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It is a shame that the most important instrument for astronomers should
be associated with such a tiny portion of the sky, practically devoid of
telescopic interest. Lacaille devised the constellation in the
mid-eighteenth century.
Just east of the Scorpion's stinger lies the faint constellation of Corona
Australis. To its south is found Telescopium.
Its stars are mostly fourth and fifth magnitude.
h 5033 is the most accessible binary; it's in the same field as alpha Telescopii: 6.7, 9.8; 114º, 17.2".
The brightest Mira-type variable is R Telescopii, which has a period
of 462 days, and a range in magnitude of 7.8 to 14. The next maximum is
expected in mid-March 1997; in 2000 the maximum should occur late in the
year.
The deep-sky objects in Telescopium -- mostly galaxies -- are all too faint for amateur study.
For a little more on Telescopium visit the Binocular Section.
Or go to
the Main Menu
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