constellation: Boo
RA: 14h 25m 12s
Dec: +51d 51' 02"
Magnitude: 4.1
Type/Color/Age: F
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:23 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Category: F-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Iota Peg
Object Type: star
Other Name 24 Peg
Constellation: Peg
RA: 22h 07m 01s
Dec: +25d 20' 43"
Magnitude: 3.8
Type/Color/Age: F
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 11:58 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
A nice starhop from the Great Square along the raised leg of Peg. SkySafari says variable, double but I couldn't split it. It was a bit yellowish.
Category: G-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Sun
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: --
RA: --
Dec: -26.7
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: G
AL Provided Notes: Proper filter required
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/18/2013
Time Seen:
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Lunt 6x binoculars
Magnification: 6x
Seeing:
Transparency:
My Notes
Viewed twenty-five days from August to October 2013 to successfully complete the Astronomical League's Hydrogen Alpha Program (certificate #2). For detailed observations see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzJS4unESI8PMTA1b2dKTnNfbk0/view
Category: G-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Tau Cet
Object Type: star
Other Name HIP 8102
Constellation: Cet
RA: 01h 44m 03s
Dec: -15d 56' 06"
Magnitude: 3.5
Type/Color/Age: G
AL Provided Notes: .81 solar mass
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 02:54 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Almost on the meridian when viewed and that made it much easier to find since it wasn't naked eye visible. A bit of yellowish color.
Category: G-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Beta Com
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 82706
Constellation: Com
RA: 13h 11m 52s
Dec: +27d 52' 51"
Magnitude: 4.2
Type/Color/Age: G
AL Provided Notes: 1.1 solar mass
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:21 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
On a line between Arcturus and Cor Caroli. It wasn't naked eye visible, but easy in the binocualrs 4 degree FOV. A G type star but I didn't see any color (should be yellowish?). There's a nice double of 41 Com and HIP 64077 below it.
Category: G-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: 18 Sco
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 141066
Constellation: Sco
RA: 16h 15m 37s
Dec: -08d 22' 15"
Magnitude: 5.5
Type/Color/Age: G
AL Provided Notes: 1.0 solar mass
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:31 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I started the starhop at Yed Posterior in Oph and it was almost in the same field. Between magnitude 5 & 6 so it stood out in the eyepiece with little recognizable color.
Category: G-type: see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: 51 Peg
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 90896
Constellation: Peg
RA: 22h 57m 28s
Dec: +20d 46' 08"
Magnitude: 5.5
Type/Color/Age: G
AL Provided Notes: 1.1 solar mass (Hosts first extra-solar planet ever found)
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 11:28 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
The star with the first known exoplanet? It was a bit hard to find off the Great Square between Scheat and Markab. I eventuall got there from Mu Peg. It was mag 6 and slightly yellow.
Category: K-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Epsilon Eri
Object Type: star
Other Name 18 Eri
Constellation: Eri
RA: 03h 32m 55s
Dec: -09d 27' 30"
Magnitude: 3.7
Type/Color/Age: K
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:42 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Not as hard to find as I thought it would be. I'm not very familiar with Eri and there weren't too many bright marker stars to see naked eye in the area. At the time viewed it was about 1/2 way between Rigel and the meridian so I just pointed to the are
Category: K-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: 14 Her
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Her
RA: 10/16/2024
Dec: +43 49 04
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: K
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/2/2026
Time Seen: 09:07 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Oberwerk 15X70
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
Easy to find starting at the Keystone in Hercules. From the star closest to M13, take the “leg” down around the knee. Between the kneea and foot there’s a bright star. 14 Her is the brightest star back towards M13.
Category: K-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Sigma Dra
Object Type: star
Other Name Alsafi
Constellation: Dra
RA: 19h 32m 22s
Dec: +69d 39' 21"
Magnitude: 4.7
Type/Color/Age: K
AL Provided Notes: .82 solar mass
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:51 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
The background sky was bright enough that I had trouble identifying the loop of Draco where Sigma is. I ended up starhopping up from the bowl of the little dipper about 3 fields up and along the meridian until I found Tyi and Altais. Sigma Dra was betwe
Category: K-type: see 4 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: 61 Cyg A
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 21h 06m 54s
Dec: +38d 44' 58"
Magnitude: 5.2
Type/Color/Age: K
AL Provided Notes: .63 solar mass. Brighter member of binary pair
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:55 AM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Out in the middle of nowhere in Cygnys. It forms the 4th corner of a large square with Deneb, Sadr, and Glenah but it took me a while to figure that out for the starhop. It is the primary of a double star that I couild almost split. Both stars looked a
Category: M-type: see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Gliese 229
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Lep
RA: 06h 10m 35s
Dec: -21d 52' 01"
Magnitude: 8.2
Type/Color/Age: M
AL Provided Notes: 18.8 ly
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 04:58 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
After viewing a long string of bright know stars tonight this presented a bit of a challenge. It was three FOVs west of Sirius and about 15 degrees above the soiutheastern horizon. While it isn't too bad in that direction St. Louis light pollution and t
Category: M-type: see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Lalande 21185
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: UMa
RA: 11h 03m 20s
Dec: +35d 57' 21"
Magnitude: 7.5
Type/Color/Age: M
AL Provided Notes: One of the brighter red dwarfs
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/17/2018
Time Seen: 5:12 a.m.CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
SkySafari reports this star as the 4th closest neighbor to our solar system. It was about 30 degrees up in the northeast when viewed. It was a bit dim with a slight reddish color when seen between the legs of Ursa Major. No moon in the sky when viewed.
Category: M-type: see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Alpha Lib
Object Type: Zubenelgenubi
Other Name -15 59 50
Constellation: Lib
RA:
Dec:
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: M0 V
AL Provided Notes: 2.74
My Observations
Date Seen: 5/14/2012
Time Seen: 10:45 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Zubenelgenubi. Once I knew that it was the bright star below Zubeneschamali. Easy to split for the bino double star OP, I needed to see it visually to know where to point the binos. No color.
Category: M-type: see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Barnard's Star
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Oph
RA: 17h 57m 48s
Dec: +04d 43' 26"
Magnitude: 9.5
Type/Color/Age: M
AL Provided Notes: Red dwarf, quite dim
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:54 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
This was really a tough find, just on the border of what I could do under the sky conditions with binoculars. When viewed it was as dark as it was going to get and there wasn't a moon, but Barnard 68 is DIM. No color , just too dim to see and averted vi
Category: M-type: see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: Ross 154
Object Type: star
Other Name V1216 Sag
Constellation: Sgr
RA: 18h 49m 50s
Dec: -23d 50' 12"
Magnitude: 10.4
Type/Color/Age: M
AL Provided Notes: Flare star – hydrogen burning
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:58 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I started with a short starhop up from Nunki in Sag. Very dim so no color seen. Averted vision made it easier to verify.
Category: Variable stars see 2 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: R Aql
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Aql
RA: 19h 06m 22s
Dec: +08 13' 48"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: Mira variable star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:03 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I starhopped twice to make sure of the location: first from Deneb al Okab at a Aql's wing tip and second for Delta Aql in the body. It is a varible,. I didn't measuer the brighness but would guess 6-7. Maybe light orange in color.
Category: Variable stars see 2 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: RR Lyra
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Lyr
RA: 19h 25m 28s
Dec: +42 47' 04"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: RR Lyra variable star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:12 AM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I had a heck of a time finding this guy 1/2 way between Vega and Al Fawaris in Cyg. Very high in the sky and the zero gravity recliner helped. A short period varible star with no color that I could see. Mabye mag 8 as an estimate.
Category: Variable stars see 2 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: η Aql
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Aql
RA: 19h 52m 28s
Dec: +01 00' 20"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: Cepheid variable star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:30 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I could make out Theta Aql with naked eyes so started the starhop there. Eta was a FOV to the west. It was about mag 4 with little color, possibly yellowish.
Category: Variable stars see 2 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: δ Cep
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Cep
RA: 22h 29m 10s
Dec: +58 27' 52"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: Cepheid variable star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 11:07 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
The lower left corner of the doghouse in Cep, but upside down when viewed. Easy to see naked eye. It is a variable star about mag 4,but I couldn't see any color.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Beta Andromedae
Object Type: star
Other Name Mirach
Constellation: And
RA: 01h 09m 44s
Dec: +35d 37' 13"
Magnitude: 2.1
Type/Color/Age: (M)
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:04 AM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Big and bright, easy to see above the St. Louis/Chesterfield glare in the east. I use Mirach as my primary starhop to get to M31 from the Great Square. Maybe a touch of light rediah color but still almost white.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Alpha Tau
Object Type: star
Other Name Aldebaran
Constellation: Tau
RA: 04h 35m 55s
Dec: +16d 30' 31"
Magnitude: --.9
Type/Color/Age: (K)
AL Provided Notes: Orange giant
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:05 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Within ten degrees of the 3/4 quarter moon when viewed but bright enough that it was easy to find. A bit of orange color.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Beta Gem
Object Type: star
Other Name Pollux
Constellation: Gem
RA: 07h 45m 18s
Dec: +28d 01' 34"
Magnitude: 1.1
Type/Color/Age: (K)
AL Provided Notes: Orange giant
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:24 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Low in the northeast when viewed. Bright with a slight yellow/orange color.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Alpha Aur
Object Type: star
Other Name Capella
Constellation: Aur
RA: 05h 16m 41s
Dec: +45d 59' 48"
Magnitude: --.1
Type/Color/Age: (G)
AL Provided Notes: Multiple stars. Early in red giant branch
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:03 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
One of the things I wanted to do tonight (this morning?) was to look for Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. It was in the same field as Capella and I must have looked at the field for at least twenty minutes over the four hours I was at the park. The very brig
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: Gamma Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name Bellatrix
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05h 25m 08s
Dec: +06d 20' 59"
Magnitude: 1.6
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes: 10 solar masses
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:18 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Orion's right shoulder was bright white.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: Alpha Vir
Object Type: star
Other Name Spica
Constellation: Vir
RA: 13h 25m 12s
Dec: -11d 09' 41"
Magnitude: 1
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 8:49 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Not fully dark yeat, but bright enough to pick up with naked eye. About dead center on a line between Venus and Jupiter, low in the SW. Airmass was high so ther was a good deal of seeing noise. Bright, shimmering white in color.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 7
Name: Alpha Boo
Object Type: star
Other Name Arcturus
Constellation: Boo
RA: 14h 15m 39s
Dec: +19d 10' 36"
Magnitude: -0.1
Type/Color/Age: (K)
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 8:43 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
I started picking up the brighter stars as they popped out. Arcturus was one of the first. It is one of my favorite summer alignment stars so I see it a lot, but this the first time I've ever logged it. It was big and bright, high in the sky, easy to p
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 8
Name: Alpha Oph
Object Type: star
Other Name Rasalhague
Constellation: Oph
RA: 17h 34m 56s
Dec: +12d 33' 34"
Magnitude: 2.1
Type/Color/Age: A
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:18 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Very high in the sky and easily visible naked eye. I put the binoculars on it first but moved over to Rassalgethi for a view and observaitons before recording this. Whiteish in color. A double that is too close to split with my binoculars.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 9
Name: Beta Cyg
Object Type: star
Other Name Albireo A
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 19h 30m 43s
Dec: +27d 57' 35"
Magnitude: 3.1
Type/Color/Age: K
AL Provided Notes: Beautiful – the orange star
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:02 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Always popular at FNOHs because of the colors, Albrieo A is the yellow component. Naked eye visible.
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 10
Name: Beta Cep
Object Type: star
Other Name Alfirk
Constellation: Cep
RA: 21h 28m 51s
Dec: +70d 33' 39"
Magnitude: 3.2
Type/Color/Age: B
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:35 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
The top left corner of the dog house in Cep, although it was upsidedown when viewed. I could pick it up with naked eyes fairly high in the sky near the meridian. SkySafari says a double, but I only can see one star. I don't see any color at all so I'll
Category: Red Giant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 11
Name: Beta Peg
Object Type: star
Other Name Scheat
Constellation: Peg
RA: 23h 03m 47s
Dec: +28d 05' 00"
Magnitude: 2.4
Type/Color/Age: (M)
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 11:15 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
On the Great Square and high in the sky. Glare from Chesterfield made it more difficult than it should have been. Some redish color but I cant split the double with binoculars.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: R Lep
Object Type: star
Other Name Hind's Crimson Star
Constellation: Lep
RA: 04 59 36
Dec: -14 48 23
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:20 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
Hershel’s Crimson star is easy to find. Start at Eta Ori and move about 1 ½ fields past Rigel and the V and look for the red star. Mu Lep is also bright, but lacks the red color.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: W Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name HD 32736
Constellation: Ori
RA: 5/5/2023
Dec: +01 10 39
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 03:07 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
A bit further west than the last star in Orion’s belt (Mintaka). About ½ a field down too. It is out pas the lower end of the sheild, and pretty much all alone.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: SS Vir
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Vir
RA: 12 25 14
Dec: +00 46 11
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 6/3/2018
Time Seen: 11:40 PM DCT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Bushnell 7x50
Magnification: 7x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
An estimated magnitude 8.3 at the time of observation.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Y CVn
Object Type: star
Other Name La Superba
Constellation: CVn
RA: 12h 45m 08s
Dec: +45d 26' 25"
Magnitude:
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:16 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
This star is about 1/2 way between Cor Coroli and the cup of the Big Dipper. While it isn't naked eye it is bright enough to stand out in the binocualrs. After doing the Binocular Variable Star and Carbon Star Programs seeing La Superba is like visiting
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: V Aql
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Aql
RA: 4/19/2024
Dec: -05 41 05
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/2/2026
Time Seen: 08:06 PM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Oberwerk 15X70
Magnification: 15X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 07/10
My Notes
Easy to find from Altair, down the body of Aquiliae to the tail. Two brighter stars make up the tail and V Aql is a 3rd in a triangle to the east.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: Mu Cep
Object Type: star
Other Name Herschel's Garnet Star
Constellation: Cep
RA: 21h 43m 30s
Dec: +58d 46' 48"
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:37 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Another friend from the Carbon Star and Binocular Variable Star Programs. It is easy to find in the middle of the bottom of the dog house with a red color that makes it stand out. I've see it called Arakis as in the star in Dune.
Category: Carbon stars see 5 for binoculars
Done in Category: 7
Name: TX Psc
Object Type: star
Other Name
Constellation: Aql
RA: 23 46 24
Dec: +03 29 13
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 10/3/2026
Time Seen: 04:20 AM CDT
Location: Whiteside
Binoculars Bushnell 7X50
Magnification: 7X
Seeing: 7/10
Transparency: 06/10
My Notes
I found this on a lark. It was early AM want I was working on the Challenge. I noticed that the only disticnt thing I could see was Saturn. I checked SkySafari and it showed TX Psc, below and to the east. Naked eye didn’t show much. The 2x binos show
Category: Planetary Nebulae see 1 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: M27
Object Type: DSO
Other Name Dumbbell Nebula
Constellation: Vul
RA: 19h 59m 36s
Dec: +22d 43' 18"
Magnitude: 6.7
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 11/17/2011
Time Seen: 08:16 p.m. CST
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
One of the old favorites and it is pretty high in the se. Good detail and a bit of pinching can be seen. No moon in the sky, Faint patch of nebulosity about 1/10th fov about 2 1/2 field of views towards Stigita from Alberieo Easy object as noted.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Alpha UMi
Object Type: star
Other Name Polaris
Constellation: Umi
RA: 02 31 49
Dec: +89 15 51
Magnitude: 1.98
Type/Color/Age: F7 Ib
AL Provided Notes: Yellow-White Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:09 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
In even less than full darkness Polaris is visible in the 11x binocualrs. No hint of the secondary at this magnification. One of the things that I'm trying to do is locate the stars on an actual HR diagram as I transcribe my voice to text notes on my ta
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Beta Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name Rigel
Constellation: Ori
RA: 5/14/2032
Dec: -08 12 06
Magnitude: 6.7
Type/Color/Age: B8 Ia
AL Provided Notes: Blue Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:09 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
So far tonight most of the stars are bright and named, so I had no trouble bouncing back and forth to them with the 11x binoculars. Rigel was no exception. It was a glaring white color in the low east.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 3
Name: Zeta Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name Alnitak
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05 40 46
Dec: -01 56 34
Magnitude: 1.77
Type/Color/Age: O9.5 Iab
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:17 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
The easternmost star in Orion's belt was bright white.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 4
Name: Alpha Ori
Object Type: star
Other Name Betelgeuse
Constellation: Ori
RA: 05 55 10
Dec: +07 24 26
Magnitude: --.5
Type/Color/Age: M1 Ia
AL Provided Notes: Red Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/3/2018
Time Seen: 03:12 a.m. CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 5/10
My Notes
Orion's left shoulder was a red orange color with lots of twinkle.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 5
Name: VY CMa
Object Type: star
Other Name HD 58061
Constellation: CMa
RA: 7/22/2058
Dec: -25 46 03
Magnitude: 6.5
Type/Color/Age: M5 Iae
AL Provided Notes: Red Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/11/2018
Time Seen: 05:15 a.m. CDT
Location: Danville WA
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
Dim! It is in the same FOV as Wezen althogh I did have to look for a while to find it. It was dim enough that I couldn't see any color. It is a variable, probably a carbon star and red.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 6
Name: Alpha Sco
Object Type: star
Other Name Antares
Constellation: Sco
RA: 16 29 24
Dec: -26 25 55
Magnitude: 1.1
Type/Color/Age: M1.5 Iab
AL Provided Notes: Small amplitude variable
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:11 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
No questioning the red color if this bright star. Naked eye and lots of twinkle. Easy to find on labeled HR diagrams.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 7
Name: Alpha Her
Object Type: star
Other Name Rasalgethi
Constellation: Her
RA: 17 14 39
Dec: +14 23 25
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: M5 Ib
AL Provided Notes: Red Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 9:19 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Very high in the sky and an easy hop over from Rasalhague that was just a bit brighter. A touch of redish color. It's a double but too close to split with 11x binoculars.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 8
Name: Mu Cep
Object Type: star
Other Name Herschel's Garnet Star
Constellation: Cep
RA: 21 43 30
Dec: +58 46 48
Magnitude: --
Type/Color/Age: M2 I
AL Provided Notes: Red Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:37 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Another friend from the Carbon Star and Binocular Variable Star Programs. It is easy to find in the middle of the bottom of the dog house with a red color that makes it stand out. I've see it called Arakis as in the star in Dune.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 9
Name: Wezen
Object Type: star
Other Name Delta CMa
Constellation: CMa
RA: 7/8/2023
Dec: -26 23 35
Magnitude: 1.8
Type/Color/Age: F8 Ia
AL Provided Notes:
My Observations
Date Seen: 9/11/2018
Time Seen: 05:11 a.m. CDT
Location: Danville WA
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 6/10
Transparency: 7/10
My Notes
I walked a 1/4 mile up the road so I cound get a good view of Adhara over the trees in the SW. I also looked at Wezen again. Adhara easily naked eye and bright white as fitting a B class star.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 10
Name: VV Cep A
Object Type: star
Other Name HD 208816
Constellation: Cep
RA: 21 56 39
Dec: +63 37 32
Magnitude: 4.8
Type/Color/Age: M2 Iab
AL Provided Notes: Red Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/11/2018
Time Seen: 10:42 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Almost dead center in the middle of the body of Cep's doghouse with the named star Alkurah in the same field. Around mag 5 and pretty slight red in color. SkySafari says double, but I cant see the split.
Category: Supergiant Stars see 9 for binoculars
Done in Category: 11
Name: RW Cep
Object Type: star
Other Name SAO 34387
Constellation: Cep
RA: 3/22/2027
Dec: +55 57 48
Magnitude: 8.6
Type/Color/Age: K2 0
AL Provided Notes: Orange Supergiant
My Observations
Date Seen: 8/12/2018
Time Seen: 12:39 PM CDT
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Binoculars Orion 11x80 binoculars
Magnification: 11x
Seeing: 5/10
Transparency: 6/10
My Notes
Relatively easy to find near the bottom of Cep. Starting Delta Cep, the bottom left corner of the dog house, and getting Zeta and Epsilon Cep in the FOV reveals RW Cep on the south edge. It is a variable star around mag 7. No color that I can detect.
Category: Supernovae remanants see 0 for binoculars
Done in Category: 1
Name: Veil Nebula
Object Type: DSO
Other Name NGC 6960
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 20 45 42
Dec: +30 43 00
Magnitude: 10.6
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: Very large
My Observations
Date Seen: 7/17/2026
Time Seen: 11:25 p.m. EDT
Location: Green Bank, WV
Binoculars DIY 2x54 binoculars
Magnification: 2x
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 8/10
My Notes
The FOV of the 2x binos is 26 degrees. I could see from Deneb to Albereo, with the Veil, North American and Pelican Nebulae all in the view at the same time. The binos grab about 1.7 more magniturde than my eyes and all three popped out of the field.
Category: Supernovae remanants see 0 for binoculars
Done in Category: 2
Name: Veil Nebula
Object Type: DSO
Other Name NGC 6992/6995
Constellation: Cyg
RA: 20 56 18
Dec: +31 45 00
Magnitude: 10.6
Type/Color/Age:
AL Provided Notes: Very large
My Observations
Date Seen: 7/17/2026
Time Seen: 11:25 p.m. EDT
Location: Green Bank, WV
Binoculars DIY 2x54 binoculars
Magnification: 2x
Seeing: 8/10
Transparency: 8/10
My Notes
The FOV of the 2x binos is 26 degrees. I could see from Deneb to Albereo, with the Veil, North American and Pelican Nebulae all in the view at the same time. The binos grab about 1.7 more magniturde than my eyes and all three popped out of the field.
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