AAQ Visual Observing Section
Selected Deep Sky Objects In SagittaWhile Sagitta, The Arrow, is not the most prominent constellation, winter is a good time to find some of the gems hidden in this pretty constellations set amongst the northern areas of the Milky Way. All observations were made with a 150mm f8 refractor. Zeta Sge. (19h 49.0m RA, +19° 09' Dec.) This is a beautiful pair set in a fine star field, and is easily split with 80x. M71 (19h 53.8m RA, +18° 47' Dec.) This globular cluster is just visible in a finderscope, and 40x reveals a delicate glow amongst a fine star field. You should be able to resolve many individual stars with a higher magnification. Epsilon Sge. (19h 37.3m RA, +16° 28' Dec.) Use a wide field eyepiece for a magnificent view of two doubles (the second one being HN 84) in the same field of view. As well as many surrounding bright stars, look for the stunning colour variations between the components of both doubles. Theta Sge. (20h 09.9m RA, +20° 55' Dec.) A field of bright stars surround this beautiful unequal pair.
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