7 replies to this topic

[LivingNDixie]

Hey All,

 

I was wondering if any you awesome folks had done it yet. Had any thoughts on it.

 

I was out observing this past weekend and was trying to get motivated to do the Herschel 400... but just wasn't feeling it. You know how it is, seen one dim oval you have seen them all. 

 

Thanks All and Clear Skies!

[jeffreym]

I have done the H400 and the Multiple Star Observing Program (MSOP).

 

Most of the AL programs come with a bit of challenge.  I would say, they get you out to see something you might not have gone after.

 

I think you learn something about what you like and don't like about the hobby.  You learn about your equipment and where it might fall short for the objects you are targeting.  You do learn about the nature of the things you are looking at even if it is from the repetition.

 

H400 has quite a bit of repetition.  The MSOP has plenty of that as well. 

 

I liked the MSOP.  There are quite a few challenges in there. I did get quite used to breaking down which points of light were members and which ones were optical interlopers.  It was a little frustrating at first until you can wrap your head around what you are looking at.

 

I typically have several programs in process.  I do some back and forth if I am not feeling a certain desire to figure one thing I can look at something else.

 

I have four on the burner right now: the H2, PN, Solar Neighborhood, and Two in the View.

 

It's kind of odd, but one of the funnest programs for me was the Asterism OP.  Once you have seen Davis' Dog you can't stop returning again and again!

 

Have fun!

Jeff

[lwbehney]

Thanks for this. The multiple star observing program sounds like great fun. Are the targets belonging to the MSOP list all triples or greater multiple star systems, or are isolated binary star systems also included in this category?

[jeffreym]

Thanks for this. The multiple star observing program sounds like great fun. Are the targets belonging to the MSOP list all triples or greater multiple star systems, or are isolated binary star systems also included in this category?

All are 3 or more.  Although you may not be able to see all of the associated members, depending on your equipment.

Some have members that might be outside of your field of view as well. 

 

You may need to balance between field and power.  Look for each companion star separately based on it's separation, position, and brightness then put the group together in a sketch.  I used my C9.25 and a correct image diagonal at first to keep things simple.

 

The A. L. has telescope and binocular double star programs.  I did all of those first.

 

As always, have fun!

Jeff

[LivingNDixie]

I have done the H400 and the Multiple Star Observing Program (MSOP).

 

Most of the AL programs come with a bit of challenge.  I would say, they get you out to see something you might not have gone after.

 

I think you learn something about what you like and don't like about the hobby.  You learn about your equipment and where it might fall short for the objects you are targeting.  You do learn about the nature of the things you are looking at even if it is from the repetition.

 

H400 has quite a bit of repetition.  The MSOP has plenty of that as well. 

 

I liked the MSOP.  There are quite a few challenges in there. I did get quite used to breaking down which points of light were members and which ones were optical interlopers.  It was a little frustrating at first until you can wrap your head around what you are looking at.

 

I typically have several programs in process.  I do some back and forth if I am not feeling a certain desire to figure one thing I can look at something else.

 

I have four on the burner right now: the H2, PN, Solar Neighborhood, and Two in the View.

 

It's kind of odd, but one of the funnest programs for me was the Asterism OP.  Once you have seen Davis' Dog you can't stop returning again and again!

 

Have fun!

Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,

 

You know the Asterism pin has been on my radar for a while. I have two objects left on the Stellar Evolution pin, which I have really enjoyed. I finished Caldwell before that and the Sketching before Caldwell. I guess I am just over the dim ovals for a while since both Caldwell and Sketching have a few of those. I really like the pins where you learn something or do more of a project. The Space Weather pin is one like that. You build a magnetometer with a coke bottle and make 100 observations of the sun by measuring the magnet. It is great fun and best part weather doesn't matter since it is inside. You got to just remember to do your laser or lamp measurements. I have run down to my basement at 11:30pm after forgetting for the day.

Edited by LivingNDixie, 27 March 2025 - 01:25 PM.

[clastro8*]

I looked at the MSOP requirements today and it says to do the Double Star Observing program first.  I'm still in process doing that one.

[LivingNDixie]

I looked at the MSOP requirements today and it says to do the Double Star Observing program first.  I'm still in process doing that one.

The Double Star was one of my favorite pins to do. 

[jeffreym]

I looked at the MSOP requirements today and it says to do the Double Star Observing program first.  I'm still in process doing that one.

That is the logical progression.  But, you can still look at whatever you want to. Pick a couple where the magnitudes and separations are reasonable and see how it goes.  

 

Jeff