The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
The Constellation Corona Borealis - The Northern
Crown
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.
CORONA BOREALIS
Although this is a very distinctive looking constellation, there is little quarry for deep sky observers with average
size telescopes in its boundaries.
R CrB - This interesting star is the prototype of its class of variable stars. Sometimes called a "nova
in reverse," this star can stay at a maximum magnitude of about 6 for years, and then suddenly plunge to the
12th magnitude. It is believed that the star builds up a cloud of soot around itself, which absorbs its light.
As the cloud is blown away or re-absorbed, the star once again brightens.
Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
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EDITOR: Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
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