Nu Scorpii

by Bob Jardine

Funny you should mention Nu Scorp. A bunch of us were observing it at Bumpass on Thursday, I think it was.

This is one of my favorite multiple-star systems in the sky. Like the famous "double-double", but much better -- more character. Too bad that it isn't usually as well placed as its more famous cousin -- down so low in the South, the seeing is often poor.

Back to Thursday at Bumpass... As it was getting dark, many of us pointed at Jupiter. The seeing was a bit variable, but occasionally we got outstanding views of Jupiter. The seeing was so good at times that I decided to try out Nu. I don't usually bother with it unless I suspect good seeing.

I got a marginal split of the tighter pair at 200X in my 7" Teleport, so I mentioned it to my neighbors. I can't remember for sure who they all were, so I'll probably leave someone out. Rob Enns and Steve Gottlieb for sure, both with big Dobs. I think it was David Cooper who had a great split in his refractor. I'm sorry if I have forgotten who else was in the row, but we all had fun with it.

Cheers, Bob