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Which cluster is this?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:59 pm
by VeeJay
Hi,
I'm looking through my 8x42 binoculars and near Sagitarius I see a faint cluster of stars. It looks like a vertical line of stars.
Based on Stellarium, it could be NGC 6530, M21 or M20 ("Cluster associated with nebulosity").

Just based on my vague description ("a vertical line of stars"), can any of you help me figure out which of these it might be?

Thanks!

Re: Which cluster is this?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 11:50 pm
by Gary
Do you remember exactly what time it was when you saw it? You can enter that into Stellarium while looking for it. Then use the ocular plugin feature and create a FOV circle view to match that of your bino's FOV and try to frame the objects near Sagittarius and see if it matches your memory of it.

Re: Which cluster is this?

Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:49 am
by shirox
that line of stars u see should be above scopius tail, shaula.
Its a War & Peace nebula, commonly not seen with visual but can be captured with AP.

Image

Re: Which cluster is this?

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:06 pm
by VeeJay
Thank you Shirox, the picture you posted of War and Peace nebula looks exactly like what I saw. However, when I looked up its position in the sky, I don't think it's the one.

I'm starting to think it's the 'Golf Tee' asterism mentioned here:
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=2466

Gary, thanks for the tips on Stellarium!