The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
The Constellation Bootes - The
Herdsman
Although the constellations of Bootes, Corona Borealis, and
Hercules inhabit a large area of sky both in Right Ascension and Declination, these constellations
contain relatively few objects of interest. The only Messier objects in this area are M-13 and M-92, both in Hercules.
The other objects present are mainly faint galaxies, globular clusters, and planetary nebulae.
BOOTES
NGC 5248 - About 4-6' long by 2-3' wide, oriented NW-SE. Sharply concentrated to the center, and a bright
stellar nucleus. At times, the arms of this galaxy appear to be slightly curved at the ends.
NGC 5466 - This lone globular cluster in Bootes is not particularly impressive. It is a milky patch about
8' in diameter, with a faint sprinkling of stars across its face.
NGC 5660 - A very faint patch of light 2-3' in diameter. Barely visible as a brightening of the background
sky.
NGC 5676 - 3' long by 1.5' wide with tapering ends, oriented NNE-SSW, and a broad concentration to the center.
NGC 5689 - 2'x0.75', oriented ENE-WSW, sharply concentrated to the center and a non-stellar nucleus.
Epsilon Bootis - A very pretty double star, although rather tough to split. The primary is golden, and the
companion in blue.
Xi Bootis - Easier to split, and a very pretty yellow and red-orange pair.
Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
The Constellation Home Page
Sponsored by the American Association of Amateur Astronomers.
EDITOR: Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
Help support the development of the Constellation Home Page.
Become a member of the American Association
of Amateur Astronomers.
To join, send your name and address along with y our check for $20.00 ($25.00 family)
to the following address.
Unless otherwise indicated:
All Content © Copyright 1998 by The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
All rights reserved.
Go to Top of Constellation Home Page |
