With Epsilon Canis Majoris, the fundamentals are important. But the difficult doubles require that you understand some of the minutiae. Sounds fun, eh? Color, magnitude, power, and difference in magnitudes are the aspects of splitting doubles I enjoy. ![]() You have to know your cardinal points in the eyepiece and from there, position angle. Splitting double stars sounds easy at first, but there is more to it than just identifying separation. Still, put me amongst seasoned double star observers and you’ll soon find me less than enthusiastic about our hobby. I have chosen to continue with my double star observing by doing the AL’s Double Star Program on my way toward becoming a Master Observer. The accomplishment is nothing to dismiss. However, with that said, I have completed the Bino Double Star program and have proudly received the certificate. Our hobby appeals to people for different reasons and I cannot fault anyone for loving double stars, but they’ve made it something I’m personally less likely to tackle. At least that’s been my experience, saying this without any disparaging connotation implied. In other words, the very people who are most likely to inspire young amateur astronomers to observe double stars do not have the ability to conjure up much inspiration. I cannot say I know of many younger observers who are very interested in splitting double stars and my recent painful interaction with the Astronomical League’s Bino Double Star coordinator reinforces my impression of those who are fascinated by double stars. ![]() I liken it to wanting to have a healthy conversation about gravitational lensing without being inundated by the minutiae of mathematics with someone who can only talk in terms of math and numbers. I’ve found them to be curmudgeons and am often wary of anyone at a star party who begins a conversation with “You ought to look at some double stars.” The same kind of passion I have for astronomy and deep sky objects just isn’t there when discussing double stars with those who like splitting doubles. ![]() In fact, I have something of an aversion to the meticulous nature of double star observers out there. If you know me well, and you probably don’t, you’ll recognize I’m not the best person to talk with about double stars.
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