NLO Check List – Cancer

Date / Time
Telescope/Dome / Conditions
NGC2632 M44 Collinder 189 - Open Cluster – II2m “The Beehive” Easy
This large open cluster can be seen with the naked eye and because of its size is best viewed through binoculars. The cluster is around 700 million years old and is around 600 light years distant. The cluster displays the same direction of motion as the Hyades which suggests that they formed in the same molecular cloud.
NGC2682 M67 Collinder 204 – Open Cluster – II2m Moderate
This cluster is often overlooked in favour of the nearby M44 but in my opinion is a very impressive cluster. It can be difficult to locate and the cluster itself contains many faint stars which will be unresolved in binoculars. However through moderate sized telescopes this cluster will be revealed in all its glory!
NGC2648 - Galaxy – Difficult
This galaxy is part of an interacting pair but you will need a large telescope to see its companion. The galaxy itself has a bright core which takes magnification well. Look for a bright well defined oval patch of light with a tiny star like core.
NGC2595 – Galaxy – Difficult
Look for a face on barred spiral galaxy with a small but bright round core. Visually the galaxy appears quite bright at a medium magnification. Although faint it is quite large.
NGC2775 – Galaxy – Difficult
Visually this galaxy is fairly bright with a round brightish disc that gets brighter towards the middle. The outer disc is hazy and ill defined and merges into the background star field.
NGC2783 – Galaxy – Difficult
This galaxy is the brightest member of the “Hickson 37” galaxy group. The companion galaxies are all small and can be found to the NW of NGC2783. With care and under good conditions this edge on galaxy can be seen with moderate sized telescopes. All 5 galaxies can be seen in large aperture telescopes.
Cancer Checklist Page 2
16-zeta STF 1196 AB-C M1/M2 5.1/6.2
This is a nice visual double with the A star appearing to be a straw yellow colour and the C star a warm white. The AC pair is easily split in small telescopes, however the A star will seem to be slightly elongated. A larger scope will be required to split the AB pair.
48-iota STF 1268 M1/M2 4.1/6.0
This is a magnificent double star that has been nicknamed the “Winter Albireo” and is easily split in binoculars and all sizes of telescopes. The primary will appear a bright golden yellow and the secondary will be appear blue with a hint of green, enjoy!