Main Body of Catalog

Abstract

Here’s one for the record books! An asterism of an asterism, Fig. 2.1, and why not; imitation is the best form of flattery. This keystone look-a-like covers a field of view $1\tfrac{3} {4}$ degrees and is easily visible in 50 millimeter binoculars. I suggest 10 to 20 powers for this bright asterism. The Keystone pattern stands out nicely with few foreground stars to obstruct its shape. A true Hercules Keystone in the belly of the Whale, figuratively speaking that is. All of these stars are brighter than 10 magnitudes, one star being at 7 magnitude and three stars at 8 magnitudes. This asterism is located 7 degrees southwest of star 16, Deneb Kaitos and the four main stars of the Keystone are visible on the Sky Atlas 2000. On the same atlas, galaxy NGC 45 is only $1\tfrac{1} {2}$ degrees west of the Cetus Keystone. This is a very faint galaxy only visible in large scopes. On the Mega Star 5 planetarium program, the Cetus Keystone shape appears identical to the photo at 9 magnitudes.