Asterism Greg 3 in the Constellation Leo Major

 

The asterism Greg 3 found by Greg Parker
 - COAST Robotic Telescope Mount Teide, Open University telescope .org.

" Asterisms are prominent groups or patterns of stars smaller than constellations. The 'Plough' is a very prominent asterism in the Northern Hemisphere sky and it's stars sit within the larger constellation Ursa Major- The Great Bear".- Kurt Thrust current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.

"Still awaiting a clear cloud free night here on the East Coast of the United Kingdom!

With so much time on our hands, Kurt directed the COAST Robotic Telescope on Tenerife to image the excellent asterism Greg 3 discovered by Greg Parker and so named for very obvious reasons. 

What on Earth has happened to the weather? It has even been poor in Tenerife.

Greg 3 may be found at - Right Ascension: 09h 38m 00.0s and Declination: +15° 17' 00", which puts the asterism between the constellations Leo Major and Cancer . The asterism covers about 15 minutes of arc in the night sky so about half that of the Moon.

Star map showing the location of Greg3 
 Map Credit: Astrometry Net

To see Greg 3 you will require a small telescope and an eyepiece delivering a magnification of approximately x80. The stars in the asterism range in magnitude between 8 and 11, are therefore quite faint and well below what might be seen with the naked eye.

Greg Parker is an extraordinarily talented imager and excels in his portraiture of stars! We recommend spending time  viewing his astrophotography, which is showcased on his 'New Forest Observatory' Blog!  follow the link:

New Forest Observatory

 

Here at the Jodrell Plank Observatory we cannot remember such a poor spring time for observing the night sky. But we are not downhearted! 

Lets hope for better nights to come!" - Joel Cairo CEO at the Jodrell Plank Observatory.