Messier 39 (M 39)

On this page I collect my observations of the open star cluster M 39 (NGC 7092) in the constellation Cygnus/Swan.

Introduction

The open star cluster M 39 in the constellation Cygnus/Swan is more an objects for binoculars, whereas Stoyan and Karkoschka have different opinions about the look in the telescope. For me, it looks like a triangle...

M 39 (NGC 7092)
Size: 31' (Stoyan) - about the size of the moon
Distance: 1,060 Light years (Stoyan)
Rating: * (Stoyan)

Map

The open star cluster M 39 on top of Cygnus, M 29 is also indicated (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

Find/Identify

Find: First of all, it is best to look for the "swan triangle" (blue lines), which lies in the West in winter, as shown on the map below. The bright star Deneb at the top of this triangle is the most striking one. Below it lies the star Gamma Cygni. If you draw a slightly oblique line from it to Deneb and extend it by about the same length again to form an obtuse triangle (both lines in red on the map), then the open star cluster M 39 in the constellation Cygnus/Swan lies in the upper corner of the triangle. This reads more complicated than it is!

Identify: If you now see a somewhat triangular large star cluster, then you have already found M 39 and identified it! (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

My Own Photos

eVscope


M 39 - Feb 5, 2020	M 39 - Feb 6, 2020

M 39 - Jun 12, 2020	M 39 - Jun 12, 2020, processed	M 39 - Jun 12, 2020, processed and sharpened

M 39 - Jun 12, 2020	M 39 - Jun 12, 2020, processed	M 39 - Jun 12, 2020, processed and sharpened

M 39 - Aug 24, 2020	M 39 - Aug 24, 2020, processed

Vespera

M 39, Sep 30, 2022 - original (13 frames = 130s)

Vespera Pro


M 39, Nov 5, 2024 - 2000 (90 frames = 15 min)		M 39, Nov 5, 2024 - 2000 (90 frames = 15 min), processed

Evaluation with nova.astrometry.net (section right)		M 39, Nov 5, 2024 - 1800 (90 frames = 15 min), section processed (TIFF)

My Own Observations

Observations November 2017

November 13, 2017 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: Heritage 100P, LT and TS binoculars): M 39 seen with 100P and both binoculars.

Observations September / October 2018

September 28, 2018 (Sumène, France: PS 72/432 , AZ Pronto Mount, LT and TS binoculars): M 39 seen with PS 72/432 and both binoculars - a wide, triangular field of stars.
October 14, 2018 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: PS 72/432 , AZ Pronto Mount, LT and TS binoculars): M 39 seen with PS 72/432 and both binoculars - wide-spread, large.

Observations End of January - February 2020

January 29, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: C8 , AZ4 Mount): M 39 revealed again a triangular field of stars; the triangle seen well in the C8. On the days before M 39 also seen by chance, but not identified.
February 5-6, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 39 photographed

Observations June to August 2020

June 12, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 39 photographed in the new rectangular format without overlay
August 24, 2020 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: eVscope): M 39 photographed (n.o., r.f.)

Observations September 2022

September 30, 2022 (Erkerode: Vespera): M 39 photographed (130s)

Observations November 2022

November 5, 2024 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: Vespera Pro): M 39 photographed (15 min)

References

Messier Catalogue - Messier 39: messier.seds.org/m/m039.html
Messier 39 (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_39