Double & Multiple stars

   Double & Multiple stars by members:



The Trapezium in Orion

trapezium

Theta Orionis is a wide double immersed in the Great Orion Nebula (M42). Binoculars will show the eastern one Theta Two as a double itself, but Theta One to the west is an entrancing object in telescopes of all sizes. To the eye it seems to lie in a bay of darkness in the nebula. Moderate telescopes show it as four stars forming the famous "Trapezium". More powerful telescopes, say 200mm and above can show two extra stars. There are other faint stars about requiring bigger instruments. The CCD image by Liam Smyth captures the all pervading nebulosity, the six stars and many fainter ones.



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