AAQ Visual Observing Section
Selected Deep Sky Objects In SerpensWhile in the area of Ophiuchus, I thought why not check out the serpent that he is carrying. Serpens is divided into two groups either side of Ophiuchus. Serpens Cauda as the tail, while the head is Serpens Caput. Delta Ser. (15h 34.8m RA, 10° 32' Dec) This attractive yellow pair needs 120x to be clearly separated. Struve 1919 (15h 12.6m RA, 19° 17' Dec) Look for this triangular asterism set amongst an attractive background star field, and you will find this pretty pale yellow pair which is easily visible with 40x. M5 (15h 18.6m RA, 02° 05' Dec) You should be able to easily locate this fine globular with your finderscope – look for the bright star nearby. Many individual stars can be resolved with 120x, with at least two curving arms of stars radiating out from the centre. 40 Ser. (15h 55m RA, 08° 50' Dec) This is a very wide pair, easy with 40x. Look for the orange colour of the secondary. Struve 1985 (15h 56.1m RA, -02° 11' Dec) Look for this fine delicate near Mu Ser. For clear separation you will need 120x. M16 (18h 18.8m RA, -13° 47' Dec) In the same finderscope field of view as the spectacular M17 of Sagittarius. By using a UHC filter I found the nebulosity enhanced, with scattered stars embedded in it. Theta Ser. (18h 56.3m RA, 04° 12' Dec) Set in a scattering of bright background stars, look for this brilliant pale yellow double. You will find the two similar magnitude stars are easily split with 40x. IC4756 (18h 47.3m RA, 05° 27' Dec) A wide field eyepiece, or even binoculars would be best to view this large loose open cluster. I was unable to make out any discernable pattern to it. Struve 2375 (18h 45.5m RA, 05° 30' Dec) The two close components of this double are of similar magnitude, and require at least 120x to separate.
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