Measuring double stars

Presenter(s): Tim Napier-Munn and Graeme Jenkinson

Affiliation(s): AAQ

Session details: Saturday, 2012-04-07 02:00:00, TBA

Abstract

The AAQ Double Star Section is engaged on a programme of measuring neglected southern double stars. This paper describes two methods which have been employed, one using a calibrated reticle and the other the astrometric measurement of images taken specifically for the purpose. The errors and productivity of the two methods are compared, and some examples are given of recent measurements of interest including the discovery and measurement of a new double in the constellation Ophiuchus.

Biography

Tim Napier-Munn is a mineral engineer by profession, with Bachelors and PhD degrees from Imperial College, London, and a Masters from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He has spent most of his career in applied R&D in industry and universities in South Africa, England and Australia. His interest in astronomy goes back to his childhood, but he has been a serious observer (off and on) for about 25 years. He has an 8” SCT which travels, and a 14” SCT which is permanently housed in a Sirius dome in the back garden of his semi-suburban home in Brisbane. He’s not sure why he is obsessed with double stars but it may be the challenge of splitting difficult pairs whilst the seeing, the advancing years and the stars themselves conspire against him. He is the founding Director of the AAQ Double Star Section.