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By: Steve Goldberg

Asterism: a grouping of stars that form a recognizable pattern.

Constellation: Orion
Right Ascension: 04h 48m 27.0s
Declination: +10° 56' 12"
Magnitude:  9 to 10

 

This month’s asterism is NGC 1662 which can also be looked at as a “Klingon Battlecruiser” from the Star Trek series. It is located near the bow that Orion is holding, aimed at Taurus the Bull.

In this picture, the inner circle is the NGC object, the outer circle is a 13mm eyepiece in 14.5” telescope. So it will take some power to see this one. Now, imagine the 4 bright stars in the middle as the main section of the battlecruiser with the close pair on the right as one wing tip, and the wide pair on the left as the other wing tip.

Russell Sipe (Sky&Telescope, February 2005) was first to spot that the stars fitted the running lights of the battlecruiser (D7 Class).

General Meeting Topic
"What Was Your First Astronomical Instrument?"
General Meeting Speaker
Dr. Aaron Clevenson
Novice Meeting Topic
Introduction to the Astronomical League Observing Programs
Novice Meeting Speaker
Doug McCormick

Dr. Aaron Clevenson is adjunct astronomy professor of Astronomy at Lone Star College - Montgomery and is the author of the astronomy textbook Astronomy for Mere Mortals. He teaches "Solar System" and "Stars and Galaxies". In addition to his day job, Aaron also serves the Astronomical League Observing Program Director, Astronomical League - Platinum Master Observer, and is the author of a number of Astronomical League Observing Programs. 

Aaron is also past President of the North Houston Astronomy Club, has served as Chairman for Astronomy Day at the George Observatory, and is also the Observatory Director at the Insperity Observatory in Humble ISD,

Aaron’s philosophy of astronomy is best described by his quote near the door of the Insperity Observatory which says: "The Universe awaits all those who make the journey. Enter here!"

By: Steve Goldberg

Asterism: a grouping of stars that form a recognizable pattern.

Constellation: Orion
Right Ascension:  04h 48m 27.0s
Declination: +10° 56' 12"
Magnitude: 9 to 10
 
This month’s asterism is NGC 1662 which can also be looked at as a “Klingon Battlecruiser” from the Star Trek series. It is located near the bow that Orion is holding, aimed at Taurus the Bull.

In this picture, the inner circle is the NGC object, the outer circle is a 13mm eyepiece in 14.5” telescope. So it will take some power to see this one. Now, imagine the 4 bright stars in the middle as the main section of the battlecruiser with the close pair on the right as one wing tip, and the wide pair on the left as the other wing tip.

Russell Sipe (Sky&Telescope, February 2005) was first to spot that the stars fitted the running lights of the battlecruiser (D7 Class).