Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.
/ Albert Einstein /



In memoriam Halton C. Arp (1927-2013).


My astronomy sketches. Hover mouse over image for the inverted look. For fainter objects, take a look at the black-on-white original, sometimes it reveals more details.


Need advice? Want to discuss an observation? Feel free to contact me at flovro gmail*com.

ÚJ! Amennyiben elérhető, a ikonra kattintva magyarul is olvashatod az észlelést.


Show me the newest sketches!
By type: open clusters [67] globular clusters [14] diffuse nebulae [3] dark nebulae [0] planetary nebulae [27] variable stars [18] binary stars [23] asterisms [2] galaxies [119] quasars [1] planets [2] minor planets [1] comets [5] Sun [0] Moon [5] other objects [8]
By catalogue: Messier 1-50 [20] Messier 51-110 [18] NGC 1-1000 [17] NGC 1001-2000 [21] NGC 2001-3000 [32] NGC 3001-4000 [25] NGC 4001-5000 [18] NGC 5001-6000 [22] NGC 6001-7000 [40] NGC 7001-7840 [35] IC 1-5386 [1] other catalogues [71] uncataloged [10] [25]
By constellation:



Epsilon Lyrae (Binary star)
Also known as: Double double
Right ascension: 18h 44m Declination: 39° 40'
Constellation: Lyra
Date/time: 2008.06.10 22:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Probably the most observed multiple star system, located in an easy position in Lyra near the bright star Vega. The double can be split even with better binoculars, however the real magic happens with larger telescopes as under good conditions, they will split the double into a "double double"! At 71x I was unable to split the pairs, however at 167x and 250x I had success. A very spectacular object, worth giving a try!


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

O. Struve 390 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 19h 55m Declination: 30° 12'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2009.10.03 18:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 10' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 4/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 18.33 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Component A is the brightest part of of the trio by far. They split up easily even at 71x. A: 6.5m, white. B: 9.5m, slightly bluish. C: 11m. A-B: 10", PA: 20°. A-C: 16", PA: 170°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2063 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 16h 32m Declination: 45° 36'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A bright wide pair with a separation of at least 12". B is much fainter and has a little tint of orange in it. A is perfectly white.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2140 (Binary star)
Also known as: Ras Algethi, alpha Herculis, alpha Her
Right ascension: 17h 15m Declination: 14° 23'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 19' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A nice bright pair, A is definitely orange and at least 2 magnitudes brighter than B, which looks white/yellow. A: 3.5m, B: 5.4m, A-B: 4.7" PA: 105°. Component D is much fainter and looks perfectly white, with 11m, A-D: 90", PA: 40°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2161 (Binary star)
Also known as: rho Her
Right ascension: 17h 24m Declination: 39° 9'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.05 18:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 21' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

The component A is estimated at 4.6m with white colour, component B at 5.5m and looks like it has a touch of blue in it. At 71x they are only separated if the seeing permits. At 167x they are perfectly separated, B looks definitely fainter. Separation is estimated at 4.1" with a position angle (PA) of 315°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2232 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 17h 50m Declination: 25° 17'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 18' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Splits up easily at 71x, although looks much better at 167x. A nice pair with different colour and brightness. A-B: 6", PA: 140°. A very spectacular pair.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2280 (Binary star)
Also known as: 100 Herculis, 100 Her
Right ascension: 18h 8m Declination: 26° 6'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2009.09.05 19:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Wide pair, nearly identical in colour and brightness, although the component A looks a little bit brighter. They are both a little bit bluish, sometimes I even detect a little orange in component B. A: 5.9m, B: 6.0m, A-B: 14", PA: 183°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2727 (Binary star)
Also known as: gamma Delphini, gamma Del
Right ascension: 20h 47m Declination: 16° 7'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2009.09.06 19:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 15' Magnification and filter(s): 167x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A rather standard pair with different colour and brightness. The catalogues list only 1 magnitude difference in that, but actually it looks much more to me. The fainter component is a bit pastel greenish. A: 4.5m, gold colour, B: 5.4m, green. A-B: 9.2", PA: 270°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Struve 2878 (Binary star)
Right ascension: 22h 14m Declination: 7° 59'
Constellation: Pegasus
Date/time: 2009.09.16 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 12' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 3/5
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A: white, 7m. B: a bit bluish, 8.1m. C: 10m. D: 11m. A-B does not split until 250x is used, but perhaps better seeing or greater magnification is required. A-B: 1.4", PA: 120°. A-C: 1', PA: 120°. A-D: 2', PA: 270°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

η Cas (Binary star)
Also known as: Eta Cassiopeiae
Right ascension: 0h 50m Declination: 57° 53'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2010.10.13 00:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 300x
Seeing: 5/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: -1°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Component B is yellowish while the fairly brighter component A is white. PA values: AB=319°, AC=123°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

γ Ari (Binary star)
Also known as: Gamma Arietis, Mesarthim
Right ascension: 1h 54m Declination: 19° 21'
Constellation: Aries
Date/time: 2010.10.14 23:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.20 m/as2 Temperature: 3°C
Humidity: dry Wind: moderate
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Both the A and B components have the same metallic white colour and equal brightness. Component C is located far from the AB pair, to the East. PA values are: AB=179°, AB-C=85°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2723 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2723
Right ascension: 20h 45m Declination: 12° 22'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 21:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 8' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.20 m/as2 Temperature: 22°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Slightly different close pair. I estimate component A (to the NW) to be 7m bright with B being about 8.5 magnitudes. Both components are white, A with a touch of blue. The estimated separation is 1.2", position angle (PA) being 125°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2735 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2735
Right ascension: 20h 56m Declination: 4° 35'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 20:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: 24°C
Humidity: dry Wind: moderate
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Splits very nicely, although at 71 it displays no signs of being a binary, but at 250x it splits with a thin slit, however the component B is sometimes still covered by the diffraction spike of component A (to the SE). At 375x this very close binary splits nicely. It shows large difference in brightness. Both is white with A a bit yellowish while B very lightly bluish. I estimate A being 6.5m bright and B 10m. Note that catalogues list B as 7.7m, but I belive visually it's MUCH fainter than that! The estimated separation is 2" with a PA of 295°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

1 Del (Binary star)
Also known as: 1 Delphini
Right ascension: 20h 31m Declination: 10° 57'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 22:45 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.24 m/as2 Temperature: 20°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Equally bright, extremely close double star. Both component is white with a separation of only 0.9" and PA of 350°.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

STF 2730 (Binary star)
Also known as: Struve 2730
Right ascension: 20h 52m Declination: 6° 26'
Constellation: Delphinus
Date/time: 2011.08.26 23:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 9' Magnification and filter(s): 375x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.24 m/as2 Temperature: 20°C
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Nice, almost equally bright standard pair. Both is white with the main component having a light touch of yellow. Separation: 3.2", PA: 345°. A: 8.5m, B: 8.6m.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Albireo (TVICS)
Also known as: Beta Cygni
Right ascension: 19h 31m Declination: 28° 0'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.14 22:30 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.32 m/as2 Temperature: 6°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very spectacular view, the prime exemplar for colour contrasted binary stars. The primary star is red with a hint of orange while the secondary star is somewhat fainter and light blue. A must see couple that is also the easiest colourful object you can find.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

WDS H 4 113 (TVICS)
Also known as: Ward 1, WDS H4 113, HIP 103822
Right ascension: 21h 3m Declination: 39° 34'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.16 0:00 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 11' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
SQM: 21.19 m/as2 Temperature: 9°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 2 - easily visible, some dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A very nice, colour contrasted binary. Not really tight. The primary member (A) is intense golden yellow while the secondary member (B) is blue with a tint of purple. In fact, this is not simply a binary of two stars, but I found out later while doing a research on this object that many of the other stars on this sketch are connected to the primary (as described in this document).


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

61 Cygni (Binary star)
Also known as: 61 Cyg, Piazzi's Flying Star
Right ascension: 21h 7m Declination: 38° 48'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2012.08.19 20:30 UT
Equipment: 4.5" f/8 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 150x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.37 m/as2 Temperature: 16°C
Humidity: dry Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Lipótfa, Zselic, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Spectacular yellow binary star, makes a nice couple especially at low magnification. The fainter companion is a little bit bluish. The primary aim for this sketch is to observe this star once every year from now on on the approximately same day in order to display how this star drifts through space compared to the other field stars - this is one of the fastest apparently moving star with about 5" per year.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

WZ Cassiopeiae (TVICS)
Also known as: WZ CAS, Hip 99
Right ascension: 0h 2m Declination: 60° 26'
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Date/time: 2012.09.07 20:25 UT
Equipment: 4.5" f/8 Newtonian
FoV: 8' Magnification and filter(s): 224x
Seeing: 8/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.33 m/as2 Temperature: 10°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 4 - lots of details, very interesting, unique look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 3 - moderate, some starhopping needed
Location: Lipótfa, Zselic, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

One of my favorite variable/binary stars. I've found it years ago just by wandering on the sky with my telescope, and it was very easy to notice it because of the beautiful red colour of the primary star. The companion has a bright blue colour, contrasting very nicely with the primary. Their luminosity is nearly similar, they resemble me of a miniature Albireo. In fact the diameter of the FoV was about 1.5 times as large as displayed, but the sky was so dark that it was hard to see the border of the FoV in the eyepiece.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Almach (TVICS)
Also known as: Gamma Andromedae, Gamma And
Right ascension: 2h 6m Declination: 42° 24'
Constellation: Andromeda
Date/time: 2012.09.25 23:20 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 14' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 2/5
SQM: 20.12 m/as2 Temperature: 13°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: moderate
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A nice binary star, not that close to eachother, but with large difference in brightness. The colour is best noticeable with fresh, non dark adapted eyes. The primary member has a golden colour with a touch of green while the companion is deep blue with a very little purplish tint. The strong moonlight combined with moderate humidity is not a favorable condition for observation, perhaps that's why the field is lacking faint stars.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

Ras Algethi (TVICS)
Also known as: Rasalgethi, Alpha Herculis
Right ascension: 17h 15m Declination: 14° 23'
Constellation: Hercules
Date/time: 2013.07.01 22:10 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: ' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 3/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.34 m/as2 Temperature: 12°C
Humidity: moderate Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 3 - moderately visible, dark adaptation needed, averted vision might add to details
Position: 1 - very easy, many bright stars nearby
Location: Nádasdladány, Hungary
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

A close colour contrasting binary. The B component wasn't easy to see as the bad seeing made the bright A component dancing in the FoV, hiding the close companion star. The main component is bright golden coloured, while its companion is much fainter white with bluish hue. Nice but difficult binary.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]

HIP 98298 (Various/other)
Also known as: Cygnus X-1
Right ascension: 19h 59m Declination: 35° 15'
Constellation: Cygnus
Date/time: 2015.11.01 18:15 UT
Equipment: 12" f/5 Newtonian
FoV: 13' Magnification and filter(s): 250x
Seeing: 6/10 Transparency: 4/5
SQM: 21.01 m/as2 Temperature: 3°C
Humidity: low Wind: none
Sight: 3 - definite details, interesting look
Difficulty: 1 - instantly visible, no dark adaptation or averted vision needed
Position: 2 - easy, bright star nearby
Location: Talpa Minor Observatory
Observer: Ferenc Lovró
Description:

Being one of the strongest X-ray sources on our sky, this star hides a really dark companion: the first ever suspected black hole, also know as Cygnus X-1.


Hi-resolution image: [ reversed sketch | original sketch ]
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