NGC 1502


NGC 1502 is the finest object in Camelopardalis, a cluster of about 45 stars a little over a binocular field northeast of Struve 385: binoculars.

Bear in mind that as the constellation is circumpolar; you may have to turn the diagram to agree with what you see in the skies.

A strikingly attractive string of stars seems to flow into the star cluster, seen best with binoculars with a wide field of view, such as 7.5º, or small telescopes. This string goes under the name Kemble's Cascade, named after Father Lucian Kemble, a Franciscan and amateur astronomer from Saskatchewan who contributed greatly to the art of astronomical observation. Father Luc, as he was affectionately known, died of a heart attack in the early hours of 21 February 1999. Kemble's Cascade will be a constant memorial to the man and his work.

NGC 1520 contains two Struve binaries, Struve 484 and Struve 485: binoculars.

The first of these binaries, Struve 484, has rather faint components: 9.0, 9.5; PA 132º, separation 5.4."

The second is more accessible; Struve 485 is nestled inside the cluster 1502. This is a multiple system with at least 10 companions. The only companion suitable for small telescopes is E: 6.9, 6.9, PA 300º and separation of 18". The binary is found on the northeastern edge of the cluster. A very fine sight.

The third binary found here, OS67, is for larger telescopes: 5.3, 8.5; 50º, 1.4".


Now to study other objects in Camelopardalis you'll have to regain alpha Cam - slightly more than a binocular field northeast of NGC 1502: binoculars.

From alpha Cam more directly towards the North Pole three binocular fields. The multiple system, Struve 634 has one very wide component binocular-accessible:
      AB: 5.1, 9.1; 133º, 27".
      AC: 5.1, 9.2; 333º, 172.9"

Move back down to alpha Cam and place this star at the western edge of your binocular view. Move east one field, then northeast one binocular field. The six stars here make an interesting asterism; there isn't much of interest here otherwise, except to verify that you're one the right track: 43 Cam.

Now move slightly northeast, keeping the upper two stars in your field, and you'll find the binocular binary Struve 1051, a multiple system:
      AB: 7.6, 9.1; 297º, 1.1".
      AC: 7.6, 7.8; 84º, 31.6".

The remaining object of interest in Camelopardalis is found far to the north. Click on Struve 1694 on the map.

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© 1999-2014 by Richard Dibon-Smith.