The American Association of Amateur Astronomers
The Constellation LYRA - The
Harp
Make a survey of the very rich area of the sky composed of Cygnus, Lyra,
Vulpecula, and Sagitta.. Here, in a relatively compact region,
are a wealth of objects to keep observers busy on an autumn night. Scanning this region with binoculars is a pure
joy, with field after field of star clusters and groupings everywhere you look. The listing of objects presented
on each page are just a few of the splendors waiting for you to observe.
M-57 - The Ring Nebula. This one of my favorite objects, and was the first object I looked at through
my first telescope, bypassing even Saturn. The ring shape is evident even at low powers, and holds up well to magnification.
This showpiece object is bright enough to be seen even in severely light polluted areas.
M-56. This is a relatively bright globular cluster, about 5' in diameter, concentrated in the center, and
faintly resolved across its face. It is visible in binoculars as a small, unresolved fuzzy spot.
Delta Lyrae. This double star is wide and easy to split, and shows a pretty orange and blue-white pair.
ADS 11834. If you look at the Ring Nebula, give this pretty double star a glance. It is just north of
the Ring, and is easily seen in the finder. It is easily split and presents a wonderful orange and blue contrast.
Epsilon Lyrae. The famous "double-bouble" is easily split into two components, but needs a steady
night to further split these two into four. A very nice sight.
Article © Copyright Rick Raasch
Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.
Messier Objects in Lyra
|
Con
|
Messier
|
Type
|
R.A.
|
Dec.
|
Mag.
|
Size
|
NGC#
|
|
Lyr
|
M56
|
Globular Cluster
|
19h 16.6
|
30d 11
|
9.5
|
7.1'
|
6779
|
|
Lyr
|
M57
|
Planetary Nebula
|
18h 53.6
|
33d 2
|
9.5
|
85.6" X 61.
|
6720
|
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