Monthly Messier Star-Hop; February #1
By Art Russell

This month's star hop takes us through the Messier open clusters: M35, M36, M37, and M38, plus a few odds and ends along the way.

Star-Hop #1. M38, NGC 1907
Star-Hop #2. M36
Star-Hop #3. M37
Star-Hop #4. M35, NGC 2158

Star-hop #1. M38, NGC 1912. Let's start in the constellation Taurus at the Hyades star cluster. As we run out along the right leg that the cluster forms, we can extend a line to the 1.6 magnitude star Beta (b) Tauri, Elnath, which marks the tip of the right horn of the mythological figure, Taurus, the Bull. From there we extend a line to the bright yellow star in the constellation Auriga, Capella, Alpha (a) Aurigae. Not quite half the distance between Elnath and Capella, and off to the left of our line you'll find the distinct magnitude 6.4 open cluster M38, NGC 1912. In the same field of view you may also see a dimmer open cluster, NGC 1907, a magnitude 8.2 object, but you won't be deceived, M38 is easily visible. In September, 1993, I noted that at 62.5X (magnification) there was an "X" shaped alignment of stars apparent in center of cluster.

Star-hop #2. M36, NGC 1960. Our next star hop takes us to the 6th magnitude open cluster M36, NGC 1960, another Messier object in the constellation Auriga. Getting to M36 from M38 is relatively easy since they are only about 2 1/2 degrees apart. This means that you'll only have to move your eyepiece only a little bit to the south-east in this instance. If you need a different method, then start at the star Lambda (l) Orionis, the head of Orion the Hunter, the constellation Orion, and extend a line past Zeta (z) Tauri (take time again to stop and look at M1, the Crab Nebula, NGC 1952) for a distance a little more than that between Lambda Orionis and Zeta Tauri. Once again you'll find the bright open cluster M36. I first saw M36 on the same evening that I first observed M38 and recorded that at 62.5X M36 was easy to find as it is in the same field of view as M38. Not spectacular.

Star-hop #3. M37, NGC 2099. Our third and final Messier object in Auriga, is the 5.6 magnitude open cluster M37, NGC 2099. M37 is about 4 degrees south-east of M36 and forms the apex of the left leg of a equilateral triangle formed with M36 at the top and the star Elnath at the apex of the right leg of the triangle. A second way to get to M37 is to start at the star Betelgeuse, Alpha (a) Orionis, in the constellation Orion. From there, extend a line through the star Chi (c) Orionis to a distance about equal to that between Betelgeuse and Chi Orionis. You should find M37 prominent in that location. Once again, I first observed M37 in September, 1993. At that time I noted that at 62.5X M37 had a distinct star in center which appears warmer in color than the rest. Rich field with many stars.

Star-hop #4. M35, NGC 2168. Our fourth star hop takes us to the constellation Gemini and another Messier object, the 5.3 magnitude open cluster M35, NGC 2168. M35 is harder to find than the other Messier objects we've looked at this month, so don't be surprised if it takes you a bit longer to find it. However, once you do, you'll enjoy this large, rich cluster. M35 sits alone in the farthest most north-western corner of Gemini. One of the easiest ways to find M35 is to start at the star Chi Orionis in the constellation Orion and extend a line through the star 1 Gemini for a distance equal to only 1/3 that between Chi Orionis and 1 Gemini. At that point you won't miss M35. Additionally, in the same field of view as M35 you may see a dim patch of light (depending on the size of your scope) to the southwest of the cluster. This is the very rich open cluster NGC 2158. Unfortunately, it shines at about 11th magnitude and is harder to see. Take a look if you can find it. I saw M35 in September, 1993 and recorded that at 62.5X M35 had a rich field with distinct apparent structure. Seems to have three point stars in center of the cluster. I didn't record any observation of NGC 2158 so I guess I'll have to take a look sometime this month. While in the constellation Gemini, be sure to take a look at the star Castor, Alpha (a) Gemini. It is a 6 star system with two main components clearly seen in moderate amateur telescopes.

Updated 2.28.99.