The Christmas Tree (NGC 2264)

[Christopher K.]

NGC 2264 is an open cluster of about twenty or so stars ranging in magnitude from ~4.5 to ~9.3 and together they resemble...well, you guessed it. The magnitude of the shape itself is probably about 4.

Below are the times during which The Christmas Tree culminates in the Baton Rouge sky at sixty-nine degrees...
21 October = 5:47am
25 October = 5:31am
29 October = 5:15am
Times above are Daylight. Times below are Standard.
2 November = 4:00am
6 November = 3:44am
10 November = 3:28am
14 November = 3:12am
18 November = 2:57am
22 November = 2:41am
26 November = 2:25am
30 November = 2:10am
4 December = 1:54am
8 December = 1:38am
12 December = 1:22am
16 December = 1:07am
20 December = 12:51am
24 December = 12:35am
28 December = 12:19am
1 January = 12:04am
5 January = 11:44pm
9 January = 11:28pm
13 January = 11:13pm
17 January = 10:57pm
21 January = 10:41pm
25 January = 10:25pm
29 January = 10:10pm
2 February = 9:54pm
6 February = 9:38pm
10 February = 9:23pm
14 February = 9:07pm
18 February = 8:51pm
22 February = 8:35pm
26 February = 8:20pm
2 March = 8:04pm
6 March = 7:48pm
Times above are Standard. Time below is Daylight.
10 March = 8:32pm

Monday's APOD of the Christmas Tree also includes the Fox Fur Nebula...
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150105.html

[Christopher K.]

HRPO personnel will attempt to catch the Christmas Tree Cluster in a telescope for this year's Preview Party on the 18th. The nebula will probably not be easily visible, but the cluster fits easily inside a one-degree field-of-view. I think HRPO patrons will be pleasantly surprised! Those who don't want to wait, or can't make the Party, can see the Christmas Tree between 9:30pm and 10pm on Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th.

[Christopher K.]

HRPO personnel will attempt the Christmas Tree again this upcoming season...
Saturday 30 November from 9:30pm to 10pm
Friday 6 December from 9pm to 10pm
Saturday 7 December from 9pm to 10pm
Monday 9 December from 9pm to 10pm
Friday 13 December from 9pm to 11pm
Saturday 14 December from 8:30pm to 10pm
Friday 20 December from 8:30pm to 10pm
Saturday 21 December from 8pm to 10pm

[Christopher K.]

Keep in mind, late Christmas Eve (actually early Christmas morning), the Christmas Tree culminates in the Baton Rouge sky at 12:36am. At that time it will be due south and almost directly above Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. If you can, share that view with your family and friends.

More information...
https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclope ... uster.html

[Christopher K.]

Good luck, also, to those attempting a view with personal scopes. This week we're seeing some clear weather. The Christmas Tree should be available easily by 10pm.

More information:
http://www.phys.ttu.edu/~ozprof/2264c.htm
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/o-christmas-tree-cluster
http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/images/2 ... f-NGC-2264

Please note, no amateur telescope view will rival that of Spitzer's!

[Christopher K.]

This upcoming week culmination for the Christmas Tree begins to occur before 3am Standard. The HRPO viewing times for the Christmas Tree will be posted on that facility's site by the 17th.

[Christopher K.]

The Christmas Tree will be showcased by HRPO personnel tonight from 8pm to 10pm, if they can nab it. NOAA's forecast has sixty-three percent cloud cover and ninety-three percent humidity. If the sky does not cooperate, these are the other viewing times...
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/special3.html

[Christopher K.]

The first Christmas Tree Cluster viewing time at HRPO will be on Saturday 27 November. For the first time, personnel will take a tally recording those who see a decorated tree versus those who don't. Will you be one of the lucky ones?

[Christopher K.]

'Tis the Season! Below are the planned viewing times during which the Christmas Tree Cluster should be visible from the front pad of HRPO...
Saturday 26 November from 9:15pm to 10pm
Friday 2 December from 8:45pm to 10pm
Saturday 3 December from 8:45pm to 10pm
Wednesday 7 December from 8:30pm to 12am
Saturday 10 December from 8:15pm to 10pm
Tuesday 13 December from 9pm to 11pm
Friday 16 December from 8:30pm to 10pm
Saturday 17 December from 7:45pm to 10pm
Friday 23 December from 8:30pm to 10pm
Viewing of course is weather permitting. All times are in glorious Standard! Times may change but probably will not; at any rate please check the HRPO website prior to any visit.

[Christopher K.]

HRPO is focusing on the Christmas Tree Cluster from 8:30pm to 10pm on Friday 6 January--Epiphany! Please realize there will be a Full Moon. Epiphany marks the day in Christian belief that the three men completed their following of the "star"; astronomical interpretations of this event are mentioned in the "Star of Bethlehem" thread.