Binocular observation of Saturn and M44

by Randy Muller

Since it was clear for the first time in many moons, I decided to check out how the Saturn transit of M44 ("The Beehive") is progressing. M44 is a large and beautiful open cluster right in the middle of the constellation Cancer (The Crab).

The transit of a deep sky object by a planet is noteworthy because they don't happen very often, perhaps once every few years. I recall Mars passed through or near M44 in during its 1997 apparition, Jupiter was very close to M22 in 1996, and Saturn transited the Crab Nebula (M1) on January 4, 2003, although M1 was never visible to me using my 18".

Transits of open and globular clusters are especially pretty, because the clusters are easily visible in the midst of the wash of light from the bright planet.

Tonight, I observed M44 and Saturn from my severely light-polluted backyard in Roseville, California, and used 10x50 binoculars. Saturn appeared to be right at the edge of the cluster, possibly amidst some outlying stars of the cluster. The cluster itself appeared to have between a dozen and two dozen stars. Saturn was yellowish compared to the stars of the cluster.

It was very easy to find: Find easily recognizable Orion. To the east and north are the two bright stars Castor and Pollux, the brightest stars of Gemini. Further east, Saturn shines brightly. Just point your instrument at Saturn, and you will see Saturn and the nearby cluster M44.

Posted on sf-bay-tac Feb 04, 2006 22:27:58 PT
Converted by report.pm 1.2 Feb 27, 2006 19:38:18 PT