Forked Cluster

Trumpler 32
Sketch and Details by Eric Graff

Object Name: Trumpler 32
Also Known As: C1814-133, Harvard 19
Object Type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Serpens (Cauda)
Right Ascension (2000.0): 18h 17.2m
Declination (2000.0): –13° 21′
Magnitude: 12.2
Size: 4′

Date/Time: 4 July 2008 • 06:45 to 07:10 UT
Location: Oakzanita Springs (4,010 ft. elevation), San Diego Co., California, USA
Telescope: Parks Astrolight EQ6 • 6″ f/6 Newtonian Reflector
Eyepiece/Magnification: Parks 20mm Gold Series Plössl + 2x Barlow • 90x • 35′ FoV
Filters: None
Conditions: Clear, calm, 62°F
Seeing: Pickering 4-5
Transparency: NELM 6.3; TLM 14.0

Approximately ½° northwest of M16 you might notice a small delicate patch of mist strewn with faint stars. This is the open cluster known as Trumpler 32. The cluster is elongated north to south and I count about two dozen stars superimposed on a haze of fainter, unresolved members. A curious dark lane separates the southern third of the cluster from the rest of the group.