Open Clusters and Asterisms

Visually stellar open clusters and asterisms are unique as no two clusters are alike, and often stunning detail can be seen. This differs from observing many deep-sky objects which due to distances and physical parameters often present similar apparent views. We will explore how star clusters form, where and what they are, and how they evolved to their present state. Unpublished data will be presented which displays a level of accuracy previously un-imagined. Stellar clusters are particularly valuable for stellar evolution analysis, and this also applies for objects in other galaxies, which are visible in amateur instruments, and we will explore some of these. It is always great to visually observe this wonderful universe through any telescope, but it is much – much better if one knows something about the object being seen. We will analyze and view some of the finest stellar clusters in the current fall and winter sky

Our Speaker: Larry Mitchell has had a lifelong interest in astronomy, He began observing at age 10 with a 3-inch telescope and in 1985 became a serious visual astronomer – Still Serious 40 years later! Larry owns too many telescopes including a 36-inch f/5 which he recently sold, a 30-inch f/3.3, a 20-inch f/5, an 18-inch f/4 as well as several others.

Discovered supernova SN1994S, a type 1a supernova.
Discovered and cataloged 117,300 galaxies and the author of “Mitchell’s Anonymous Catalog”, the “MAC” - Found in MegaStar
Observed and cataloged all 2500+ of Wiliam Herschel’s nebulae and star cluster discoveries.
He has a book currently being published by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) on visual observing describing technical info and how to find obscure objects, which may be viewed in medium sized aperture telescopes - Without Using a Computer.
Larry has written several visual astronomy articles in various magazines
Is the recipient of the Texas Star Party “Lone Stargazers” award and the “Omega Centauri” award and has an asteroid named after him - Asteroid – “126183 Larrymitchell”
Since 2000, Larry has been the chairman of the Texas Star Party “Advanced Observing Program” and has been Co-Chairman of the Stellafane Observing Olympics for the past 8-years.
Larry loves traveling the world giving lectures and observing the night sky, and is always ready to view this magnificent universe and share the adventure with his many astronomy friends.