The Constellation Auriga - The
Charioteer
The constellations of Taurus and Auriga lie along the winter
Milky Way, and therefore contain many objects (primarily open
clusters) of interest to the amateur astronomer. Some are large enough to be seen easily with the naked eye, while
others need
moderate telescopic apertures to appreciate. There's something for everybody!
AURIGA
M-36 - A very nice open cluster, 20-25' in diameter, composed of relatively bright stars. In excess of 100
stars are
seen, in this rather concentrated cluster. Easily seen in the viewfinder, and very pretty.
M-37 - This is probably the most populous of the Messier objects in this constellation. I estimate there
to be over 150 stars in this impressive, tightly concentrated star cluster. It is about 20-25' in diameter, and
is dominated by a bright orange
tinted star at its center.
M-38 - Easily seen in the finder, this cluster is about 25' in diameter, composed of over 100 stars of moderate
brightness. Easily fitting in the field of view of a low power eyepiece is a companion cluster just South of M-38.
This is NGC 1907, which is seen as 10-12 stars against a hazy background.
M-37, M-36, and M-38. Open Clusters in Auriga.
Image Copyright Ed Flaspoehler
ADS 4000 - A nice double star, presenting a pretty yellow-white primary and a fainter blue secondary.
ADS 5188 - This is a beautiful triple star composed of a yellowish star with two blue companions forming
an equilateral
triangle with it. Very impressive!
Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
Messier Objects in Auriga
|
Con
|
Messier
|
Type
|
R.A.
|
Dec.
|
Mag.
|
Size
|
NGC#
|
|
Aur
|
M36
|
Open Cluster
|
5h 36.1
|
34d 8
|
6.5
|
12.0'
|
1960
|
|
Aur
|
M37
|
Open Cluster
|
5h 52.4
|
32d 33
|
6.0
|
24.0'
|
2099
|
|
Aur
|
M38
|
Open Cluster
|
5h 28.7
|
35d 50
|
7.0
|
21.0'
|
1912
|
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