tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50479165968502670082024-03-27T02:35:38.021-04:00Deep Sky NGCI have been an amateur astronomer since 1968. I hope to share suggestions on making observing sessions more pleasurable and rewarding. I will also share my experiences and descriptions of observations, including my relentless pursuit of NGC objects. Any topic of interest to amateurs may be found here, especially suggestions from readers. Most of my observations are done with an Orion 12" Dobsonian.Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-53163794399198474872024-02-27T17:58:00.003-05:002024-02-27T18:00:03.348-05:00NGC List Update<div style="text-align: justify;"><b> It has been a long time since I actually counted my personally observed and logged NGC list. When I acquired the 12" scope back in 2013 I decided to try and view as many of the list available to my location (42 N Lat.). It turns out that more than half of the 7800+ objects are viewable from where I am. Obviously I will not get through more than 4000 of them. Will I? To reach a reasonably dark sky I now have to drive 38 miles from home. So nearly 80 miles round trip. Readers can imagine how happy I am when I get out there only to find that the forecast doesn't pan out, and it is cloudy. It happens, and is all part of the game. Try to outwit the sky conditions, and predict when I might get some work done. I consider 10 objects, including double stars, to be a minimally decent enough night, or 5 deep sky objects. I always aspire to 20 or more, which makes the drive worthwhile. Nearly two hours of driving to get in 3 hours of observing. Though often I could stay longer, my eyes usually tire after 3 hours.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This February 2024 has been the warmest in my astronomy career. I managed to get out four times and do some great deep sky and double star work. When that last session was complete I finally tallied my object list. I do not maintain a count of the hundreds and hundreds of double stars I have seen, but I do of deep sky objects. Here is my life total to date:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>NGC objects: 2779 (!!!).</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>IC objects: 416.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Objects from other catalogues: 817.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Total deep sky list: 4012.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>All objects are indexed, and I can find any object in my notes quickly and easily. The ones I have seen are also underlined in red in my Uranometria atlas. <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And a major milestone is rapidly approaching. To date I have logged 989 observing sessions! With luck and clear skies, I will reach my 1000th observation session sometime this spring! I plan on baking a cake for that occasion. What will I do on my 1000th observation? Carry on with the great work.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike<br /></b></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-47197075688317312422024-01-31T21:33:00.000-05:002024-01-31T21:33:21.052-05:00#147: Leo Deep Sky Part 8: Unranometria Chart #74, Left Side<div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>We are now examining the more northern reaches of Leo and its NGC objects. Observations date from 2015-2016, using a 12" Dob. Images are from Nasa.gov.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2862:</u> 2'.5 x 0'.3: Vis.12.9; SB 13: This galaxy was seen at 100x and viewed well as high as 200x. It is an impressive and thin needle, with a stellar core. A.v. shows a long, very thin slash, and it is quite bright. 187x and 200x were best, due to an 8.6 mag. star just S. Recommended for thin galaxy fans!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX419StMcv50ggSnqwC0JP_SIQii_OygHHHGF4RwFr8-nbAt786ZQhp7T0jFvvPsAwAL_rm019eFa5fN45MJ5CPc1hwJQ22P3oM0lU7IFhEMavCnbje_wLFofobd3mb0iaM9pLIpju2hn74M5QAFVHOAi7o5J9j-KW1eNBtUJqgkmg4g2DLWsccBKP3Rn/s600/2862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyX419StMcv50ggSnqwC0JP_SIQii_OygHHHGF4RwFr8-nbAt786ZQhp7T0jFvvPsAwAL_rm019eFa5fN45MJ5CPc1hwJQ22P3oM0lU7IFhEMavCnbje_wLFofobd3mb0iaM9pLIpju2hn74M5QAFVHOAi7o5J9j-KW1eNBtUJqgkmg4g2DLWsccBKP3Rn/s320/2862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 2862.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2893:</u> 1.'1 x 1': Vis./SB 13.2: This galaxy took awhile to track down. Once the correct nearby bright star was finally located, it showed up easily at 125x. It sits SP a mag. 9.5 star, only 3' away. The galaxy is round, pretty bright, and has a stellar core. Good views were had up to 200x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2885:</u> 1' x 0'.5: Vis. 13.9; SB 12.4: This faint galaxy was spotted at 125x and viewed up to 200x with a.v. It appears round, so I was likely only seeing the central area. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkZFQ-ae-Y1F7ENtw9m8qbD38Ay-EJTTJCOvjuXT3IuSyxN75BjwW_aLSehwt14s5TPXsPprMBrf2fHGWC_rjwmvlArYYwzmfFaFUxPfOv2_sUGc7uRXMgcqeDpOEpXL8lzhyzBInPVBxD5vlYYovKpQuoCL_W5AD14xlrXaNN6xcSnD0aG2_ROPA8lPM/s600/2885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkZFQ-ae-Y1F7ENtw9m8qbD38Ay-EJTTJCOvjuXT3IuSyxN75BjwW_aLSehwt14s5TPXsPprMBrf2fHGWC_rjwmvlArYYwzmfFaFUxPfOv2_sUGc7uRXMgcqeDpOEpXL8lzhyzBInPVBxD5vlYYovKpQuoCL_W5AD14xlrXaNN6xcSnD0aG2_ROPA8lPM/s320/2885.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 2885 is at centre.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2896:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.9: Vis. 13.9; SB 13.5: Picked off at 100x. Viewed also at 125x and 150x, it was round, not small, and not difficult to view. It resembles a faint, ghostly planetary nebula.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2903:</u> 12'.6 x 6': Vis 9; SB 13.6: Easily observed t 60x, it looks like a mini-Andromeda! Superb views were had in all ranges up to 250x. There is a very faint star F, and another one just S of the core, and yet another N of it. The core area is very bright and stellar, surrounded by a slightly less bright region, then another layer, still bright but less so. Finally the hazy envelope extensions on either end can be seen. The galaxy is a very long, wide oval, all of it pretty bright in the 12" scope. One of Leo's gems!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_I9yhCmyuXfxwGe2KaV-4mCCQ1p357iXLF2YPjsaMudmxa3eqfBnHM4sBs5n4W_F4YMAwqpM-p02IZoBX7bDR-u1yDSegzchgjIW8R9tuWv0POutEHXuFedkSVlfMA23Fu5beABrJ7GiA9Raw0AOJotQszRCYsXZKatc3SmprQVzG_XQogM5MPrI2oFY/s600/2903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_I9yhCmyuXfxwGe2KaV-4mCCQ1p357iXLF2YPjsaMudmxa3eqfBnHM4sBs5n4W_F4YMAwqpM-p02IZoBX7bDR-u1yDSegzchgjIW8R9tuWv0POutEHXuFedkSVlfMA23Fu5beABrJ7GiA9Raw0AOJotQszRCYsXZKatc3SmprQVzG_XQogM5MPrI2oFY/w400-h400/2903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 2903.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2916:</u> 2'.6 x 1'.9: Vis. 12; SB 13.5: Two decent galaxies in a row! This one is pretty large, though only 1/4 the size of 2903. It was pretty bright, including a middle area much brighter than the surrounding envelope. Flaring resolution makes it difficult to see the true shape. It does make a good comparison object with nearby 2903. It is easy to sweep back and forth between them.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_KPZS0mOU9ZFd83RVtmBgqwVOO18NfAzBgGR8I7jmjH4W1KnaWPiEEyR2UqyLUHqSFzrvxZfYcpwhPVBB83F6mK2TuRW-glt3Dqman5sRRAGeBF_5_PWYvq5yxIbPLwi0E9jzNpyxB3nW-Zqnijg2ZV5nFlUQiHedOVKByd-f65N2TMsPpbGH8z0pKgL/s600/2916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_KPZS0mOU9ZFd83RVtmBgqwVOO18NfAzBgGR8I7jmjH4W1KnaWPiEEyR2UqyLUHqSFzrvxZfYcpwhPVBB83F6mK2TuRW-glt3Dqman5sRRAGeBF_5_PWYvq5yxIbPLwi0E9jzNpyxB3nW-Zqnijg2ZV5nFlUQiHedOVKByd-f65N2TMsPpbGH8z0pKgL/w400-h400/2916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 2916.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2927:</u> 1'.3 x 1': Vis. 12.9; SB 13: Viewed at 100x and 136x, it was oval, not hard to find,and pretty big. No significant stars are nearby. Though it had a bright centre, views were still best with a.v. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2929:</u> 1'.2 x 0'.3: Vis. 13.8; SB 12.5. A triplet with eg 2930 and 2931 (see below). 29 was located at 136x, where it appears very elongated, and showing a bright centre. At 187x and 200x all 3 galaxies are seen, stacked N to S. 30 is quite small, with 31 appearing notably larger and better with a.v. Visually this is not a remarkable trio in a 12", though it's always fun to see 3 galaxies at a time.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2930:</u> 0'.7 x 0'.4: Vis. 14.2; SB 12.7: A trio with 2929 and 2931. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2931:</u> 0'. 8 x 0'.6: Vis. 14.2; SB 13.2: A trio with 2929 and 2930. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1LJv1cFCgunH_uOCLJbzJkYjKMylET01V5-blZdds5qbU3UaLSyjoax_SZ_LoqfGumamYw6o0Zq-3Bca7b432DoEWaRK3iulR1hEfecKv19idxxHxtdSirD19WMixP_HdDjefLEdqKbJVp2v31Yd2q5jdL-ST8SxAJu3qxkSySuKPsjlP8vdFSdt-AoU/s600/2929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1LJv1cFCgunH_uOCLJbzJkYjKMylET01V5-blZdds5qbU3UaLSyjoax_SZ_LoqfGumamYw6o0Zq-3Bca7b432DoEWaRK3iulR1hEfecKv19idxxHxtdSirD19WMixP_HdDjefLEdqKbJVp2v31Yd2q5jdL-ST8SxAJu3qxkSySuKPsjlP8vdFSdt-AoU/w400-h400/2929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>Centre to top: eg 2929, 2930, and 2931.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2988:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.6; SB 12.9: A pair with 2991, below. 91 was easy to see at 136x, and shows a stellar core. In this range it appeared oval and hazy. At 187x, 200x, and 250x an elongated extension could be glimpsed with a.v., preceding the main galaxy. The extension was very faint, though 91 remains bright. This extension is 2988.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2991:</u> 1'.4 x 1'.1: Vis.12.6; SB 13: A pair with 2988, above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gC48tfiBISneQ-On0nJHDSovmceyUwsMOEntyW7gsMw6oPXEyPdjW_xwT__AqPhdPqAcX2T7vaSocWlHVKB994OS3-Y0ZSALfDkGaxJXKdMI9bg56kPstYYJidm5kMjK-IxACUJawcGpncK9_L5MnLDIpEvofklxcZRXg0F6Z27CIHrX3A5yc6NutSXq/s600/2991.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gC48tfiBISneQ-On0nJHDSovmceyUwsMOEntyW7gsMw6oPXEyPdjW_xwT__AqPhdPqAcX2T7vaSocWlHVKB994OS3-Y0ZSALfDkGaxJXKdMI9bg56kPstYYJidm5kMjK-IxACUJawcGpncK9_L5MnLDIpEvofklxcZRXg0F6Z27CIHrX3A5yc6NutSXq/w400-h400/2991.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 2991 is at centre; 2988 is nearly attached, just P. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>eg 2994 is at upper left.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 2994:</u> 1'.3 x 1'.1: Vis. 13.1; SB 13.2: Observed easily at 100x, 136x and 187x,the galaxy appears round and evenly bright. Located between two pairs of stars F, it was best viewed using a.v. Afterwards it could be seen even at 60x. 1991 and 1988 are SP. See photo, above.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3026:</u> 2'.7 x 0'.8: Vis. 12.9; SB 13.6: I had hopes for this one; alas, mostly unfulfilled. The galaxy was small, really faint, and though it was pretty large, it was not close to being 2'.7. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ0mkWnS43gJA6XA4O7EwLLsTKv3QWQiqXqHd8NxabcUduPzZ9AzP2TKY7SO5Wd2fyG6fWmBfIiXcvBEYsSkCmfdfw92CsAeecUDKd5k8WhaRLYIPOKAB2tMXBH8NTa9L6t7D_4VIvXhdVebGBt3bcUdc34bmXxOpw53w-KckpT9y0MzgQnDbFrViYuCG/s600/3026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ0mkWnS43gJA6XA4O7EwLLsTKv3QWQiqXqHd8NxabcUduPzZ9AzP2TKY7SO5Wd2fyG6fWmBfIiXcvBEYsSkCmfdfw92CsAeecUDKd5k8WhaRLYIPOKAB2tMXBH8NTa9L6t7D_4VIvXhdVebGBt3bcUdc34bmXxOpw53w-KckpT9y0MzgQnDbFrViYuCG/s320/3026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3026 is disappointing in a 12". The specs indicated something better. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3032:</u> 1'.7 x 1'.3: Vis. 12.5' SB 13.2: Located at 100x, it looks like a bright, fuzzy star. It is located midway between 2 brighter stars, slightly F a line between them. At 200x the galaxy shows a stellar core, being right and slightly oval overall.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRIszf3_hniRLXNe_8vE4SAmu1ZD-DnY8fkEp-Q1ZTQrNogKYtO0j4CyBuVpfOMATEnB8jmjuX-B5ojxwssDKXqFqWg_yaax2Htb2pGg5XGgCDFiiOoTAuTibRbBaoM0vI5S2dHaMkL26512yQ8lOkkOZAFtNNNRK6BQidKjjsQ5ID6H_N4e7xdHzPdcV/s600/3032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRIszf3_hniRLXNe_8vE4SAmu1ZD-DnY8fkEp-Q1ZTQrNogKYtO0j4CyBuVpfOMATEnB8jmjuX-B5ojxwssDKXqFqWg_yaax2Htb2pGg5XGgCDFiiOoTAuTibRbBaoM0vI5S2dHaMkL26512yQ8lOkkOZAFtNNNRK6BQidKjjsQ5ID6H_N4e7xdHzPdcV/s320/3032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3032.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3068:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.9: Vis. 14.3; SB14.2: I managed to find this one without aid of a diagram! The conditions were splendid. The galaxy was small, round, and at threshold with a.v. at 136x. At 187x and 200x it was still visible. Good luck with this one!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx3B37CsMubv2FVbcGn2kMjWezDSiE1y0xx_88WM_9wiqI8ac600sww8Zpvh8mqqwC3n-ocE7dlJ4-mCG-R7lkWdmxGIBw-WVVAwVbQMxmg5Pvso0P1DcGCwcjJE6CpVNWPKntqKjQhOhrZP2XjB-BamOgQ6EOW_qIgIDVCjEnmHKRGRfmRVjutf4Teb4/s600/3068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx3B37CsMubv2FVbcGn2kMjWezDSiE1y0xx_88WM_9wiqI8ac600sww8Zpvh8mqqwC3n-ocE7dlJ4-mCG-R7lkWdmxGIBw-WVVAwVbQMxmg5Pvso0P1DcGCwcjJE6CpVNWPKntqKjQhOhrZP2XjB-BamOgQ6EOW_qIgIDVCjEnmHKRGRfmRVjutf4Teb4/s320/3068.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3068.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3088A:</u> 0'.5 x 0'.3: Vis. 13.8; SB 11.6: A pair with 3088B. See below. Though an interacting pair of galaxies, only one ghostly object can be discerned. No doubt I saw both, or part of both. Perhaps a 16" can tell them apart. It was a threshold object at 136x, 187x, 200x, 250x, and 375x. There is a stellar core, but quite dim. It is small and extremely faint.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3088B:</u> 0'.5 x 0'.5: Vis. 15.4; SB 12: A pair with 3088A, above and below.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoPi6nAjLYa2NwQQ3-bHOjZKL48ZpXBRfWJqgr-aMkAQ9tHQwtuBkJssYkt82mTlWdqce_wWNeUayZtmnQzNTsJYjkaNDLdRHi-XbxMerQoP1yLHhZHUnBVDZJE30FTFyobneHMuR79ggyKDvlpKEkifJQSP2PzB3GrxhAQyRtJtW7oQaplcV6fiNh3QQ/s600/3088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoPi6nAjLYa2NwQQ3-bHOjZKL48ZpXBRfWJqgr-aMkAQ9tHQwtuBkJssYkt82mTlWdqce_wWNeUayZtmnQzNTsJYjkaNDLdRHi-XbxMerQoP1yLHhZHUnBVDZJE30FTFyobneHMuR79ggyKDvlpKEkifJQSP2PzB3GrxhAQyRtJtW7oQaplcV6fiNh3QQ/s320/3088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3088A is the brighter galaxy at centre; 3088B is elongated and SF.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>They look like one object in my 12" mirror.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3098:</u> 1'.4 x 0'.4: Vis.?SB 12: Located at 60x. At 100x it appeared to be involved with a bright star, and was quite elongated though pretty small. At 136x, 187x, and 200x there were 2 stars, or perhaps just one sitting near a bright stellar core. Overall it is a bright galaxy, and very elongated, though not large. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YgD7WlUddFJlQk1i1OttY6ofytHK0C-9onQY3XK46FanSPPZtnHugqa5a92CuR6j6JGSxYKIeknsqoFXb3mgAJax9-u2Qy3TRIzdkdpfppYmtgXq1q23nPbMoMqAY0jcbL4MHvy_sZI0A7hT1BO1oSoeQEf_sSbtb4LMq4tgoL_-GuHtjubCuhTVZsvm/s600/3098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YgD7WlUddFJlQk1i1OttY6ofytHK0C-9onQY3XK46FanSPPZtnHugqa5a92CuR6j6JGSxYKIeknsqoFXb3mgAJax9-u2Qy3TRIzdkdpfppYmtgXq1q23nPbMoMqAY0jcbL4MHvy_sZI0A7hT1BO1oSoeQEf_sSbtb4LMq4tgoL_-GuHtjubCuhTVZsvm/s320/3098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3098.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Onward to Chart 73...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-92185130632498509422024-01-29T11:13:00.000-05:002024-01-29T11:13:17.733-05:00#146: Leo Deep Sky Part 7: Unranometria Chart #111, Right Side<div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Only a small portion of Leo is on this chart. In fact, only 4 galaxies will be discussed in this entry. I use a 12" Dobsonian scope from Orion. Observations here were carried out in 2018.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3685:</u> 0'.6 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.1; SB 12.3: A pinpoint map is required to locate this tiny faint oval smudge, conveniently located preceding 2 mag. 14 stars. It was seen only with a.v., and then only intermittently, at 375x. A real challenge for a 12" scope, but doable on a fine night.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_LjZkTFsIBaLF7nwHAUt81_qGWvJ6NGG3WEyKAM67VdTKbIbX7LjmfD37Qm6JMoN8xeINgNfHSdEUuJrAzs3p_zjUc-JBPWpBLsHl5R6yGrx43md4Pbq3Q7DqRLlDmzcxGE6x4VvCEOf6ZkkDYObZLxP3kxyGL3kqkhn9vXAw90vnutWK_XitrrpT7Ai/s600/3685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_LjZkTFsIBaLF7nwHAUt81_qGWvJ6NGG3WEyKAM67VdTKbIbX7LjmfD37Qm6JMoN8xeINgNfHSdEUuJrAzs3p_zjUc-JBPWpBLsHl5R6yGrx43md4Pbq3Q7DqRLlDmzcxGE6x4VvCEOf6ZkkDYObZLxP3kxyGL3kqkhn9vXAw90vnutWK_XitrrpT7Ai/s320/3685.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3685 is at centre.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3716:</u> 0'.7 x 0'.6: Vis. 13.5; SB 12.5: Yet another hand drawn sketch helped me find this out of the way galaxy, which was seen at 84x, sitting between two brighter stars. The galaxy is located mid-way between the stars, and just off-line (preceding). At 136x it is faint, small, but quite easy to identify. At 187x there are fairly good views using a.v. The galaxy now appears slightly oval. At 250x it is still small and somewhat ghostly in appearance, but distinct from the background sky. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIKdR17xX7ERBQ7xTunV-VHvbJWAJznC5qK1UuTP76KEtrJie33vk8DzEXixSlgmjHm6guG3YSI1W5i2FkDNoXQw49ZcYuyvVe0n_PjLQFlLSJ-Y3nUNKGqAtKdcSkTJZZQA5j02LDZ98eZXvd5_ePcDGfY_04hH5Wt2a_s9CCR0v6HIqOGKy4pfQE5MK/s600/3716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIKdR17xX7ERBQ7xTunV-VHvbJWAJznC5qK1UuTP76KEtrJie33vk8DzEXixSlgmjHm6guG3YSI1W5i2FkDNoXQw49ZcYuyvVe0n_PjLQFlLSJ-Y3nUNKGqAtKdcSkTJZZQA5j02LDZ98eZXvd5_ePcDGfY_04hH5Wt2a_s9CCR0v6HIqOGKy4pfQE5MK/s320/3716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3716.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3719:</u> 1'.8 x 1'.3: Vis. 13; SB 13.8: A pair with eg 3720, below. Both galaxies were seen at 84x. At 136x they were cleaner, brighter, and larger. 19 is much larger and fainter, making 20 easier to see. At 187x 20 pops right out at the viewer, while 19 takes a bit longer to come forth. The latter is now big and oval. At 250x both galaxies are sowing bright cores, but 19 is beginning to fade. Still, they make a fun pair in a 12" mirror.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3720:</u> 1' x 0'.9: Vis. 13; SB 12.7: A pair with 3719. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wnFXrVf5k6wjJ1DoPccEhWz4hZB2REh2kmDcz-YCuec81Epb1TAsPA247xu2qRzr5satjiQVrfhg1tIhBUAojn4jzlM9u_P7pNrI3cYYyhyQo6mbFaM7cYqq6WVAO0zuN4Mizqod6fv9hIVBgFbdph7XdCp-ZGONrzvSMYcyqGx7-PmJPn3LlG3O50EN/s600/3719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wnFXrVf5k6wjJ1DoPccEhWz4hZB2REh2kmDcz-YCuec81Epb1TAsPA247xu2qRzr5satjiQVrfhg1tIhBUAojn4jzlM9u_P7pNrI3cYYyhyQo6mbFaM7cYqq6WVAO0zuN4Mizqod6fv9hIVBgFbdph7XdCp-ZGONrzvSMYcyqGx7-PmJPn3LlG3O50EN/w400-h400/3719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>3719 is the larger galaxy near centre, followed by 3720.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This completes the lower and middle charts of Leo on Uranometria. Next we turn north, beginning on Chart 74....</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-58803500946414867482024-01-23T19:54:00.002-05:002024-01-29T10:47:33.238-05:00#145: Leo Deep Sky Part 6: Unranometria Chart #112, Left Side<div style="text-align: left;"><b> Charts 111 and 112 are effectively the only low Leo charts, as nothing I observed appears on Chart 132 and 131 that does not appear here.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3434:</u> 2'.1 x 1'.9: Vis. 12.8; SB 12.4: Viewed initially at 60x and 120x, the galaxy was round and had a bright centre. At 136x a very faint star is immediately N. A mag. 8.5 star is always in view. 272x shows a stellar core, then a larger bright central area, and finally the fainter surrounding envelope.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZExmywY5u_J2kcDDHA-amrP5zV4ct3M2TIvO6XviXiuYpSKYd7PAJNySg1x9LtQAQ0aJ9I8y-eKZ6hLOqIxhdq73aWo_pOor3fUjIwCW56F_SvDTDOzM0vjhlx5GrE9zQK6NOZHw4ep-ss8bZw1GRGzcY2Ta-W_kbqefN6CZmcY3zre5HuKc1Pr1dnDy/s600/3434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZExmywY5u_J2kcDDHA-amrP5zV4ct3M2TIvO6XviXiuYpSKYd7PAJNySg1x9LtQAQ0aJ9I8y-eKZ6hLOqIxhdq73aWo_pOor3fUjIwCW56F_SvDTDOzM0vjhlx5GrE9zQK6NOZHw4ep-ss8bZw1GRGzcY2Ta-W_kbqefN6CZmcY3zre5HuKc1Pr1dnDy/s320/3434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3434.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3495:</u> 3'.8 x 1': Vis. 11.8; SB 13.6: Located at 60x. At 100x and up to 136x, views of this remarkable object are hampered a very bright star, 58, and mag. 5.5. The galaxy is very elongated with a bright oval centre. At 187x and 250x, with star 58 out of view, I saw a very fine edge-on galaxy, especially with a.v. Nice! <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDzPS_uzEed8N3O2sOo7jtmqtTHigJkRe96ous6ZxhkSrg9svctBLpe0sKklyydxk5dS8xTXwFCT1EsFrIU63IOMVQFzWKyX0FOqq5WLQgDZdAWv78e-dvl0Y4TGXaCW6gREVorqpKN-cfTeFoUPFh34pXsUZyxXGM8NXTOQ2ldloi3rx2aQfxZDIBIbP/s600/3495.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDzPS_uzEed8N3O2sOo7jtmqtTHigJkRe96ous6ZxhkSrg9svctBLpe0sKklyydxk5dS8xTXwFCT1EsFrIU63IOMVQFzWKyX0FOqq5WLQgDZdAWv78e-dvl0Y4TGXaCW6gREVorqpKN-cfTeFoUPFh34pXsUZyxXGM8NXTOQ2ldloi3rx2aQfxZDIBIbP/s320/3495.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3495.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3509:</u> 2'.1 x 1': Vis. 12.7; SB 13.4: The galaxy is visible at 100x, but is not large. 136x shows it as oval, using a.v. 187x gives the best view. The oval is now pretty large, with a wide middle. A very faint star is F (?). At 200x the galaxy begins to fade. In photos this is a highly irregular galaxy, and I wouldn't mind another look with my upgraded eyepieces.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQAyTaWmlA4s2YS2cI_tGvk22flav-cF8vhQDpSHA6VSqXsc48GLRxj6zFGDU1ZPwNt07EhztUmCvBp-2zf2x4F-B99BzUqJxbiK6917eskU1ZPgKwfp20cRG-t-f2gqvgGYCj-5U8B_v49T7GEjwYC1cH7o157EmgHdOr7i1UaPBW2Gg6QqBlhcDpvON/s600/3509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQAyTaWmlA4s2YS2cI_tGvk22flav-cF8vhQDpSHA6VSqXsc48GLRxj6zFGDU1ZPwNt07EhztUmCvBp-2zf2x4F-B99BzUqJxbiK6917eskU1ZPgKwfp20cRG-t-f2gqvgGYCj-5U8B_v49T7GEjwYC1cH7o157EmgHdOr7i1UaPBW2Gg6QqBlhcDpvON/w400-h400/3509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3509.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3521:</u> 11'.2 x 5'.5: Vis. 9; SB 13.3: Shockingly bright at 60x, it is also very large. I enjoyed excellent views up to 250x. The galaxy appears as a very elongated oval, with a stellar core. There is a large, very bright middle, and then a bright envelope, gradually fading to the edges. This is one of the brightest galaxies in Leo, viewable in virtually all apertures. Worth many return visits. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1q7EWHX8GxLJgY88eEKwCVCZYFy5HBOOMDHj_LOnc2OiGdSqda8DAC7VTdrdx_pgtiQE4MxXKS75X1V1yAN3A-n59a3MHOuI0gJwOEKYHT_VmsIfRjA9gKN76OGD9ihtmTuY02-BFNBzk9v1vsuCwR66Fo5WZQ_2n55vXoySpsAbiv-vn6VkbAixtNes/s600/3521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1q7EWHX8GxLJgY88eEKwCVCZYFy5HBOOMDHj_LOnc2OiGdSqda8DAC7VTdrdx_pgtiQE4MxXKS75X1V1yAN3A-n59a3MHOuI0gJwOEKYHT_VmsIfRjA9gKN76OGD9ihtmTuY02-BFNBzk9v1vsuCwR66Fo5WZQ_2n55vXoySpsAbiv-vn6VkbAixtNes/w400-h400/3521.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 3521.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3535:</u> 1'.7 x 0'.8: Vis. 13.5; SB 13.7: Observed at 136x and 187x, this very faint oval was viewed best with a.v. A faint star is following.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmJp7uk3B8H3Lbo-dDd7fEP2hWRp3r3-aK0lcSIM_Mgz6DfGgIAlz4ix4uPBDfgCFf76Zd1NZj8ubSguKe4L9YZI4yx-b_HoYeq36sc6J9pW9IWJjSGvWcyhYj16aXTAMwo_bQZi7K78GcLwKPBZRLXvpdDEbTC5ipn3QzjgJuTYlI4VHZzdu3Rhq45_O/s600/3535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmJp7uk3B8H3Lbo-dDd7fEP2hWRp3r3-aK0lcSIM_Mgz6DfGgIAlz4ix4uPBDfgCFf76Zd1NZj8ubSguKe4L9YZI4yx-b_HoYeq36sc6J9pW9IWJjSGvWcyhYj16aXTAMwo_bQZi7K78GcLwKPBZRLXvpdDEbTC5ipn3QzjgJuTYlI4VHZzdu3Rhq45_O/s320/3535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>eg 3535.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3567:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.3; SB 12.76: Observed at 187x, the galaxy is bright but quite small. It was located within a triangle of 3 brighter stars, almost centre.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3580:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.3: Vis. 14; SB 12.9: Located at 136x, using a hand-drawn detailed map. It was oval, bright, and small. At 187x and 250x it is quite bright. A mag. 12 (?) star is following. The galaxy is cigar shaped, and an easy object to see, but it is small. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvj1dZihkO9jzGusaCG-SvW9Q7W3dgaEweHuykFFxkyLH51-XNZS9GW0SWRwjZPELHLglTW_JZUP03O2uprk-j9075IUSZylGeQo9oVLjFtvr6y2pOCxeGYif5eRuJr3lhPrRUHMiS2-oq0jFxqy4wF2EhzF9kY-IY7PyrIpl2JzcvYONHG8dPZ_4k_v7/s600/3580.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvj1dZihkO9jzGusaCG-SvW9Q7W3dgaEweHuykFFxkyLH51-XNZS9GW0SWRwjZPELHLglTW_JZUP03O2uprk-j9075IUSZylGeQo9oVLjFtvr6y2pOCxeGYif5eRuJr3lhPrRUHMiS2-oq0jFxqy4wF2EhzF9kY-IY7PyrIpl2JzcvYONHG8dPZ_4k_v7/s320/3580.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3580.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3601:</u> 0'.5 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.8; SB 12.1: Located at 136x, it looked like a fuzzy star. It was bright and actually a pretty good size at 187x and 250x. It proved to be an easy object for a 12" scope on a fine night.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3611:</u> 2' x 1'.6: Vis. 12.2; SB 13.3: Located at 60x and viewed up to 250x. At low to mid power it appeared round and very bright. At 250x it was now oval, and quite large with a.v. It shows a bright stellar core, a very bright middle section, and a fainter envelope.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQtT9oyJVpw4CgIN-3AMw7wmQFWWlObpoDmbxjqWSj3HA1tpX6opsuF-y4o7QJHiCcSwE3UyulrCKDZScOwJeZkySlJx9vMFiViB0wve70DsMgmip2pd0qCEJbubfZRMZqatS7I58QSY75ilgCGkIiDZboG4uDP9w7E3HLRjyPvpX5ffRY440kZ0IFJjM/s600/3611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQtT9oyJVpw4CgIN-3AMw7wmQFWWlObpoDmbxjqWSj3HA1tpX6opsuF-y4o7QJHiCcSwE3UyulrCKDZScOwJeZkySlJx9vMFiViB0wve70DsMgmip2pd0qCEJbubfZRMZqatS7I58QSY75ilgCGkIiDZboG4uDP9w7E3HLRjyPvpX5ffRY440kZ0IFJjM/s320/3611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3611.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3630:</u> 2'.1 x 0'.9: Vis. 12; SB 12.6: Located at 100x , it appears as if a bright star overlays the galaxy. At 136s the centre is very, very bright, and still seems as if it is actually a star (it isn't!). 187x gives decent views of a nice object,especially when occasional glimpses of its full length are obtained using a.v. 250x also provides a fine view.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWE6VK5dbcoHtoLQ6lWtWhRAhpOKgOHQFhjn4yO22IR64TxoR4RvDP0Qa3sOIHA0bGL6KbxHE2eHIbgIpk4J0DEi9oyR5aopkJhohZtai_kZXWQ4yTAhZzrfby3NqV_JJKTWQb_wZ6ul2B-JErsDKf4nX7GlTA32CkeHIvwPaswGu-7Y8o8wR-zW8Oo4A/s600/3630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWE6VK5dbcoHtoLQ6lWtWhRAhpOKgOHQFhjn4yO22IR64TxoR4RvDP0Qa3sOIHA0bGL6KbxHE2eHIbgIpk4J0DEi9oyR5aopkJhohZtai_kZXWQ4yTAhZzrfby3NqV_JJKTWQb_wZ6ul2B-JErsDKf4nX7GlTA32CkeHIvwPaswGu-7Y8o8wR-zW8Oo4A/s320/3630.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3630.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3633:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.5; SB 12.5: At 100x a pretty small suspicious oval patch was seen. At 136x the galaxy is now obvious, though small and pretty faint. the object was decent at view at 187x when a.v. was used. It is very elongated. Good views were also obtained using 250x and a.v.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Q_eJsJDNv0JD5QlCHIaFogFVM-94PQ7_ucTfMyzUCExob1upnd8_ZNrOYoKXIv1xnfzWG0BMCzek4aO61lK7mrEgJ5BWMZgclMksURRneRhDna6z2e4Wu1JxOIh0whMblTqGXr4XG2ze2VBnod_BieWGFzNIg8Q0q17t-hgTZ3kqrD-Kt0v7wWsBfbR/s600/3633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8Q_eJsJDNv0JD5QlCHIaFogFVM-94PQ7_ucTfMyzUCExob1upnd8_ZNrOYoKXIv1xnfzWG0BMCzek4aO61lK7mrEgJ5BWMZgclMksURRneRhDna6z2e4Wu1JxOIh0whMblTqGXr4XG2ze2VBnod_BieWGFzNIg8Q0q17t-hgTZ3kqrD-Kt0v7wWsBfbR/s320/3633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3633.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3640:</u> 4' x 3'.2: Vis. 10.4; SB 13.2: A pair with 3641. Located at 85x, 40 is very large, very bright, and slightly oval. I stopped down to 8" of aperture and enjoyed a fine view as well. At 12" and 85x 3641 was glimpsed. At 136x the galaxy becomes very very large, showing a big and bright centre, and a fainter but still pretty bright envelope. 3641 could be seen in this range using 8", but it was considerably smaller than viewed at 12". At 187x and 12", 41 shows a brighter centre with fainter outer haze. It is round, and there is notable separation from 3640. At 250x and 375x both galaxies remain bright. I noted a possible variation in brightness in some areas of 40's outer envelope. A real showpiece!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3641:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.9: Vis. 13.2; SB 13. A pair with 3640. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjyFMKKqvieauI8RUsLfNb0IJREOiC1XqYG9Uv7fIxs6vWC-spf0otLZgkgcedmQqm9tPJIM_ABK1uDevNAr8HJvDAjyr4WHXijjvVRr9-k2vVUhASm-Sk_iBmgr3_92qfCYoP1o6t5K6donLMuIKUA6JNUnKBCTQNsI4ddi-rj2r1kK0dK0kHrnK84gE/s600/3640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjyFMKKqvieauI8RUsLfNb0IJREOiC1XqYG9Uv7fIxs6vWC-spf0otLZgkgcedmQqm9tPJIM_ABK1uDevNAr8HJvDAjyr4WHXijjvVRr9-k2vVUhASm-Sk_iBmgr3_92qfCYoP1o6t5K6donLMuIKUA6JNUnKBCTQNsI4ddi-rj2r1kK0dK0kHrnK84gE/s320/3640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3640 (centre) and 3641, south of it.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3643:</u> 1'.2 x 0'.8: Vis. 14; SB 13.9: At 187x this galaxy is small and faint, but quite oval. There is a faint star SF. Views are slightly better at 250x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3644:</u> 1'.5 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.7; SB 13.6: I had a lot of difficulty finding this galaxy. I finally glimpsed it like a small shadow just N of a faint star, itself N of other stars of note. Seen at 187x, 200x, and 250x with a.v. only. It is very small, oval, very faint, and even the dim star S of it dampens its appearance. It was a painful way to end an otherwise productive and fun night of observing.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3645:</u> 0'.6 x 0'.6: Vis. 14.3; SB 13.5: There is some controversy here, with many sources claiming that this is the same object as eg 3630. Unranometria instead plots this extremely faint, small, round object as the one and only. Viewed with a.v. at 200x and 250x, it forms the apex of a triangle with two stars F, one N and one F.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxE9uXlWE7hWzzCOgsB-BApNlckfyZmtvx-AAoxRIapbSpS2XhpeuOZJWNpWVksycBTlm2g_ZwxWGLGoVc6_fzAnt3WSNWWb9rRHXco_hchGM_cRaXnVCVUVX7XHg16xzy6d6RSIclIYDZGkuAP-7eVA9m54unOnSD3fAEihwINhfj_RXfEspmHBju8j/s600/3645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxE9uXlWE7hWzzCOgsB-BApNlckfyZmtvx-AAoxRIapbSpS2XhpeuOZJWNpWVksycBTlm2g_ZwxWGLGoVc6_fzAnt3WSNWWb9rRHXco_hchGM_cRaXnVCVUVX7XHg16xzy6d6RSIclIYDZGkuAP-7eVA9m54unOnSD3fAEihwINhfj_RXfEspmHBju8j/s320/3645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>3645 is at centre. Note the triangle with two stars, one N and one F.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3647:</u> 0'.3 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.6; SB 12.1: The sighting of this tiny faint galaxy at 200x and 250x completes a group of 7 that include 3630, 3640, 3641, 3643, 3644, and 3645! This night I was able to review the other six quite easily, though 43, 44, and 45 are also very tricky. 47 is small, faint, hazy, and F a somewhat brighter star. This star may, in fact, be another galaxy.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3664:</u> 2'.1 x 1'.9: Vis. 12.8; SB 14: A pair with 3666A. 64 is faint and elusive at 84x, but somewhat better at 136x. It is very elongated at this power. It then seems to become more round at 187x and 250x. While not difficult to see, it is quite faint. It is pretty large, with one area being brighter (the oval shape at 136x?). 3664A was first confirmed at 375x, being very faint and possibly round, but "broken" on one side.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3664A:</u> 1'.1 x 1': Vis. 14.3; SB 14.2: A pair with eg 3664. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxpdwumi9dvP7Zu9UZ4OSts4-vf_YzjVNQvwfY2KiP5Ok_brboGt5WHfSa9RVC92WH1NI5peQgV-NLeGdF4dVhit056mv_1xDCnWFINuvbNPSlk1ZBPA5fCPErgWnhPNnNmPS9nu9g4q0ZWy7qH96cWhHtt9fl3tnIUkqNQCE7qq2Sb3DFpQyAsKMVlMa/s600/3664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxpdwumi9dvP7Zu9UZ4OSts4-vf_YzjVNQvwfY2KiP5Ok_brboGt5WHfSa9RVC92WH1NI5peQgV-NLeGdF4dVhit056mv_1xDCnWFINuvbNPSlk1ZBPA5fCPErgWnhPNnNmPS9nu9g4q0ZWy7qH96cWhHtt9fl3tnIUkqNQCE7qq2Sb3DFpQyAsKMVlMa/s320/3664.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3664 is at centre, with 64A S. C39-173 is in the </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>lower right corner, not observed.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3662:</u> 1'.3 x 0'.8: Vis. 12.9; SB 13: Located at 84x. At 136x a stellar core is noted, and the galaxy becomes elongated. It seems pretty small, but it is fairly bright. At 187x and 250x I had good views. It is now a good size, with a very bright centre. A faint star is S.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3679:</u> 1' x 0'.8: Vis. 14.2; SB 13.3: Located at 187x, this one required a hand-drawn pinpoint map to locate. With this tool it is not a difficult object to see. A faint star is N. At 250x things are considerably better. It seems quite oval, and though ghostly it can be seen well.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7kRpQxsIamb4L8bIEkX5wrAyCdjk-OpUc5SZd0nGyqLNdrGsxWqdS6xd9ceJjWHsWaT3YSPbvJdpqPxNZcy5pe-h7dx63Sz5yJoCRg_4ksBZPvihAferWpxUtFggsnzxN6w3_6aUgSSTozs4J6mKDY4bC98ybDJS4kv2-8TcYtoiyQH3km6S7n9XYxJr/s600/3679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7kRpQxsIamb4L8bIEkX5wrAyCdjk-OpUc5SZd0nGyqLNdrGsxWqdS6xd9ceJjWHsWaT3YSPbvJdpqPxNZcy5pe-h7dx63Sz5yJoCRg_4ksBZPvihAferWpxUtFggsnzxN6w3_6aUgSSTozs4J6mKDY4bC98ybDJS4kv2-8TcYtoiyQH3km6S7n9XYxJr/s320/3679.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3679.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p><b> </b><br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-91257493824631487502024-01-18T17:55:00.006-05:002024-01-29T10:47:19.758-05:00#144: Leo Deep Sky Part 5: Unranometria Chart #91, Right Side<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Leo shares Chart 91 with Virgo and Coma Berenices. Coma observations are in progress again this Spring. I have yet to undertake Virgo. For now here is more Leo. These observations were made with a 12" Dobsonian telescope between 2013-19. This page completes the mid-section of the constellation. Lower and upper areas will soon appear here as well. Photos are from NASA.gov.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3691:</u> 1'.3 x 1': Vis. 11.8; SB 11.9: This object looks good on paper, but isn't very interesting to actually see. For one thing it's pretty small. Only about half the stated size is seen. Located at 136x, it is small, round, and somewhat bright. At 187x it is actually quite dim (?), and best seen with a.v. It is larger, though.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3692:</u> 3'.2 x 0'.7: Vis. 12.1; SB 12.9: Located at 84x as a small slash. At 136x it is pretty bright, though not very long. 187x and 250x give good views. I allowed the object to pass across the field of view. It resembles a silent flying saucer! A faint star is NF.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFxP9vIiyI9lCi0ZZLSh_RX1GNw4be5Ji7s2Ed33Dpw7EqxHIL13APQ5VD5EGahWzk4W4JJ_cKZ6_d0yjZ9FD6alSaT_nHRpv-1VCjKA01HfnjtkFIJlvYfEXVEdgwObhKnp4dnIHZuL__N07rYSzxVBCl8P856r6G3DowO__sf2qXxDjsssDdX3YuctP/s600/3692.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFxP9vIiyI9lCi0ZZLSh_RX1GNw4be5Ji7s2Ed33Dpw7EqxHIL13APQ5VD5EGahWzk4W4JJ_cKZ6_d0yjZ9FD6alSaT_nHRpv-1VCjKA01HfnjtkFIJlvYfEXVEdgwObhKnp4dnIHZuL__N07rYSzxVBCl8P856r6G3DowO__sf2qXxDjsssDdX3YuctP/s320/3692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3692.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3705:</u> 4'.9 x 2': Vis. 11.1; SB 13.4: Located easily at 84x, the galaxy is much larger and brighter than its neighbour 3692. 136x shows it as a fine object. It is very elongated, has a very bright middle, and is large. Good views at 187x, 200x, 250x, and 272x show a very bright core with a wide layer of envelope surrounding it. It resembles a mini-Andromeda galaxy. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-fVlWMJ2YnhyphenhyphenzC2NSY-QuNB5ux9V1tVnBjsQyvKw9AHMySK_xofF9MQJkfRvReTAJgBYDkYHPhhjGyNovXYJzm2LkJrZcsmL6Rz6Pm0Xs53fhp-fqzrV1HS-Z6l1mcXpLJIBN7iDzy9lsoNzLPtEZH_S4q9UsyZt3UAQbkHPQY_5sj2-a6TYkdYBijST/s600/3705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-fVlWMJ2YnhyphenhyphenzC2NSY-QuNB5ux9V1tVnBjsQyvKw9AHMySK_xofF9MQJkfRvReTAJgBYDkYHPhhjGyNovXYJzm2LkJrZcsmL6Rz6Pm0Xs53fhp-fqzrV1HS-Z6l1mcXpLJIBN7iDzy9lsoNzLPtEZH_S4q9UsyZt3UAQbkHPQY_5sj2-a6TYkdYBijST/s320/3705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3705.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3731:</u> 1' x 0'.9: Vis. 13.9; SB 13.7: Located at 136x, I noticed a tiny hazy patch M of a faint star. 187x and 250x reveal a stellar core, then a pretty bright central area, but still small. It was round.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3773:</u><i> </i>1'.2 x 1': Vis. 12; SB 12.1: Suspected at 100x, at 136x the galaxy is small and very bright. The stellar core makes any surrounding envelope too difficult to see. There is some ovalness at 187x, and the core is very bright. Elongation is more evident at 250x; it is still very bright.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3767:</u> 1' x 0'.9: Vis./SB 13.5: This galaxy is very small at 126x. 187x shows a stellar core with a small envelope. 250x shows a bright core with the envelope seen best with a.v.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3764:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.7: Vis 14.7; SB 14: A pair with eg 3768, below. 68 was located at 100x, being small, oval, and bright. At 136x through 250x it maintains a very bright stellar core, making the much fainter envelope a challenge. It is about 1/2 of the published size in my scope. 3764 was seen at 136x, just NP 68. It is much smaller and much fainter. 250x shows a distinct stellar core with a.v.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3768:</u> 1'.6 x 0'.9: Vis. 12.4; SB 12.7: See 3764, above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-BNTKJNhzqTiTBNDimYmcL-g4t8iTgherKQkb_UegFpN7l3vRN4JM8rB7BmqXXGW_wP6WfmcxWUlwPnb0YuEapsemvfIlqH-r4-yTAa-e-aa7oHvj2D1EVN3keDmXN-Q9TKLtY0dqxAkGeJM9zJkBHXNP9Ro_TB7EPVnZSFtWbKbR2YFJJAfiKcG1Fa7/s600/3764.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-BNTKJNhzqTiTBNDimYmcL-g4t8iTgherKQkb_UegFpN7l3vRN4JM8rB7BmqXXGW_wP6WfmcxWUlwPnb0YuEapsemvfIlqH-r4-yTAa-e-aa7oHvj2D1EVN3keDmXN-Q9TKLtY0dqxAkGeJM9zJkBHXNP9Ro_TB7EPVnZSFtWbKbR2YFJJAfiKcG1Fa7/s320/3764.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3764 is at centre. 3768 is SF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3790:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.3: Vis. 13.9; SB 12.6: Located at 136x, the galaxy appears very small, very elongated, and P a mag. 8 star. At 187x and 250x it is still small, but views are somewhat improved. See photo below.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3801:</u> 2'.5 x 1'.6: Vis. 12; SB 13.4: A triplet with eg 3802 and 3803. 01 is the best of 5 galaxies in the immediate vicinity. Viewed at 84x through 250x, it remained bright, very large, and oval. It was easy to see at all magnifications. 02 lies just N, also easily seen at 136x. It is oval, pretty large and bright, and P a faint star. 03 was viewed at 187x and 250x. It is small, round, and N of 02, just off-line P 01 and 02. This makes a nice triplet for a 12" scope!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3802:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.3: Vis. 13.3; SB 12: Part of a triplet. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3803:</u> 0'.4 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.6: Part of a triplet. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFsYyLgu2CEBBo4UFIgBKZLoZnxJJ9HBE1UAurFzplSTIPi8Z_RomTKuBayvCX0UXQEOalV73ugjrN0y3VhyY8n-uLf1OirhGmmvZar31EgMMlwKr5clD87LbVDpODTjlEvUZsxSs0iFEaWtmzQu4LEK_-b0NVHA030MqlDueC1Ls4NaX5CA45gdDSkCH/s600/3801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFsYyLgu2CEBBo4UFIgBKZLoZnxJJ9HBE1UAurFzplSTIPi8Z_RomTKuBayvCX0UXQEOalV73ugjrN0y3VhyY8n-uLf1OirhGmmvZar31EgMMlwKr5clD87LbVDpODTjlEvUZsxSs0iFEaWtmzQu4LEK_-b0NVHA030MqlDueC1Ls4NaX5CA45gdDSkCH/w640-h640/3801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>eg 3801 in centre. N of it is 3802, and N of it is 3803. eg 3806 is in upper left. eg 3790 is right centre.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3806:</u> 2'.2 x 1'.8: Vis. 13.8; SB 14.9: The most difficult of 5 close galaxies, this very elusive beast is located N of a mag. 9.5 star. A much fainter star is S of the galaxy, and the object is just off-line (slightly F) with the two stars. I saw it only with a.v. at 187x and 250x, and only the brighter central area. However, on a final sweep of the area I was able to glimpse all 5 galaxies at 136x, including this one! See above photo.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3799:</u> 0'.7 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.9; SB 12.4: A pair with eg 3800. Both galaxies were seen at 100x. 3800 is very bright and very elongated. A pair of dim stars is S and SF. Both galaxies are easy to see with a.v., with 99 appearing oval. Views are good up to 250x. In detailed photos the galaxies are interacting, but in the eyepiece there is a tiny bit of dark sky in between them.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3800:</u> 2' x 0'.6: V/SB 12.7: A pair with eg 3799. See above, and photo below.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmgR8JuzQQAReU09LSms7DAqxN-UX4F8TShOusEY6Kk66oP4ul7LJCxgNa_OCMsHezwXf3_D5AnwNVlTtN1eFoNqwEXTSU3Q2s_LUcLnbMpTpi7JJTFP8TPwCYhaO9nYQ5uC8opNwqTXLO_D3iZ_nbA9Eh5zgpXAy9MVCj7-1Z5IFbolkO_pfx9yYeoxh/s600/3799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmgR8JuzQQAReU09LSms7DAqxN-UX4F8TShOusEY6Kk66oP4ul7LJCxgNa_OCMsHezwXf3_D5AnwNVlTtN1eFoNqwEXTSU3Q2s_LUcLnbMpTpi7JJTFP8TPwCYhaO9nYQ5uC8opNwqTXLO_D3iZ_nbA9Eh5zgpXAy9MVCj7-1Z5IFbolkO_pfx9yYeoxh/w400-h400/3799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>Interacting pair eg 3799, centre, and eg 3800, NF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>eg 3828:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.5: Vis. 14.8; SB 13.7: Using a hand-drawn detailed map,this tiny and faint galaxy was finally observed at 136x, NP a faint star. At 187x and 250x it appears oval. It is pretty small, faint, but shows a faint stellar core.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>eg 3853:</u> 1'.7 x 1': Vis. 12.4; SB 13: Located at 100x, the galaxy was also viewed well at 136x and 187x. It is very elongated, very bright, and shows a stellar core. It is easy to find, and certainly worth a look.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>eg 3933:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.6: Vis. 13.6; SB 12: A pair with 3934, below. 33 is very faint at 187x, though it is pretty large and oval. 34 can be seen well at 136x and 187x. It is round, pretty bright, and a pair of stars is N.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>eg 3934:</u> 1'.1 x 1': V/SB 13.6: A pair with 3933, above. See photo below.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rj9BE8b2pSUql59RhpGRDYQRIgClAz-XtBaZ_CklXxx6v2bp2gfffPQmhgyfMvzT9oFHfk5CKpb3P8ZtTRN3zXkgROzxvbA1GgN2r8PN9LEyksfGdYjk38zI6yXREuvOLvj8C24E5Wto8bkQ-s6z0izbICKlJRimu6oWTX0mUxiFPDMhK4kOJBYIk5Qz/s600/3933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rj9BE8b2pSUql59RhpGRDYQRIgClAz-XtBaZ_CklXxx6v2bp2gfffPQmhgyfMvzT9oFHfk5CKpb3P8ZtTRN3zXkgROzxvbA1GgN2r8PN9LEyksfGdYjk38zI6yXREuvOLvj8C24E5Wto8bkQ-s6z0izbICKlJRimu6oWTX0mUxiFPDMhK4kOJBYIk5Qz/s320/3933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3934 is in centre. 3933 is NF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3996:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.5; SB 12.8: located at 100x, there are 2 faint stars F and SF the galaxy. At 136x and 187x the galaxy is pretty faint, and not that small. It seems to be very oval. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3872:</u> 1'.9 x 1'.2: Vis. 11.7; SB 12.6: Located at 100x, it was easy to find, bright, and oval. At 136x the galaxy is very attractive, making a triangle with 2 bright stars as the base. Views are good up to 250x.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviDFFjrXNA1XTVUTqSmc-1r6O8miOmRQ9NUbYe0HrwbBbddMoJL7cFo8NcFASvLZHahQrCh69fB3wlmiMB-NE_4psDae7PrKUvsQE7fsAU272goaXwqAcM94okD44F6gaKii3cSVNnYaotqtWnzGFU4dpTydxvTwmK6FHdtJ4flDNc-qx08isA52_YydK/s600/3872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviDFFjrXNA1XTVUTqSmc-1r6O8miOmRQ9NUbYe0HrwbBbddMoJL7cFo8NcFASvLZHahQrCh69fB3wlmiMB-NE_4psDae7PrKUvsQE7fsAU272goaXwqAcM94okD44F6gaKii3cSVNnYaotqtWnzGFU4dpTydxvTwmK6FHdtJ4flDNc-qx08isA52_YydK/s320/3872.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3872.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>UGC 6758:</u> 1'.8 x 1'.7: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.9: Easy to find not far F eg 3872. It seems oval at 187x, and is near a mag. 13 star. It is much fainter than 3872, by at least a magnitude.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3908:</u> 0'.4 x 0'.4: Vis. 15; SB 13.9: Viewed at 187x and 250x, and located using a pinpoint map. The galaxy appears stellar and very faint. Some round envelope might have been seen, but not confirmed. It is the only object in that location. A ridiculous inclusion to the NGC. It lies within Abell 1390.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3968:</u> 2'.7 x 1'.9: Vis. 11.8; SB 13.4: A pair with eg 3973. Located at 100x, there is a bright star just F. 3 fainter stars are N. The galaxy has a pretty bright centre, showing a stellar core and considerable surrounding haze, itself very faint and best seen with a.v. at 187x and 250x. 3973 was not seen the first night.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3973:</u> 0'.6 x 0'.3: Vis. 15; SB 13: A pair with 3968, above. It is difficult to see due to its proximity to a mag. 9.8 star. It sits just 0'.7 N of it. It is very small at 200x, and only glimpses of it are seen with a.v. The stellar core shows well at 272x.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3JIZvfb-xvPu5EzRO-lBeCAJrXcE42ARWhm6XQV2LNncqMp9a5PXqxPYJQSjyEkc6TbTuQ7js_sra80A4SHznABOAdbcW192lAAt8Dg4tJ2u7Po-AhITWKCNan5I67HuCTR3ia2AjY16jxOIcAn3mALbtyAviOEQ4kDFS3DKVbz3mj40aCoK0_3T7lYr/s600/3968.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3JIZvfb-xvPu5EzRO-lBeCAJrXcE42ARWhm6XQV2LNncqMp9a5PXqxPYJQSjyEkc6TbTuQ7js_sra80A4SHznABOAdbcW192lAAt8Dg4tJ2u7Po-AhITWKCNan5I67HuCTR3ia2AjY16jxOIcAn3mALbtyAviOEQ4kDFS3DKVbz3mj40aCoK0_3T7lYr/s320/3968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3968 is at centre. 3973 is NF, above a mag. 9.8 star.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3810:</u> 4'.3 x 3': Vis. 10.8; SB 13.4: Located easily at 60x, the galaxy is already large and bright. It appears round up to 100x, but at 136x it begins to resolve as oval with a.v. At 187x and 250x the galaxy is very bright and very large. No real detail can be discerned; the object seems evenly lit. A faint but notable triangle of stars is S. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt_RFlWNpMb_J2RGNNraeyMRHnjpxx9yWr2yuTaUCNLxEs64tmmHH4Hpfkb2UfY2vuIP-7qBgFA_7f1kfWLjlZHc1XuzGYgyJM2vK2uymMEM8mzMBC_FLt12tXXI0HGfXPMm0AzJAmdjocPmMdul_C8cBp1DJ300MiVSxgtpfiby02G18B9QHhyu8fWNI/s600/3810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXt_RFlWNpMb_J2RGNNraeyMRHnjpxx9yWr2yuTaUCNLxEs64tmmHH4Hpfkb2UfY2vuIP-7qBgFA_7f1kfWLjlZHc1XuzGYgyJM2vK2uymMEM8mzMBC_FLt12tXXI0HGfXPMm0AzJAmdjocPmMdul_C8cBp1DJ300MiVSxgtpfiby02G18B9QHhyu8fWNI/s320/3810.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3810.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3817:</u> 1' x 0'.9: Vis. 13.3; SB 13.1: Part of a quintet of galaxies, two of which are in Virgo and not discussed here. eg 3819 and 3820 are in Leo. The two Virgo galaxies (eg 3822 and 3825) are bright and are the first to show up, helping me identify the Leo members. The Leo ones are hampered by a mag. 11 star just N of 3817. That galaxy appears oval at 100x and 136x. It is smaller and a bit fainter than the 2 Virgo ones,which are just SF. 3819 follows the mag. 11 star, and is N of 3822 in Virgo. The galaxy is easy to see, and half the size of 3817 at 187x. 3820 is the most difficult one to see, lying a bit N of 3819. At 187x it is ghostly with a.v., and shows a faint stellar core.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3819:</u> 0'.6 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.8; SB 12.6: See 3817, above.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3820:</u> o'.5 x 0'.4: Vis. 14.5; SB 12.7: See 3817, above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq1V6uwACLtapQrm5dWQllFKBE8pVVOoqnYmy4eizmncwvWl4_69mi74sDrWCsOfa7Hd3HTJSDn5P91so-t10HS8MC_CpckAkOjTY4uIMryuayh52qJAkQRsQK38x81nu4fCKezSyh-LsxclIPcaQ3e3ZMX-SvmKJHTkLsnW1q4hx_NUkMyrxOf6alWHI/s600/3819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq1V6uwACLtapQrm5dWQllFKBE8pVVOoqnYmy4eizmncwvWl4_69mi74sDrWCsOfa7Hd3HTJSDn5P91so-t10HS8MC_CpckAkOjTY4uIMryuayh52qJAkQRsQK38x81nu4fCKezSyh-LsxclIPcaQ3e3ZMX-SvmKJHTkLsnW1q4hx_NUkMyrxOf6alWHI/w640-h640/3819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>3819 is at centre. 3820 is N, while 3817 is P, beneath a mag. 11 star. Two bright Virgo galaxies are also close by, 3822 and 3825.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3839:</u> 1' x 0'.5: Vis. 13.5; SB 12.6: This galaxy is pretty small, showing a bright centre and a stellar core. It was observed at 187x and 250x, SF 2 faint stars, and N of a brighter one.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3869:</u> 1'.9 x 0'.5: Vis. 12.8; SB 12.5: Located at 100x, the galaxy is very bright, very elongated, and pretty large. 136x, 187x, and 250x give good views with a.v. The galaxy follows a bright star, with 2 fainter ones NF. It remains bright and easy to see at high power. Another "flying saucer" galaxy!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeCIAx2EpCk6E-zVnGQSDUwLDgyLl4fKb09ZzyPMdNKZaYlHUyQE1xBNBdOGCB8HR3CiZX7OF8RbtuPXkAYISTXFFxuigG8iedd8DkOI3HoafHwl8q0w0tyIhp-H8YNIn393KRC8GzsVtoaJV-LefqaTRd3bJYbTuo8GBJ64HFig9PA2S7-1vpCdIGeTL/s600/3869.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeCIAx2EpCk6E-zVnGQSDUwLDgyLl4fKb09ZzyPMdNKZaYlHUyQE1xBNBdOGCB8HR3CiZX7OF8RbtuPXkAYISTXFFxuigG8iedd8DkOI3HoafHwl8q0w0tyIhp-H8YNIn393KRC8GzsVtoaJV-LefqaTRd3bJYbTuo8GBJ64HFig9PA2S7-1vpCdIGeTL/s320/3869.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3869.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Leo reports will continue in the next blog.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> <br /></b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><p><b> </b> <br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-55239893013781038982024-01-15T20:41:00.005-05:002024-01-29T10:47:04.992-05:00#143: Leo Deep Sky Part 4: Unranometria Chart #92, Left Side<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I am observing with a 12" Dob. There are an awful of NGC galaxies on Chart 92, left side. Bear with me as I pass on my observations of them. This page includes M 105 and its pair of attendant galaxies, as well as the justly famous Leo Triplet. I will begin at the bottom of the page with NGC 3441, which virtually sits on the ecliptic. From there I will zig-zag north on the right half of the (left) page. The observations are mostly from 2013-2017.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3441:</u> 0'.7 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.6; SB 12.1: The galaxy is easy to spot at 136x. It is very oval, and close to a mag. 14 star. It is brighter and full-size at 187x. Views are still good at 250x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3462:</u> 1'.7 x 1'.2: Vis. 12.2; SB 12.8: Noted at 60x, the galaxy appears small and faint. At 100x it is now oval, with a bright centre. At 136x the galaxy is quite bright, and pretty large using a.v. A faint star is S. At 187x and 250x the galaxy is quite small but bright using direct vision. using a.v., however, enlarges the object considerably, to a mid-size oval with a very bright centre. the centre itself is pretty large, with a fainter outer envelope.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kZMXDeGO9yNpNCGzYTnm0mJ_kIMo2nVSGQb6ztcMZxdlUvEr1rkB7SgJCbCFdrmlewlTd92_5fIQmtvCQHWrtAiM3MYr9TYzzbRBGhoNUlfdVL7Lwwsd1TDnvW-8ZbZ3-aS_Xh-yW5PcTJH7Od97b8ftRmZ2Eg-sTev-5rHME1AvNyxyuVfRiKTOkvP/s600/3462.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kZMXDeGO9yNpNCGzYTnm0mJ_kIMo2nVSGQb6ztcMZxdlUvEr1rkB7SgJCbCFdrmlewlTd92_5fIQmtvCQHWrtAiM3MYr9TYzzbRBGhoNUlfdVL7Lwwsd1TDnvW-8ZbZ3-aS_Xh-yW5PcTJH7Od97b8ftRmZ2Eg-sTev-5rHME1AvNyxyuVfRiKTOkvP/s320/3462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3462.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3427:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.2; SB 12.4: Observed at 136x, 187x, and 250x. At 136x it is small, faint, and oval. It is brighter at 187x, but only the central oval is seen well. 250x shows an extended object, pretty bright, using a.v.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOrRUy82xxc1UQbaYXY39ygDFuEhuJh-DApu7SAEmCKzUQhXbpxp2sFCJkQv1Mi5PTC0serEmRCooa3QKUICdjtkSQPLeZj_p3LU_QR99rvj6RUp1ufOHVWeqjm6kr1jqfcddHhjuKE8j9O5LFfFLWD4A6iYT0ZbqgEM-QZ900k_8F-OPoY0g1ieH3cD0/s600/3427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOrRUy82xxc1UQbaYXY39ygDFuEhuJh-DApu7SAEmCKzUQhXbpxp2sFCJkQv1Mi5PTC0serEmRCooa3QKUICdjtkSQPLeZj_p3LU_QR99rvj6RUp1ufOHVWeqjm6kr1jqfcddHhjuKE8j9O5LFfFLWD4A6iYT0ZbqgEM-QZ900k_8F-OPoY0g1ieH3cD0/s320/3427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3427.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3417:</u> 0'.7 0'.4: Vis. 14.6; SB 13.1: At 250x this is a very small oval patch SP eg 3425 and a small stellar asterism. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3425:</u> 1' x 1': Vis. 13.1; SB 13: Viewed at 136x and 187x, the galaxy has a bright stellar centre. It appears small, bright, and fuzzy. At 250x it is round and distinct. It lies north and between two distinct stars, part of a small asterism.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3439:</u> 0'.6 x 0'.4: Vis. 14.3; SB 12.6: Elusive, tiny, and ghostly at 187x and 250x. The galaxy makes a triangle with two faint stars, with the galaxy P the north/south stars.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3428:</u> 1'.5 x 0'.7: Vis. and SB 13.1: (Note--most catalogues equate 3428 and 3429 as the same object. However, Uranometria does show two galaxies. I have only seen 28). Observed at 136x and 187x, I noticed a bright central area with fainter envelope elongation. The two very bright stars nearby (mag. 7.5 and 8) made initial viewing difficult. At 250x the galaxy is petty large and very elongated.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGKc5ll8TR7gGQmoe-OPfPrgCU1kYRyGq4ykB6-2WLYfgA9suA8ZvaecaRjuc24K5_CgQ4VrYOyoLdtVhoOEEE8RlvYwYMiM6llaYVHAWUPCoYdAVK0_gTbzJZ0baAvppgZ9EkpOkC79I99LCzFIsrRMIe2Mh4XOMc868WsjyUlIpTehVFU7CYg9wOHcB/s600/3428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGKc5ll8TR7gGQmoe-OPfPrgCU1kYRyGq4ykB6-2WLYfgA9suA8ZvaecaRjuc24K5_CgQ4VrYOyoLdtVhoOEEE8RlvYwYMiM6llaYVHAWUPCoYdAVK0_gTbzJZ0baAvppgZ9EkpOkC79I99LCzFIsrRMIe2Mh4XOMc868WsjyUlIpTehVFU7CYg9wOHcB/s320/3428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3428 is at centre. 3429 is the tiny haze preceding it, N of the last bright star. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I have only observed 28.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>UGC 6062:</u> 1'.4 x 0'.7: Vis. 12.8; SB 12.6: Viewed at 136x, 187x, and 250x, the galaxy is pretty bright and oval. I estimated its size (I had no field info at the time, but just took a random chance at finding it) at 1'.2 x o'.9. A bit off! A much better object than either eg 3476 and 3477, both just NP.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3476:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.8; SB 13.2: A pair with eg 3477, below. Both galaxies can be seen at 136x, and remain in the field at higher power, too. A faint star is near them. 76 is pretty faint but not a difficult object to locate. It can be seen best using a.v.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3477:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.8; SB 13.2: A pair with 3476, above. 77 is more oval than 76, and has a brighter centre. Both can be seen even at 187x and 250x.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNn2ZSyyxt0nfhMqNj_wnIdTn5k6DZCL69-LBUK4_mJZChAPWm1s0uuNSlpOX0t4SOt87iruSt9hARIe0Wk535HG9DSZRhoZpuib-yhz649katrfdcS6VQRAb7PeFFBcpWzRIo3O5A9mKMVxTMNVrs5JpWLkSJB2U8JN0P_504rMuNANzu6jL181ullxE/s600/3476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNn2ZSyyxt0nfhMqNj_wnIdTn5k6DZCL69-LBUK4_mJZChAPWm1s0uuNSlpOX0t4SOt87iruSt9hARIe0Wk535HG9DSZRhoZpuib-yhz649katrfdcS6VQRAb7PeFFBcpWzRIo3O5A9mKMVxTMNVrs5JpWLkSJB2U8JN0P_504rMuNANzu6jL181ullxE/s320/3476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3476 is at centre; 3477 is SF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3490</u>: 0'.5 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.8; SB 12.4: These little galaxies are a favourite with me; I love hunting them down. This one was located at 187x, using hand drawn chart. It is a tricky object! Though a bit easier to view at 200x, it still requires a.v. and good experience. It is NP a very faint star. It becomes much easier to see at 250x, though it is still not an easy object. It is small, round, faint, and hazy.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3466</u>: 1' x 0'.6: Vis. 13.6; SB 12.9: A pair with 3467, below. Both galaxies were located at 100x, and seen well at 136x. 66 is elongated, and has a brighter centre. 67 is round, also with a bright middle. A nice pair at 187x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3467</u>: 0'.8 x 0'.8: Vis. 13.4; SB 12.9: See 3466, above. Fun to see with a 12" and good transparency.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWP0b4QRw1wEUG47nIxqYODpJtZzZLIF6YZ_N6_nUZKa-xpcgK-2zyKBATSb3oVlnuBFXiZixjXhLaafo_txVaF6R3CO2ndIcrrGfJCWp4PMe1tnhPugAZEjs0sIwfIHwyF4cPMmRHE8Dj8L6TtOzsx35_i7k6hfMrON7pYeYGTTRj8fnqs3Ea4i0vyrU/s600/3466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWP0b4QRw1wEUG47nIxqYODpJtZzZLIF6YZ_N6_nUZKa-xpcgK-2zyKBATSb3oVlnuBFXiZixjXhLaafo_txVaF6R3CO2ndIcrrGfJCWp4PMe1tnhPugAZEjs0sIwfIHwyF4cPMmRHE8Dj8L6TtOzsx35_i7k6hfMrON7pYeYGTTRj8fnqs3Ea4i0vyrU/w400-h400/3466.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 3466 is at centre. 3467 is towards the left (F) edge.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3433:</u> 3'.5 x 3'.3: Vis. 11.6; SB 14: Located a bit P a mag. 9.5 star. the galaxy was noted at 100x. Better at 136x, it was also seen at 187x. It is very large, oval, and has a very slightly brighter centre. I tried to relocate it later, after chasing my wind-blown dew cap, but was unsuccessful.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KajbWouDRo7FTsLe1sUVaG6PLmw0BwyP_r-0Gy44uO5y-A-DlDtHGmuLnopa4JHEBWp6UOIa8HyQzsYL9dSglVo0675Gs4YArfF2eG30y1n0imKARQr2rkSw76jqLEPtk6vQ1gImg6g4TiC8qF_GarOlXRvA8AfayBBThyphenhyphen_A4Jkl6xPI7jZgeQGEQ1lK/s600/3433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KajbWouDRo7FTsLe1sUVaG6PLmw0BwyP_r-0Gy44uO5y-A-DlDtHGmuLnopa4JHEBWp6UOIa8HyQzsYL9dSglVo0675Gs4YArfF2eG30y1n0imKARQr2rkSw76jqLEPtk6vQ1gImg6g4TiC8qF_GarOlXRvA8AfayBBThyphenhyphen_A4Jkl6xPI7jZgeQGEQ1lK/s320/3433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3433.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3444:</u> 1' x 0'.2: Vis. 14.7; SB 12.8: Glimpsed at 187x, I saw a very small, faint slash, perhaps 0'. 5 x 0'.1? Except for a brisk wind, the sky was exceptionally transparent. Good luck to you if you try this!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNCX6HxTl6RYeNYt9Agae3N7NEqSzgL6A4FyFqrWNxIeJW0w9qdJ3oSAGQuWtiAdhsGyJS1RMVEJuOenKjFvbsUPHKA_Rgv8z3NgIHPFEXS9ZDYcQQrYcLZuP8bbLNjWEFdkGIsWBQRSdsEZeUhgvvIfrhX16BU_1jCHhPOSKtrzsqBVR7Oh8Ex-ibQpu/s600/3444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNCX6HxTl6RYeNYt9Agae3N7NEqSzgL6A4FyFqrWNxIeJW0w9qdJ3oSAGQuWtiAdhsGyJS1RMVEJuOenKjFvbsUPHKA_Rgv8z3NgIHPFEXS9ZDYcQQrYcLZuP8bbLNjWEFdkGIsWBQRSdsEZeUhgvvIfrhX16BU_1jCHhPOSKtrzsqBVR7Oh8Ex-ibQpu/s320/3444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3444.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3438:</u> 0.8 x 0.8: Vis. 13.4; SB 12.8: Located at 100x, using a detailed hand drawn map, the galaxy is quite small and hazy. AT 136x it is small, but the centre is bright. A mag 14 star is just SF. At 187x the envelope around the bright middle is much fainter. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhaTyobU0hJ18lK7h-ARhb5RjtvsV6dWOwjThrh5rQxDh9XxqEsprEa1Lostq3y_RXqaTNWO-Yw7iYjs01ZNB3cjCYwFy5DkuerJUmO254MjZrZhetF66Cj7yiF5oab55QYHGeTrEfKMGeS18CasJUlWKPfA8lpyP5xJMruz2TwEKI65n5obPihnQHti3/s600/3438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhaTyobU0hJ18lK7h-ARhb5RjtvsV6dWOwjThrh5rQxDh9XxqEsprEa1Lostq3y_RXqaTNWO-Yw7iYjs01ZNB3cjCYwFy5DkuerJUmO254MjZrZhetF66Cj7yiF5oab55QYHGeTrEfKMGeS18CasJUlWKPfA8lpyP5xJMruz2TwEKI65n5obPihnQHti3/s320/3438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3438.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>I. 664:</u> 1'.3 x 0'.9: Vis. 13.1; SB 13.1: A pair with eg 3492, below. Both galaxies are located within Abell Galaxy Cluster 1142. Both objects can be seen at 100x and 136x. 92 is a bit brighter and easier to see. 664 seems smaller, but is not difficult to view. At 187x the oval shape in both becomes more apparent. They both now show stellar cores, surrounded by bright centres with fainter, extended envelopes. An easy pair to see, near a fairly bright star.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3492:</u> 1'.1 x 0'.8: Vis. 13.2; SB 12.9: A pair with I. 664. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL4NG_kXRH9hqsR_KMyNc1nYHRfv2o21pru4JcimGGLULe6vS9VGFpG5WP5n2_3HxCzIB6l6QRIjGP6WQl7I9nOjpKRUu-_wEtbmm4demluMbnzGliYeTEfD89KrLmEPXFkzbKzqKtxyZ8hDZmC2xIUh_UTWIlD_ITflGNxjYTgAOBHNzq2auHdUNBBjL/s600/3492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAL4NG_kXRH9hqsR_KMyNc1nYHRfv2o21pru4JcimGGLULe6vS9VGFpG5WP5n2_3HxCzIB6l6QRIjGP6WQl7I9nOjpKRUu-_wEtbmm4demluMbnzGliYeTEfD89KrLmEPXFkzbKzqKtxyZ8hDZmC2xIUh_UTWIlD_ITflGNxjYTgAOBHNzq2auHdUNBBjL/s320/3492.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3492 at centre. I. 664 is NP.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3506:</u> 1'.2 x 1'.1: Vis. 12.5; SB 12.6: Located at 60x. It is bright and round at 100x and 136x. At 187x it becomes even brighter, and now clearly shows a stellar core. At 250x it is pretty big, but becoming dimmer. The fainter envelope surrounding the bright centre shows well here.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher6bfor7R8EB3Fn4gvMofmeIiyvV_GdGbNCW37TYxpc08E8-PbQlqCGensD6rK2-9O1Tt_Cb048Fkw_PgtMVqxKgbUDgszpdYxHL0kKBMz-mbCYkPNi_iDdobR_n3um5THgJsvzT93HcwBTTDsguDWp1QQVrOXMnvID7JziFM33JhZfYSbaXR6exK9a2Y/s600/3506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEher6bfor7R8EB3Fn4gvMofmeIiyvV_GdGbNCW37TYxpc08E8-PbQlqCGensD6rK2-9O1Tt_Cb048Fkw_PgtMVqxKgbUDgszpdYxHL0kKBMz-mbCYkPNi_iDdobR_n3um5THgJsvzT93HcwBTTDsguDWp1QQVrOXMnvID7JziFM33JhZfYSbaXR6exK9a2Y/s320/3506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3506.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3491:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.9: Vis. 13.2; SB 12.9: Located at 100x, it seems very bright at 136x and 187x. It is round and quite easy to view. The galaxy precedes two very bright stars. A very faint star (mag. 15?) is following. The galaxy is pretty small, and does show a stellar core. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3379, Messier 105:</u> 5'.4 x 4'.8: Vis. 9.3; SB 12.8: Part of another very fine Leo Triplet! All three galaxies can be seen at 60x, and even at 200x they still fit in the field of view. Thus they are much closer together than the actual triplet, making these perhaps more fun to view. M 105 is round, big, and easily the brightest of the 3 Messier galaxies (M 96, M 96). The other two are close enough to easily sweep to at low power, making this one of the most exciting areas in Leo. At 200x and 250x M 105 is still very, very bright, showing a large core area, a large somewhat less bright area surrounding it, and plenty of fainter envelope around all. In order of brightness among the three close Messier objects, it is M 105, M 96, and M 95.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3384:</u> 5'.5 x 2'.5: Vis. 9.9; SB 12.6: 3384 is nearly as bright as M 105, and it is curious that it was never assigned a Messier number. The core is much smaller than M 105, and its envelope fainter. At 200x and 250x the core is very bright, and the surrounding envelope is wide, fat, and oval. A highlight of Leo observing.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3389:</u> 2' x 1'.3: Vis. 11.9; SB 13.2: Though much fainter than its two companions, this is also a beauty in a 12" scope. Even at low powers it is very elongated, and well positioned preceding 3 bright stars in a rough line. The galaxy is long and lovely at 136x, best with a.v. 200x shows it very long, wide in the centre, and though it is pretty bright, its glow is ghostly. To me it gave the impression of a nearly cloaked space ship! I will undoubtedly return to this area again and again, as I do with the original Triplet. Leo turns out to be an amazing journey with a large Dob!<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKohSl6nc_l3p-BG2BkEULcoGujaa34_fcDQBmTk6Xjj8lj2dP_FsyHzVeJEgGylniCM9C2afzY_VLFWL9ZWW8f0f5ZK9E95HTI1ZSNwy3S000ik-OK_hw1j6C1CMzhqvE7ytkKUA0QkVwug-HAmxfrdpPRjsjmoz0tMRmv9zu80QBCvi8_Er0XPxAQiS/s600/3379.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKohSl6nc_l3p-BG2BkEULcoGujaa34_fcDQBmTk6Xjj8lj2dP_FsyHzVeJEgGylniCM9C2afzY_VLFWL9ZWW8f0f5ZK9E95HTI1ZSNwy3S000ik-OK_hw1j6C1CMzhqvE7ytkKUA0QkVwug-HAmxfrdpPRjsjmoz0tMRmv9zu80QBCvi8_Er0XPxAQiS/w640-h640/3379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>M 105 centre; eg 3384 at upper left, and eg 3389 at centre left. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>M 95 and M 96 are also an easy star hop away, towards the right side.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3412</u>: 3'.6 x 2': Vis. 10.5; SB 12.6: This big, bright galaxy is close enough to the M 105 group to consider making it a sixth member on wide sweeping nights. Large and bright at 84x, 136x only improves things, also showing a 14.2 mag. star on the galaxy's N edge. Another fainter star is SP. This big galaxy is nearly as bright at eg 3384. It is smaller, but has a very bright core. At 187x and 200x the envelope is faint, but large and oval. It can now be seen to extend right to the 14 mag. star N.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DVKETfQKR_1aUQFcIwB5Aof-cuBc2fikY-2pn-8-vxYpZGYc_mNiR_PsPzw2C0cjgG2ZHouyvaABPmvejP5uk3ZoTpQj6tyBevSgE1pLUhCsVa4_7nOdkwsNCwCWStVtb8JnAUe_mCOy518I6eMBPCCaAQ3QE69gFHAHrJHPB7DLjvQQmmWWZs8llQX0/s600/3412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DVKETfQKR_1aUQFcIwB5Aof-cuBc2fikY-2pn-8-vxYpZGYc_mNiR_PsPzw2C0cjgG2ZHouyvaABPmvejP5uk3ZoTpQj6tyBevSgE1pLUhCsVa4_7nOdkwsNCwCWStVtb8JnAUe_mCOy518I6eMBPCCaAQ3QE69gFHAHrJHPB7DLjvQQmmWWZs8llQX0/w400-h400/3412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 3412.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3419:</u> 1'.2 x 1'.1: Vis/SB 12.5: A pair with eg 3419a, below. The main galaxy is bright and oval at 100x. 136x shows a bright core with a fainter surrounding envelope. Up to 250x shows it well, with an elongated core caused by a foreground star in there being involved.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3419a</u>: 1'.8 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.1; SB 13.3: This galaxy sits just N of 3419, and is pretty tricky to view. 187x, 200x, and 250x shows a stellar core, faint, and an occasional faint slash with a.v. Good luck with this one!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIGLetWvgejzwUX1Xdgl4hIy4ADj6WSWph3E2GEQ3unuBpKO3frZipNt07nGZXdzH5oE0esCqSgoxc4LKQLXeAbAhsvgEiYKH2EtnP3LpzquMS8X68gqJ-g-pbl1aKRXX154LGyGsGVZfip2FXNzc2DeSOMlFYJWm16i2s3I-26rn7FBfJwE24Q6rWGtZ/s600/3419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIGLetWvgejzwUX1Xdgl4hIy4ADj6WSWph3E2GEQ3unuBpKO3frZipNt07nGZXdzH5oE0esCqSgoxc4LKQLXeAbAhsvgEiYKH2EtnP3LpzquMS8X68gqJ-g-pbl1aKRXX154LGyGsGVZfip2FXNzc2DeSOMlFYJWm16i2s3I-26rn7FBfJwE24Q6rWGtZ/w400-h400/3419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3419 in centre, with 3419a to the north.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3391</u>: 1' x 0'.5: Vis. 13; SB 12.1: Located at 100x, at 136x it was a nice oval haze, with the middle showing as slightly brighter. Seen well between two faint stars, I was able to view it up to 200x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3489:</u> 3'.5 x 2': Vis. 10.3; SB 12.3: Easy to see at 60x, this is one very bright object! Views are great up to 272x. The galaxy is large and has a very bright central globe surrounded by a large oval haze, much less bright. It is quite a stunning sight in a 12" mirror! A faint star (14?) is P.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURrQDdC7CXuLvHea7uUCtDVF4UytCsDyfJE-ot-D1XQn1sQuXOSeLT4ULI6Rtz6rpOVvcoUexkRP6Q2LHHew2cGRyt-oZq5FnYcfYhl7boRs-ndYTZV1eDyeKSW49QatAv85kN0MdEFMzG3epEupFgJAZtMgCVDqtteEvs_z0ZeW7yI0LsfDbC4yNz4O/s600/3489.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURrQDdC7CXuLvHea7uUCtDVF4UytCsDyfJE-ot-D1XQn1sQuXOSeLT4ULI6Rtz6rpOVvcoUexkRP6Q2LHHew2cGRyt-oZq5FnYcfYhl7boRs-ndYTZV1eDyeKSW49QatAv85kN0MdEFMzG3epEupFgJAZtMgCVDqtteEvs_z0ZeW7yI0LsfDbC4yNz4O/s320/3489.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3489.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3485:</u> 2'.3 x 2': Vis. 11.8; SB 13.3: Located at 100cx, the galaxy is pretty faint and pretty large. Views are better at 136x, now showing a bright middle. Views are best at 187x with a.v., where 3485 is now pretty bright. At 250x it begins to fade. Afterwards I could see it at 60x.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL4CSu5uT8mrL_FVO40dHAPlb2O7LXURL71SrM7tjG7oPXM6r205jY_dNIL-Z5Y9d04QfFhWjx9DAe8xqmQQlRlDXKJxlSvqIg-ctyFFmkDrrxqEPs1ZIHDEbS4qVYSPtIRmdKSIVHDl3JNVtdCc30waxRKob8dmDEl-QH3k2UmLHR-YNJUFCUPY2HXMu/s600/3485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL4CSu5uT8mrL_FVO40dHAPlb2O7LXURL71SrM7tjG7oPXM6r205jY_dNIL-Z5Y9d04QfFhWjx9DAe8xqmQQlRlDXKJxlSvqIg-ctyFFmkDrrxqEPs1ZIHDEbS4qVYSPtIRmdKSIVHDl3JNVtdCc30waxRKob8dmDEl-QH3k2UmLHR-YNJUFCUPY2HXMu/s320/3485.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3485.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3399:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.8: Vis. 12.9; SB 13.3: A pair with 3405, are both small and pretty faint. 05, the fainter one, is actually an interacting pair of round galaxies, though the eyepiece impression is of an oval single galaxy. 99 was spotted at 136x, very near a bright star, helping to hide it, it lies within a group of four stars. At 187x both galaxies are seen, with 05 following very closely. It is very small, very faint, and a bit oval, They both have stellar cores. Views are good at 200x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3405:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.4; SB 12.7: A pair with 3399. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7FDjnZ7mIH0CHItPKHAB1AtsDCHb8upqzAlHmgs5Js1OqAKcbSKP2KonHNW7HoPK01o7gLd9YmiJl4QZZfUqr3jA49cp0LKWwkEvBrcF-9bWzGMaE3B9yb4Qmb59CNmz3CEY-qsIJuKBD6uiU2xzSQErdffDk0qo91LJgJgfJfKpjZJNEtqhIEfumXsn/s600/3399.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7FDjnZ7mIH0CHItPKHAB1AtsDCHb8upqzAlHmgs5Js1OqAKcbSKP2KonHNW7HoPK01o7gLd9YmiJl4QZZfUqr3jA49cp0LKWwkEvBrcF-9bWzGMaE3B9yb4Qmb59CNmz3CEY-qsIJuKBD6uiU2xzSQErdffDk0qo91LJgJgfJfKpjZJNEtqhIEfumXsn/s320/3399.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3399 is centre, with 3405 to the left. 05 is actually a close pair of galaxies.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3347:</u> 3'. 7 x 2'.1: Vis. 12.5; SB 14.6: A pair with 3447A, both galaxies are faint and oval at 187x, 200x, and 250x, using a.v. Both lie close to a mag. 9.9 star, making these objects a challenge. three very faint stars form an arrowhead pointing to the galaxies. The pair lie between this pattern and the 9.9 mag. star, though very close to the star. Both galaxies lies on the border of galaxy cluster Abell 1126. 47 is oval.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3447A:</u> 1'.5 x 0'.8: Vis./SB 12.5 (?-- more like 14): A pair with 3447. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-gWu_wh5KrhuFPaLJ73U4WACNGtjz8ozG6Z0Pi1mtDWIRWRtALXYK9MyqT3s90dfYsxvWrTl4CEEUeFlFnWMNcEQPEWAIc3j6NnW1ICXeHFvWPvpA9Lr4eLMm7f7klsStriTDSGDLtl8vQCVj0983PVwhvP6wpjRGJi50D7ZSZ3mFFN3oKDC60fXcvBX/s600/3447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-gWu_wh5KrhuFPaLJ73U4WACNGtjz8ozG6Z0Pi1mtDWIRWRtALXYK9MyqT3s90dfYsxvWrTl4CEEUeFlFnWMNcEQPEWAIc3j6NnW1ICXeHFvWPvpA9Lr4eLMm7f7klsStriTDSGDLtl8vQCVj0983PVwhvP6wpjRGJi50D7ZSZ3mFFN3oKDC60fXcvBX/s320/3447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3447, centre. 3447A just NF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3454:</u> 2'.1 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.5; SB 13.1: A pair with 3455. 55 was seen at 100x. It was quite large, oval, and S of a mag. 11 star. 54 was seen at 136x, N of the mag. 11 star. It was a narrow slash. At 187x 54 was pretty nice, but it fades at 200s and 250x. 55 is much bigger and brighter, and is still good to view at 250x. A fine pair!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3455:</u> 2'.6 x 2': Vis. 12; SB 13.7: A pair with 3454. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVUQ_uRtzMH8OhRAJzDq3ILoEbtOJWKHflTjuiyr22zrGaWaK2HD9Uz9BqpwBqPY3hp9RYLB-P1wcRNodFWwWuvGoJvA6-_US1dPgDX_BQj_560K-3KpmxsrKWiiwiXYBvpGnFE-Drb3r8qRlLpBv1AkoPciJXXGGtsSIDP_fWmQk9KhnqKdZHJJpJdk_/s600/3454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVUQ_uRtzMH8OhRAJzDq3ILoEbtOJWKHflTjuiyr22zrGaWaK2HD9Uz9BqpwBqPY3hp9RYLB-P1wcRNodFWwWuvGoJvA6-_US1dPgDX_BQj_560K-3KpmxsrKWiiwiXYBvpGnFE-Drb3r8qRlLpBv1AkoPciJXXGGtsSIDP_fWmQk9KhnqKdZHJJpJdk_/s320/3454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3455 is at centre. 3454 is N.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3443:</u> 2'.8 x 1'.4: Vis. 13.1; SB 14.4: This one took three attempts to locate, but I got it quickly the third night with a hand drawn detail map. It was seen at 136x, though it is very elusive. It was best at 187x, where it was oval with a stellar core and very faint envelope. It sits between two stars, the P one brighter. Uranometria notes say "Small, weak nucleus in faint, uniform envelope." </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDWwsbm4EUMkt1hyphenhyphenAX28RBuNlzQ3HjvDiuMedLqbmzXQCuVZV42xo82RSuQR7RiE6V6ihQI6LUsy_yotpDaRuOsave8ZVoxwmEKB-QEzCPIM6_tj0IzmNJUGKPBuHr3WIz-SE11LwY9uu8lH3MstfYwBZ1bGfPE09Pw_K8_eFuHALqu1zeCuMQLIGPMqJ/s600/3443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDWwsbm4EUMkt1hyphenhyphenAX28RBuNlzQ3HjvDiuMedLqbmzXQCuVZV42xo82RSuQR7RiE6V6ihQI6LUsy_yotpDaRuOsave8ZVoxwmEKB-QEzCPIM6_tj0IzmNJUGKPBuHr3WIz-SE11LwY9uu8lH3MstfYwBZ1bGfPE09Pw_K8_eFuHALqu1zeCuMQLIGPMqJ/s320/3443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3443. A very tricky object to find!</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3457:</u> 0'.9 x 0'.9: Vis. 12.7; SB 12.3: Located at 100x and 136x, it appears stellar with some envelope around it. I was round and bright. At 187x it is still bright, and the round envelope is bigger. It is not unlike viewing a planetary nebula. At 200x it remains bright, especially the central core.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3473:</u> 1'.2 x 1': Vis. 13.5; SB 13.6: A pair with 3474. Both galaxies can be seen at 187x. 74 is much easier to see, being small and round. it is faint, though, and best seen with a.v. 3473 is round, larger, and comes up to a 12.8 mag. star just N. Lying between two faint stars, it ismuch harder to see. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3474:</u> 0'.8 x 0'.7: Vis. 13.9; SB 13.2: A pair with 3473. See above.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFsHhsvmnIKQMu027DjhsSHdzNiXH8ND9eyhgmKQs89MuzzQMqN2JPvBc9CqF9ShIcj0iuO0FMzBBY4cZrUe1vbPiOV65WRYpB-mu4DrAwwIkNfbDHILzL4T-5H_HMevi0v6t2Wrdxr2irCCMBUrovS7wSKLDDm7MLrjW6BQVgZEPhSWxmU3tjsJlFCwU/s600/3473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFsHhsvmnIKQMu027DjhsSHdzNiXH8ND9eyhgmKQs89MuzzQMqN2JPvBc9CqF9ShIcj0iuO0FMzBBY4cZrUe1vbPiOV65WRYpB-mu4DrAwwIkNfbDHILzL4T-5H_HMevi0v6t2Wrdxr2irCCMBUrovS7wSKLDDm7MLrjW6BQVgZEPhSWxmU3tjsJlFCwU/s320/3473.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3473 is at centre. 3474 is SF.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3487</u>: 0'.9 x 0'.4: Vis.13.9; SB 12.6: Located at 136x and also observed at 187x, though it was seen only using a.v. The galaxy is very elongated, very faint, and ghostly. It appears to sit in a barren section of the sky.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3501:</u> 3'.9 x 0'.5: Vis. 12.9; SB 13.4: The central area of this needle galaxy was seen (barely) at 60x and 100x. Even at 136x and 187x, this is a very faint edge-on, seen best with a.v. It is very long and thin. A bright star NP is in the field of view, mag. 9.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheApgZ2JbW6v0M8tZ8nVbYh55MK7lPqNm-TzVR5gnoMyk2J8G5QOkW-8vClBLjqNG2Z3qbEIU13B_E3NnldCPoTNpP9IUKlFPJrzQuzsV9BvrTzleP8GMgr1f7WPB1t6saXPUT2VeYoBow7qTt_Q8przKELRwYiU3PX9WGKYgxkhZJgHVUobbDl8T0h75F/s600/3501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheApgZ2JbW6v0M8tZ8nVbYh55MK7lPqNm-TzVR5gnoMyk2J8G5QOkW-8vClBLjqNG2Z3qbEIU13B_E3NnldCPoTNpP9IUKlFPJrzQuzsV9BvrTzleP8GMgr1f7WPB1t6saXPUT2VeYoBow7qTt_Q8przKELRwYiU3PX9WGKYgxkhZJgHVUobbDl8T0h75F/s320/3501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3501 is a good catch for a 12" Dob. In upper left is eg 3507, </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>which will be discussed on Chart 73. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>This completes the objects seen between 10h48m and 11h04 , or the four first squares on the left hand page. Now we will visit the remaining 6 squares on Chart 92 left.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3559:</u> 1'.3 x 0'.9: Vis./SB 12.8: Observed at 100x, 136x, and 187x,the galaxy is pretty large, but very faint and diffuse, quite evenly lit. It does not seem to be 12.8 mag., but considerably fainter (13.8?).<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i><u>eg 3524:</u> 1'.6 x 0'.5: Vis. 12.8; SB 12.4: Located at 100x. At 136x it is bright, very elongated, and pretty large. 250x gives a pretty decent view. It is still bright.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfD5qvL8v-uBo5jLgtsJLGGsPvY-8zSJqFimDdCz8IJnzL6UN5MZBQbDwB_h3IT7XI5b1YK8_XA3orl2oJO_LY0MYF9XAwDH6fx3GOTHdr-ejKVCpcQgzq47716-tnChpNXxv_MEi-2Z-iKAiJl7V-5N8_u6lHRzD1gF2H6Qb4hU53tglIcHy92zkxUkZ/s600/3524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfD5qvL8v-uBo5jLgtsJLGGsPvY-8zSJqFimDdCz8IJnzL6UN5MZBQbDwB_h3IT7XI5b1YK8_XA3orl2oJO_LY0MYF9XAwDH6fx3GOTHdr-ejKVCpcQgzq47716-tnChpNXxv_MEi-2Z-iKAiJl7V-5N8_u6lHRzD1gF2H6Qb4hU53tglIcHy92zkxUkZ/s320/3524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>eg 3524.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3547:</u> 2' x 0'.9: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.2: Located t 100x. At 136x it was large, oval, and bright. At 187x it remains bright and pretty large. 250x also gave a good view. There is now a very faint star F. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ9msScrSD2-H2GeVQA8f4CNFHP3ey2j-Umu-EA9GtlQX2_fdfW2B8VQQB0ANurDFuxNULL1thsrZpBsLukK5z3Fc802BQHPDZdpyhjPNW57SC5P8jTMOrM3BE2NvWe80yjWg1eUHSYGH7tS84B1C8EnTnYgFeAB2wFCMDLItGSnlXC_6HanRNttOCoER/s600/3547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ9msScrSD2-H2GeVQA8f4CNFHP3ey2j-Umu-EA9GtlQX2_fdfW2B8VQQB0ANurDFuxNULL1thsrZpBsLukK5z3Fc802BQHPDZdpyhjPNW57SC5P8jTMOrM3BE2NvWe80yjWg1eUHSYGH7tS84B1C8EnTnYgFeAB2wFCMDLItGSnlXC_6HanRNttOCoER/s320/3547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3547.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3526</u>: 1'.9 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.2; SB 12.7: Located at 136x, this is as classic edge-on galaxy, among my favourite things to discover. A mag. 13 star precedes its nose. It is very elongated at 187x, with star immediately P. The galaxy is long, thin,and not that bright. At 250x it is now a ghostly sight. However, it is large, especially the central oval area.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zjZXVq6OVJjX33XwR3pCMIdB2JtE-cVA6ph-zkZgCWAHT1HSuHq29z6vJ3c373R-HTOy7_NKvbO-gJXx4byQWDmOPEsNiT8dLd3LgPfEBNFXISHryQXkjM2J9bu78qvZ_4RhBrjIBPz5MM1NY8Pw6zO4nNAaQICCdYkWSzdyFuFRQcZVv8jIHaF0ISU-/s600/3526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zjZXVq6OVJjX33XwR3pCMIdB2JtE-cVA6ph-zkZgCWAHT1HSuHq29z6vJ3c373R-HTOy7_NKvbO-gJXx4byQWDmOPEsNiT8dLd3LgPfEBNFXISHryQXkjM2J9bu78qvZ_4RhBrjIBPz5MM1NY8Pw6zO4nNAaQICCdYkWSzdyFuFRQcZVv8jIHaF0ISU-/s320/3526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3526.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NOTE</u>: eg 3567 and eg 3601 will be discussed on Chart 112. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3624</u>: 0'.9 x 0'.6: Vis. 13.9; SB 13: This one was a big challenge on a previous hazy night, but under much better skies the next time it was quickly located. It was seen at 187x, and though pretty faint, its elongation was evident. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3666</u>: 4' x 1': Vis 12; SB 13.5: Located at 84x. The galaxy is very bright and very elongated. At 136x it is harder to see because because of the glare of a nearby 5.5 mag. star. At 187x and 250x, with the offending star removed from the field of view, I enjoyed good views of a very large, very elongated galaxy. It shows a stellar core. There is a large, oval and quite bright envelope. Occasional glimpses were had of very faint tips, or extensions. A very faint star lies N.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUkn6e_aXv6Qf1dpwQIW2c23ug9_wFeI2Wv5cfj1hPg26eDokmQimXcaAukJ6RwafRE67HAEpIl9FVSkIBCUGTTsQt2bZTuzpb0xs3ExpXhogo9h7Za0irnmNZR50tvwZdiC9OUG528omNjiMEbpkyli5eK_kTKxlMuS_oi6W6Ayd-rebw8FxzwfghLZ/s600/3666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUkn6e_aXv6Qf1dpwQIW2c23ug9_wFeI2Wv5cfj1hPg26eDokmQimXcaAukJ6RwafRE67HAEpIl9FVSkIBCUGTTsQt2bZTuzpb0xs3ExpXhogo9h7Za0irnmNZR50tvwZdiC9OUG528omNjiMEbpkyli5eK_kTKxlMuS_oi6W6Ayd-rebw8FxzwfghLZ/s320/3666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3666.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3623--Messier 65:</u> 9'.8 x 2'.9: Vis. 9.2; SB 12.7: One of many showpiece galaxies in Leo, it is also one of the Leo Triplets. It is very large and very elongated, and rewards long views by getting larger as the eye adapts. I saw a dark lane on the F edge, passing the bright core. This is one of those objects that seems fine at all magnifications, and with almost any size telescope. It is also one I return to year after year.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGl3MQXRXG25CXbPq_w7qVX6D-vhNnK6-MaM1zxiSdK8nRsM8EnTuKH2u4ZgTtNIvO4jxs0yHVlDdO2kjqDNDBYBN1cvfTU60aKEJecIGQTZ0efy9OvpHydiki5imQq_48Hw_Pe0CFJ7mGeYMBoJ5a7cxt1PDVI2GqM5oQsSKzdqDMjfVOAvMIo7oywDh/s600/3623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGl3MQXRXG25CXbPq_w7qVX6D-vhNnK6-MaM1zxiSdK8nRsM8EnTuKH2u4ZgTtNIvO4jxs0yHVlDdO2kjqDNDBYBN1cvfTU60aKEJecIGQTZ0efy9OvpHydiki5imQq_48Hw_Pe0CFJ7mGeYMBoJ5a7cxt1PDVI2GqM5oQsSKzdqDMjfVOAvMIo7oywDh/w640-h640/3623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3623, M 65.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3627--Messier 66:</u> 9'.1 x 4'.1: Vis. 8.9; SB 12.7: Somewhat brighter than M 65, the galaxy also has a squatter shape. Like its neighbour it is seen well at virtually all magnifications, but I prefer it at 200x. As it moves across the field of view so quickly, however, it is best sketched at 120x. The core is star-like, and decidedly N or the centre. The central bright dome is wider than M 65. It surrounds the core for some distance. Next comes the fainter extensions, best seen using a.v. M 65 and M 66have been my two most frequently viewed objects in Leo so far. I will continue to view them each Spring.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADA-n0swoo63efpUbBDDsEKMXZQImCOjBo82U3IR3x6PwK_o9io94BpAR4LkIYg8vNeSTtkPqSrlZkoCQE79yxZtYSQtWShaV30jDRBycjmSI3UjWbpq8tia1ltGcDXD6T91BuuQn0J9tNRP1madMclaqx7pWrugJKT3qad_yt0bAC7PicAcmZ8DkkxCY/s600/3627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADA-n0swoo63efpUbBDDsEKMXZQImCOjBo82U3IR3x6PwK_o9io94BpAR4LkIYg8vNeSTtkPqSrlZkoCQE79yxZtYSQtWShaV30jDRBycjmSI3UjWbpq8tia1ltGcDXD6T91BuuQn0J9tNRP1madMclaqx7pWrugJKT3qad_yt0bAC7PicAcmZ8DkkxCY/w640-h640/3627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>eg 3627, Messier 66.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3628:</u> 13'.1 x 3'.1: Vis. 9.6; SB 13.5: The third member of the famous Leo Triplet, along with M 65 and M 66. It is faint but enormous at 60x, it is possibly the largest galaxy I have seen outside of M 31. It is amazing to see in a dark sky at around 100x, 120x, and 150x. A.v. shows an evenly dim nebula that seems to go on and on. Dimmer than the 2 nearby Messier objects, it rewards the viewer nearly as much. The dark lane is not difficult to see. The galaxy dims considerably at 200x. All three objects fit into my field of view at 43x and 60x.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintLyLp2XWY3Ml5WCiuWi7nL9K2VU0xw3XTplHP66O8Zl_uEJKYyZNjQrVfPMoR8GEUF9LCkFaBwhAjybiWtSswKjqQ1I6iA6dqx8mspu8vLloB3IrSoEB_UixTqU4z5J_Wr3tA3I4Y8NuBfq2sQbkLLS-1i2ifEoSbBQSagzz_rUSPjcdIXy9p6XsE_37/s600/3628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintLyLp2XWY3Ml5WCiuWi7nL9K2VU0xw3XTplHP66O8Zl_uEJKYyZNjQrVfPMoR8GEUF9LCkFaBwhAjybiWtSswKjqQ1I6iA6dqx8mspu8vLloB3IrSoEB_UixTqU4z5J_Wr3tA3I4Y8NuBfq2sQbkLLS-1i2ifEoSbBQSagzz_rUSPjcdIXy9p6XsE_37/w640-h640/3628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i> eg 3628, the 3rd member of the Leo Triplet.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3593:</u> 5'.2 x 1'.9: Vis. 11; SB 13.4: Located P the Triplet, this has also become a favourite fof mine when visiting the area. It can be seen well from 60x-200x. Large, oval, and quite bright, it marks the 4th corner of a rectangle with three bright stars. The galaxy has a large and bright central area. It is also a fine object in an 8" scope.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD6sp2iU0UBZUKPqvyS6dtICmNXVwwQJsL6ON46LhtjWpEwL71ccEYlY1UE1g2jrcgVi5rg822mhqEADAHCtL0pF9Ys8CyN7WIbFdXxKAOex9HYqisMxAANrA1kGGsxBFVwuFeBpww_BZ2YpfawxgVJRSjnSwYwbYb8p3QbXEeil0IlJo8jZPIUEm8Fud/s600/3593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD6sp2iU0UBZUKPqvyS6dtICmNXVwwQJsL6ON46LhtjWpEwL71ccEYlY1UE1g2jrcgVi5rg822mhqEADAHCtL0pF9Ys8CyN7WIbFdXxKAOex9HYqisMxAANrA1kGGsxBFVwuFeBpww_BZ2YpfawxgVJRSjnSwYwbYb8p3QbXEeil0IlJo8jZPIUEm8Fud/w400-h400/3593.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>eg 3593 precedes the Triplet, and is worth seeking.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3596:</u> 4' x 3'.8: Vis. 10.9; SB 13.7: Yet another fine galaxy close to the Triplet, this one is NP. Though easily seen on a good night, it is much fainter than 3593, above. It appears as a dim and very large circle, or possibly very slight oval. I can see no hint of arms or even a brighter centre. Easy to access from the Triplet and 3593. I now call this area the Quintet!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvURDxwqlRXooK4QW6VzMHyJPjvQM6gz5_3s9TKEALDrBFEoe_21mqXhk81yftbr9YBYU34g-w1OVzQRNQsmsbuFHh_Fjf_EBqytCrYwZnFxUwNXdFDyPrMI2wGR9NP29qro-35g08X1WmAUHhr6zRkkRR20QYbXg_gxzJm76QPUEIeI40vfkh1H87Mko/s600/3596.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvURDxwqlRXooK4QW6VzMHyJPjvQM6gz5_3s9TKEALDrBFEoe_21mqXhk81yftbr9YBYU34g-w1OVzQRNQsmsbuFHh_Fjf_EBqytCrYwZnFxUwNXdFDyPrMI2wGR9NP29qro-35g08X1WmAUHhr6zRkkRR20QYbXg_gxzJm76QPUEIeI40vfkh1H87Mko/w400-h400/3596.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3596.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3592:</u> 1'.8 x 0'.6: Vis. 13.9; SB 13.8: A threshold slash, not small, was seen at 120x and 150x. A.v. was the only way to see this object. Seen from my suburban back deck in 2013! </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3598:</u> 1'.8 x 1'.3: Vis. 12.3; SB 13.3: This small oval galaxy was not difficult to locate from my deck, but at first I thought I was looking at two faint stars. A faint star sits on the galaxy's N edge. The object was seen at 100x, 120x, 150x, and 200x, even without using a.v. I was surprised by the small size of the galaxy, given its dimensions.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedUum07mW5RWyeiwDEnQPl9ddaZTFm059QQNJ9FxU_Zch_MN93aiIWbRg9eEP2BmjaqlCKhMbDI1nXrRO78WW9-ES-1Fag2jFRxtzTMC9ZFTsl_ouBR_tiWGsNw3TiXBD8jFFG4MOAYGXtjxzaYraJ_AE5EKEyXWa7AnqyT0ecpQg3FEPSRLmFj7BUM-T/s600/3598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedUum07mW5RWyeiwDEnQPl9ddaZTFm059QQNJ9FxU_Zch_MN93aiIWbRg9eEP2BmjaqlCKhMbDI1nXrRO78WW9-ES-1Fag2jFRxtzTMC9ZFTsl_ouBR_tiWGsNw3TiXBD8jFFG4MOAYGXtjxzaYraJ_AE5EKEyXWa7AnqyT0ecpQg3FEPSRLmFj7BUM-T/s320/3598.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3598.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3602</u>: 1' x 0'.3: Vis. 15; SB 13.5: I looked long and hard many times for this galaxy in the past. Tonight it was finally glimpsed, elusive and faint as it is. No elongation was apparent, just the central core glimpsed at 125x and 150x. This is the dimmest of 7 closely groped galaxies in this area. Good luck with this one!<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuoCidsqBFQjVfoo7904ARrb2MmkErf0LE09F8ozU6hs2zP5yWL041yM076Zl4sQEzFPX7ot27Hyxp1uGcuT9JsJBHyMqJV0gd-NJNuEI0VsZ1wwNIcjfR_ImVBAVOZh6U727A9wYHU6oisYskawfBjIYt1UEaD6gWOk3o2ZgnwpqmBD0mxhS6gRDklKB/s600/3602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuoCidsqBFQjVfoo7904ARrb2MmkErf0LE09F8ozU6hs2zP5yWL041yM076Zl4sQEzFPX7ot27Hyxp1uGcuT9JsJBHyMqJV0gd-NJNuEI0VsZ1wwNIcjfR_ImVBAVOZh6U727A9wYHU6oisYskawfBjIYt1UEaD6gWOk3o2ZgnwpqmBD0mxhS6gRDklKB/s320/3602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3602.</i><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3659:</u> 2'.3 x 1'.3: Vis. 12.2 x 12.9: Located easily at 100x. At 136x it is very elongated, with a wide middle. It seems to glow softly and evenly. Views are good at 187x with a.v. It is pretty large, but not terribly bright.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3655:</u> 1'.5 x 1': Vis. 11.7; SB 11.9: Even at 60x and 100x the galaxy is very, very bright and pretty large! At 136x a faint star is NF. The galaxy is very elongated. At 187x it shows a very large central area. The surrounding envelope is still bright at 250x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3681:</u> 2' x 2': Vis. 11.2; SB 12.5: One of 4 galaxies 4 degrees N of the Triplet, and about 8' F. Located at 83x, it lies NF 81 Leonis, a star of mag. 5.5. The galaxy is bright, round, and pretty large. At 136x it seems to be the brightest of the big three in this immediate area. It shows a bright middle, pretty large, with a fainter envelope. At 187x it is large, round, and bright, and its full size can be experienced with a.v. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Oen9ly-gi6Ar9aGLQAlHauPapg7MIQYoshV_InOhtUBcDhfywB1JVYM4sYRrv8rToIiOpg703NnkDsPh8c9WSWnaSY6MNcpeqAKwtXOKrs9fbtqWu2rqZvJzv-glAKulhKb15KLF9Key_kfU_mtktDD1ZA5S_VI6SFF9GA0tzGWbsoIFAlFbXd1h684n/s600/3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Oen9ly-gi6Ar9aGLQAlHauPapg7MIQYoshV_InOhtUBcDhfywB1JVYM4sYRrv8rToIiOpg703NnkDsPh8c9WSWnaSY6MNcpeqAKwtXOKrs9fbtqWu2rqZvJzv-glAKulhKb15KLF9Key_kfU_mtktDD1ZA5S_VI6SFF9GA0tzGWbsoIFAlFbXd1h684n/s320/3681.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3681 in centre. At upper left is 3684.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3684:</u> 3'.1 x 2'.1: Vis. 11.4; SB 13.3: In a diagonal line with 3681 and 3686, all 3 are fun to sweep between at low and high powers! They all all quite close together. this one is an easy object to view well at 136x, located S of a pretty bright star. At 187x it is a very good object, especially with a.v. It is 2nd brightest of the three. It is very oval, and shows more brightness in the larger central area. It certainly is a large object!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrvWo7l0-JZyEARGb7H4Bl6f0unRhvTIz5Z3yV-seku96rzJ9mRphydHRA68b-j_JqM_zpNGW6VOZ0T6uF_FgmFBemZ9gLySeKgbufVLHAGM9o95eyOlsbhx49Tqr7qyV_lZXyuvFc-VCRbHbVZN9xVtwunyao8IN77tPGlXtIDRfLhYrGiC_r26SevPt/s600/3684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrvWo7l0-JZyEARGb7H4Bl6f0unRhvTIz5Z3yV-seku96rzJ9mRphydHRA68b-j_JqM_zpNGW6VOZ0T6uF_FgmFBemZ9gLySeKgbufVLHAGM9o95eyOlsbhx49Tqr7qyV_lZXyuvFc-VCRbHbVZN9xVtwunyao8IN77tPGlXtIDRfLhYrGiC_r26SevPt/s320/3684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3684 in centre. 3681 in bottom right corner.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3686:</u> 3'.2 x 2'.5: Vis. 11.2; SB 13.4: This is the largest of the three galaxies discussed in this last section. Located at 83x, it is pretty amazing at 136x. It is also a bit fainter than the other two nearby galaxies, but it is my favourite. Very good views were had at 187x, especially with a.v. It is oval, very large, and shows a stellar core. While all three galaxies are recommended for a 12" scope, this one is the showpiece of the crowd.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Q9rgtda1ox98nc-vWy9frjevWTl6vtTcqy7PWCrMpCj96TNFQM9TcB_ICkWQmQQ13DTgqDjObW_jnfIl1T0JgA0vuQgQmK1Ru3E3bCoGN735v0lcP1Gn5Rytlmz9oCbH0L9_2ADpSuXBW8x63Aqdkcjs8StbjbjQJY269OyH8aPChbDoag0lqNuqNNA/s600/3686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05Q9rgtda1ox98nc-vWy9frjevWTl6vtTcqy7PWCrMpCj96TNFQM9TcB_ICkWQmQQ13DTgqDjObW_jnfIl1T0JgA0vuQgQmK1Ru3E3bCoGN735v0lcP1Gn5Rytlmz9oCbH0L9_2ADpSuXBW8x63Aqdkcjs8StbjbjQJY269OyH8aPChbDoag0lqNuqNNA/w400-h400/3686.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3686.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Leo Uranometria notes will be continued next time.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b> <br /></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-3713840820896291822024-01-10T17:53:00.010-05:002024-01-15T20:42:12.332-05:00#142: Leo Deep Sky Part 3: Unranometria Chart #92, Right Side<div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>This is a direct continuation of blog #93 from April 2016. Note that egs 3130, 3134, 3153, and 3154 are all discussed in the earlier blog, as they overlap on Chart 93. Also note that I mainly viewed NGC objects (galaxies, in this case), with a very few IC objects as well. In later observing projects I would include many galaxies outside the NGC/IC lists. I may return someday to check out the UGCs etc, but for now this is what I saw in Leo.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Beginning in the south, near the border of Sextans, there are two galaxies to report.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3186:</u> 0'.7 x 0'.7: Vis. 15.1; SB 14.2: As difficult to locate as it was, it would have been much harder without nearby I. 602. At 187x and 200x, a very tiny haze wtih faint stellar core was noted. At 250x a 2nd stellar object was noted N of the main one, but with no haze. Some catalogues list these as eg 3186-1 and 3186-2. <u>NOTE</u>: Several catalogues list 2186 as non-existent; others use PGC 30058 as the missing object.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg I. 602</u>: 0'.8 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.2; SB 12.1: Nearly attached to a mag. 13 star S, the galaxy was observed at 100x, 136x, and 187x. It appeared as round with a bright centre. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Three galaxies lie in the SE corner of the page.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3349:</u> 0'.5 x 0'.5: Vis. 14.5; SB 12.8: This tiny object was seen well at 187x 200x, and even 250x. It is seen full size with averted vision, but looks somewhat oval. It is preceding its partner closely (see below).</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3356</u>: 1'.7 x 0'.8: Vis. 13.3; SB 13.5: Big brother to tiny 3349, it was located at 136x, N of a mag. 10.7 star. It is large and oval. Elongation shows up better at 187x and 200x. 3349 is immediately following.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4w63795FayDaLa1o5LyWUcMPberImJNzl3z79VKprY5gd55sQy_YLK7XpbxhutEbjWCVMEzhqKlESywJGs-h3Jnj04i67yskoPDjxjRk_dFxVPVyO93nAu9c6563nYyuj4_g1DkKT5Z86Nk1OQux-4q1zeFSuUusN7CJJQ3b9QIpAa9vrGyMmWfCy87U/s600/3356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4w63795FayDaLa1o5LyWUcMPberImJNzl3z79VKprY5gd55sQy_YLK7XpbxhutEbjWCVMEzhqKlESywJGs-h3Jnj04i67yskoPDjxjRk_dFxVPVyO93nAu9c6563nYyuj4_g1DkKT5Z86Nk1OQux-4q1zeFSuUusN7CJJQ3b9QIpAa9vrGyMmWfCy87U/s320/3356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>NGC 3356 is centre, with 3349 to the right. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>All images from NASA, hosted here.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> http://www.astrosurf.com/benoit/p33.html</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3362:</u> 1'.4 x 1'.1: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.1: Located at 100x, it is already quite large and oval, but not bright. 136x shows the middle part to be brighter. At 187x the galaxy is now pretty bright using a.v., and very obviously oval.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUoQ0VsYJjtUhP_SRWSQeBF5MJzf-ldZ0OrCriP2ZAY44ic1xm9APzIs1fEkr8WMhkpX-2O0V9ctOSxYCuVIV5js2FdurVGdqlERi3HFadz266NbC6552D242hAQ9xPFZW696_Ub0mul_ggKkguPmzitDf7rlX9l09MT1R9pgVWX9ms5INV9oUeukRm7r/s600/3362.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUoQ0VsYJjtUhP_SRWSQeBF5MJzf-ldZ0OrCriP2ZAY44ic1xm9APzIs1fEkr8WMhkpX-2O0V9ctOSxYCuVIV5js2FdurVGdqlERi3HFadz266NbC6552D242hAQ9xPFZW696_Ub0mul_ggKkguPmzitDf7rlX9l09MT1R9pgVWX9ms5INV9oUeukRm7r/w400-h400/3362.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>NGC 3362 is located just NP a mag. 9.5 star. The star is also shown on the atlas.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moving north along the right side we come to eg 3217, at +11 degrees. After this we will continue north.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3217:</u> 0'.5 x 0'.3: Vis. 14.5; SB 12.3: I used a hand drawn map to locate this. I use telescopius.com for these kinds of maps. I can star hop from much fainter stars than are shown on Uranometria. From a mag. 9 star shown on the atlas I followed a line of 3 11 mag. stars to the galaxy, which was seen as a very faint and very small oval of haze (towards the star line\). A 14 mag. star is just SP. Only on a perfect night!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3220</u>: 2'.3 x 1'.1: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.7: A bright slash was seen just N of a pretty notable star. The galaxy showed a bright core at 136x, 187x, and 250x. Overall it was pretty small, but averted vision gave occasionally glimpses of a larger object. At 100x it can appear as nearly stellar companion to the close star.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK83ZcVhVfjDdXL0qGcejSuD6aOLWzUTEp7PoLRR0E1PzbFIxU_4GTTWKmdnKMW86mOjK7YCcPNdEfT6nPYI5gNgTJ2JYqPNwut3i5cybpoP20dUavX_SUyDQoPkJG2AQvvoORtzoGzMOLWkMmkpod5d_Hp0cQmKS1FVTMqaWYwn4fmz0j975bX-XRBQB/s600/3230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJK83ZcVhVfjDdXL0qGcejSuD6aOLWzUTEp7PoLRR0E1PzbFIxU_4GTTWKmdnKMW86mOjK7YCcPNdEfT6nPYI5gNgTJ2JYqPNwut3i5cybpoP20dUavX_SUyDQoPkJG2AQvvoORtzoGzMOLWkMmkpod5d_Hp0cQmKS1FVTMqaWYwn4fmz0j975bX-XRBQB/w400-h400/3230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3230.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>UGC 5646</u>: 2'.3 x 0'.7: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.2: Like many UGC objects, the stats don't seem to be that accurate for visual observers. It is a very faint galaxy seen at 136x and 187x. It was oval and seen best with averted vision. I had hoped for better.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3253</u>: 1'.2 x 1'.1: Vis. 13.6; SB 13.7: This galaxy is a fair size, and round, It is faint at 136x and 187x. Best view was at 200x with averted vision, but it is still a ghostly sight.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg I. 607:</u> 1'.3 x 0'.9: Vis. and SB 13.2: Located with a hand drawn map, the galaxy is fairly bright but quite small. It had a brighter core, nearly stellar. Best view was at 187x using averted vision, where it appears slightly oval.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3239:</u> 5' x 3'.3: Vis. 11.3; SB 14.2: A beautiful sight is quite spoiled by a mag. 10 star right overtop the galaxy, and dead centre. All I saw was a bit of haze, mostly N and F. I took a second look here the next night. I noted two bright spots, one N and the other NF the star. These spots can seem at first to be companion stars. The envelope is hazy surrounding the star, but mostly noted towards the NF side. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now we move east across the top of the map, and then finish the right half of the chart by diving south.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3370:</u> 2'.6 x 1'.5: Vis. 11.6; SB 12.9: Located at 60x and 100x, the galaxy was oval, pretty bright, and quite large. At 136x the size becomes more impressive, as does the brightness and shape. At 187x and 200x it is impressively large, bright, very elongated, and has a bright middle. A nice catch in a 12"!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh379ipE1pxhR-yaaUAWSq-ZoDmPQtrxi5vGc3GDuBucr7NwErLgQQ_oYxL9eClqHQznGvl12JZGElEEpPZhvTzbRub0K1SWtvXzc2wJyb9uvjtYZDxTNwqeS0LfpWE6j4ni9lM9jvT9PI94BFa5iLdPXaL_NQe_0MhMgWekFINdc-mMYpYMNofqo0ToFrI/s600/3370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh379ipE1pxhR-yaaUAWSq-ZoDmPQtrxi5vGc3GDuBucr7NwErLgQQ_oYxL9eClqHQznGvl12JZGElEEpPZhvTzbRub0K1SWtvXzc2wJyb9uvjtYZDxTNwqeS0LfpWE6j4ni9lM9jvT9PI94BFa5iLdPXaL_NQe_0MhMgWekFINdc-mMYpYMNofqo0ToFrI/s320/3370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3370.</i><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3346</u>: 2'.9 x 2'.5: Vis. 11.7; SB 13.7: Easy to find at 60x and 100x. It is large though pretty faint, located just NF a pair of notable stars. At 136x it is large, slightly oval, and has a slightly brighter middle. AT 187x using a.v. vies are good. It is large but still faint. At 200x the galaxy is fading.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lUyDI18fxqqJhHB8zsXGprTCOTmJ-Qlf8vb064X4u265poWiBHwwd3OcgS9KW_zOCgYkcgkusyd0YDR_IBrUV1w6nZE2CBBpfoa6KAy35bsRmOIzfwpbJ3DEymB6SQFox5ArJAW1yC-zwCimT3ArSxsasfPE_cHGs_2NJWSPs9nLyloMFuIzBpvid5hY/s600/3346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lUyDI18fxqqJhHB8zsXGprTCOTmJ-Qlf8vb064X4u265poWiBHwwd3OcgS9KW_zOCgYkcgkusyd0YDR_IBrUV1w6nZE2CBBpfoa6KAy35bsRmOIzfwpbJ3DEymB6SQFox5ArJAW1yC-zwCimT3ArSxsasfPE_cHGs_2NJWSPs9nLyloMFuIzBpvid5hY/s320/3346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3346, with image ghosts.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3377A</u>:<i> </i>2'.2 x 2'.2: Vis. 13.6; SB 15.1: I spent a long time making certain I did see this very challenging object. I had glimpses of it using a.v. at 83x, 100x, and 136x. It was round, not small (1'8?), but extremely faint. It possibly had a faint stellar core. It was "best" at 100x. A.v. only.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i><u>eg 3777:</u> 5' x 3': Vis. 10.4; SB 13.3: View at all magnifications, from 60x through 250x, it has a very bright middle. The surrounding envelope is subdued by the central glare. That envelope was only seen at 187x and higher. The galaxy is wide, large, and oval. The centre is bright in all ranges, and is quite large itself. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6vhPTxu9SeVND1ifXFFwLL4O74MQoTpycVyCXnl2zG2G6UBOgp0L_axXcoc4-sYjFFwxyWnfOfyNW0RHrji7P17o4C3z6AWzMq_sRO8vRPlgnAQeEEYVFMU8WX_nbfw_wl-tiwn8L39MHnZ5pD8lOOWy83OmFRFxUK5l6ctFtUaOnmXTgHA8r8-FZ4xe/s600/3377.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6vhPTxu9SeVND1ifXFFwLL4O74MQoTpycVyCXnl2zG2G6UBOgp0L_axXcoc4-sYjFFwxyWnfOfyNW0RHrji7P17o4C3z6AWzMq_sRO8vRPlgnAQeEEYVFMU8WX_nbfw_wl-tiwn8L39MHnZ5pD8lOOWy83OmFRFxUK5l6ctFtUaOnmXTgHA8r8-FZ4xe/s320/3377.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>eg 3377 in centre; 3377A is NP.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3367:</u> 2'.5 x 2'.2: Vis. 11.5; SB 13.2: Easily located at 60x and 100x, the envelope resolution was flaring in all directions. Teh galaxy is large and bright. At 136x a pretty decent object for observation is presented. It is round, or perhaps slightly oval. Viewed at 187x and 200x, it is bright, round, pretty evenly lit, and pretty large.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb2c4ZoG1UWEfyzEx2P4f4Qc7gMMcwmbmabdmPeqd9dXzjlEJ3yZa3NiNDsjPRg5Zwbh81zqvss1pR90jYxSMq6oeKzWyghfuYFAI5gtR3Vr2A3_180KwiyWtDcB-ym6jYuvWv4yxiUm0B-KxtriqN1FUT2fw2sbxv6RJZ37TNK7MbZCJPN8xDcU9phUQ/s600/3367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb2c4ZoG1UWEfyzEx2P4f4Qc7gMMcwmbmabdmPeqd9dXzjlEJ3yZa3NiNDsjPRg5Zwbh81zqvss1pR90jYxSMq6oeKzWyghfuYFAI5gtR3Vr2A3_180KwiyWtDcB-ym6jYuvWv4yxiUm0B-KxtriqN1FUT2fw2sbxv6RJZ37TNK7MbZCJPN8xDcU9phUQ/s320/3367.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3367.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3300</u>: 1'.9 x 1'.3: Vis. 12.1; SB 12.7: Located amidst a bright star field at 60x and 100x, the galaxy is large, bright, and very elongated. It is very bright at 136x, especially the centre, which is quite expansive. Also viewed at 187x, 200x, and 250x where it appeared very large, very bright in the middle, with a smaller stellar core. It was a nice way to finish up an observing night, as well as being the final entry in Vol. 8 of my notes (I am now in Vol 13!).</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHMlSteP5R2uWf42tSaXRlfedPJWjjASuh8ofBXcSEmH8-cHA81LosRzjoKaiMK7SyoEaACk6UV3qx_hL1hzCMlrmof6gxoBU721kd3i2Y1KTgF421-dImengwqE6THQL7XaXJG4xqL6yZaExx-qY7K64rrq0T3LMRmb9yj6g0Zj6P3HI55OVMb1F-BnW/s600/3300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHMlSteP5R2uWf42tSaXRlfedPJWjjASuh8ofBXcSEmH8-cHA81LosRzjoKaiMK7SyoEaACk6UV3qx_hL1hzCMlrmof6gxoBU721kd3i2Y1KTgF421-dImengwqE6THQL7XaXJG4xqL6yZaExx-qY7K64rrq0T3LMRmb9yj6g0Zj6P3HI55OVMb1F-BnW/s320/3300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3300.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3338</u>: 5'.9 x 3'.6: Vis. 11.1; SB 14.2: At 60x this galaxy was big, bright, and very elongated. It immediately follows a mag. 9 star. At lower powers the envelope aimed towards this star cannot be seen. As a result, it looks like the bright centre if the head of a comet, and the tail is the faint envelope following. The object was also viewed at 136x, 187x, 200x, and 250x. The preceding envelope is now seen, despite the bright star. The envelope seems to extend to the star. A few very faint stars (mag. 14-15?) surround the galaxy, including a few just N. There is a very tiny stellar core.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUgFGXOar4hyiSYso1E-Vf5CbmPxN7OFsk6oYtUHIa8CXLeqbk6p0AeB03h3nOVDQVASsfAh2D5iMyz4KGUl_Z3zNw5z-2oYA5Kv2uAYL2OiWv1UruC2ueE8jQkRQyFbzLw1rkUcjYAYtSdYGOLZdisoXVHv3zAh8RAP07Yxx3piFq0kDZW2v_NOg9ast/s600/3338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUgFGXOar4hyiSYso1E-Vf5CbmPxN7OFsk6oYtUHIa8CXLeqbk6p0AeB03h3nOVDQVASsfAh2D5iMyz4KGUl_Z3zNw5z-2oYA5Kv2uAYL2OiWv1UruC2ueE8jQkRQyFbzLw1rkUcjYAYtSdYGOLZdisoXVHv3zAh8RAP07Yxx3piFq0kDZW2v_NOg9ast/s320/3338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3338.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>UGC 5832:</u> 1'.3 x 1'.1: Vis. 12.8; SB 13.1: The galaxy is not difficult at 136x. It is best seen at 187x, where it remains faint but pretty big and somewhat oval. A faint star is following. A mag. 11 star is just N.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3299</u>: 2'.2 x 1'.7: Vis. 12.7; SB 14: Located at 100x! It is not far NP from eg 3306. It is very large, oval, and quite faint. At 136x it appears brighter in the middle, with noticeable fainter areas outside it. This faint outer area is large. Though fading at 187x it is still large. Later it could be seen at 60x!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaEFeOkyu9AOIOxy41Byo6AvEZ_R7EJNx36xY3nvvUwu7GgKLwEUk7csPZR_jlklwuA69VrvXnaypks3RrCApvbkJ_-wmQvV8l47e2U4kdwv89SUSA1lJnO_RakHa08GOYwPW0bUzV16yM5vkByrpVLm3eiXrBwEgu8qazElqHtMh-sO49zEn5hSCFkJ5/s600/3299.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaEFeOkyu9AOIOxy41Byo6AvEZ_R7EJNx36xY3nvvUwu7GgKLwEUk7csPZR_jlklwuA69VrvXnaypks3RrCApvbkJ_-wmQvV8l47e2U4kdwv89SUSA1lJnO_RakHa08GOYwPW0bUzV16yM5vkByrpVLm3eiXrBwEgu8qazElqHtMh-sO49zEn5hSCFkJ5/s320/3299.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3299 is large and faint in a 12" scope.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3306:</u> 1'.3 x 0'.5: Vis. 13.4; SB 12.8: </b><b>At 136x the galaxy appears as a wide, very oval haze, very near to a
bright star SP. It is pretty bright at 187x, appearing fuller still at
250s using a.v. Eg 3299 lies close by, NP.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_1kiPN6OHo5wsVWXGWP3z4XUWU4-TfOAN4s0_YKMn6X-U2rHLGWbghcG-576j1mf1gxldy36FcI1dokIBBsmEqjONUkQCABbZ_uaBygpeikkJaCm9i9pb49tLNsp0HqD8e_MZSvuX7_Wiu0HXjUPWu4-Nc8Xmgk6_iYD7GMJv2xFmUqGSEWo5M0ehME/s600/3306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_1kiPN6OHo5wsVWXGWP3z4XUWU4-TfOAN4s0_YKMn6X-U2rHLGWbghcG-576j1mf1gxldy36FcI1dokIBBsmEqjONUkQCABbZ_uaBygpeikkJaCm9i9pb49tLNsp0HqD8e_MZSvuX7_Wiu0HXjUPWu4-Nc8Xmgk6_iYD7GMJv2xFmUqGSEWo5M0ehME/s320/3306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 3306. Very faint galaxy C65-69 is north (not attempted by this observer).</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3351 (Messier 95):</u> 7'.4 x 5': Vis. 9.7; SB 13.5: The first of three Messier objects that lie close enough together, this area makes for some very fine observing with larger telescopes. At 60x and 100x. M 95 appears like a massive, unresolved globular cluster. It's easy to see why Messier might have wanted to eliminate this as a possible bright comet. At 136x it is big, oval, shows an intensely bright middle, and a very large barred core area. At 187x, 200x, and 250x the core is blazing. The position angle makes a rough V-shape with a pair of stars preceding. Overall, it is very large, has a big, bright middle, and a lot of faint, outer haze shows at higher power. I have seriously upgraded my eyepieces since 2016, and I must return to these Messier objects this year for a second look. When I do, I will add to these descriptions. This galaxy is suitable for virtuyally all size telescopes.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2mCfqrZN8_Xe2sQDkEb3dzoQM-Iao8St_yooGRkPMLi5eIEqJIx0TP6qmSpiaSETTlYtC96G5zEqNL_3EDm73gR-REzQ-hrLp8tKFraXF93SHeMFKVXuPurDZ-IodGFU6C_G0cj6T9nH_w3UIBWLznSIUHgwUbkwotE7kY3LfwNQkD-uaYlf1YkBLjeI/s600/3351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2mCfqrZN8_Xe2sQDkEb3dzoQM-Iao8St_yooGRkPMLi5eIEqJIx0TP6qmSpiaSETTlYtC96G5zEqNL_3EDm73gR-REzQ-hrLp8tKFraXF93SHeMFKVXuPurDZ-IodGFU6C_G0cj6T9nH_w3UIBWLznSIUHgwUbkwotE7kY3LfwNQkD-uaYlf1YkBLjeI/s320/3351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3351, Messier 95.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3368 (Messier 96)</u>: 7'.6 x 5'.2: Vis. 9.3; SB 13.1: At 60x and 100x, the galaxy is seen to be notably brighter than M 95. It also appears to be more obviously oval. At 136x it features a nearly blinding middle section, itself very oval. It is very, very large. Also viewed at 187x, 200x, and 150x. Even here it has an incredibly bright and large middle section, surrounded by a very broad and oval hazy envelope. Like M 95, it can appear very comet-like. The position angle is similar to M 95. I tried for detail within the galaxy and extensions, but being late at night my eyes were very tired. I do need a return visit in 2024 (these observations are from 2016).</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NOTE:</u> I discuss M 105 and its two satellite galaxies in the next blog entry, Chart 92 left. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL1CFPdNP8bgusucknS1zETqK7JkVvIYkRu08aVxJJ2jPQzhnUANxUJh-OgfRcVPm4ClvjMT9GMakeZLcEC454Zc1-wE64avLLS_LL5B2ukjctbhWUYH4zxhjPswkJZHJsnk12re72CbL4rPVxs5Cn4m6HxX7QMSYnMFSi0zgt3EMNwwt3_G4F1ouKlj_/s600/3368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL1CFPdNP8bgusucknS1zETqK7JkVvIYkRu08aVxJJ2jPQzhnUANxUJh-OgfRcVPm4ClvjMT9GMakeZLcEC454Zc1-wE64avLLS_LL5B2ukjctbhWUYH4zxhjPswkJZHJsnk12re72CbL4rPVxs5Cn4m6HxX7QMSYnMFSi0zgt3EMNwwt3_G4F1ouKlj_/s320/3368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>eg 3368, Messier 96.</i></b><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>UGC 5897</u>: 2'.6 x 0'.9: Vis. 12.7; SB 13.5: Often overlooked by Messier fanatics, this galaxy is located immediately south of a faint star. It is pretty small and oval at 136x. It is a bit more extended at 187x, though quite faint. Not that difficult to find.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3279:</u> 2'.9 x 0'.3: It was located at 100x, a long, very faint, very thing slash, a classic edge on galaxy. It lies just S of a mag. 10.5 star, and slashes between 2 much fainter stars. At 136x and 187x it is very, very thin and quite long. As I star hopped here I came across a beautiful wide double star, yellow and lavender at 60x. Looking it up later, it is Bigourdon 1: 7.4-9.7/60". Watch for it NF!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiRAu_VWOGd_gyUVAhAo25X_v2J3aKpIcf9sRDU0xu2iwLC_chLMDwivL9SoOBlrORxzk2bt-Lh71rGXQB0dUEbed6XvDLxSpCCnOPdcuOSMqs0_FRJPdR-an6L1aj5dX9WQdoZsEgxjpDPJ0kH1OnEl7brup8CPAgNC8wCT1J4D-uoi1PIU8iOfiu-GK/s600/3279.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiRAu_VWOGd_gyUVAhAo25X_v2J3aKpIcf9sRDU0xu2iwLC_chLMDwivL9SoOBlrORxzk2bt-Lh71rGXQB0dUEbed6XvDLxSpCCnOPdcuOSMqs0_FRJPdR-an6L1aj5dX9WQdoZsEgxjpDPJ0kH1OnEl7brup8CPAgNC8wCT1J4D-uoi1PIU8iOfiu-GK/w400-h400/3279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i>Ultra thin eg 3279, and another galaxy image ghost.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 3332:</u> 1'.4 x 1'.4: Vis. 12.3; SB 12.9: Located at 100x and 136x, it was very small and faint. It lies just S of a mag. 13 star. Views improved a lot at 187x and 200x. It is round, not very large (less than 1"), and shows a stellar core.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>My adventures in Leo will continue in the next blog entry.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> </i></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-64480931646030209732024-01-08T12:33:00.000-05:002024-01-08T12:33:10.633-05:00#141: New Year's Resolution<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yes, I am going to try and blog a bit more this year on this site. I began a while back putting up my observations as they relate to objects shown on the Uranometria atlas, all sky edition. So I might revive that project, which is nearly endless, like observing the night sky itself. But for this post, I will merely glance back on 2023 and review some of the highlights of my observing year.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>First of all, it seems that actual amateur observing at the eyepiece continues to be in its declining years. This is due to many factors, including light pollution becoming worse each year, people losing touch with Nature in general due to living in large cities, and to the growing world of astro photography, which is finally in reach of amateurs who are not good with high tech gadgets. Each day we get more and more photos published everywhere that are astounding, yet repeating over and over what has already been accomplished. I am curious as to have many (good) amatuer photos are available on the internet of the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and nebula in Cygnus. It is likely an astronomical number. We won't even discuss the Messier list being photographed. Where some astro photographers are doing some fun work is among the less known and fainter nebula. To this day I am often underwhelmed by a telescope view of many nebula, mostly reflection type. So when a good photo becomes available of some of these visually poor objects, it is indeed a revelation. However, to this observer, no photo ever comes close to a visual look at M42 in a 12" telescope, or M11 in an 8" scope, or any of hundreds of open and globular </b><b>clusters and double stars seen through a telescope eyepiece against a dark sky background.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>These days I must travel far to get to a decent dark site. Currently, when there are no construction detours, my drive is 38 miles one way to a site I use. It takes 50 minutes. Even so, the northwest sky is unusable (Detroit/Windsor). But the south sky is quite good, even down below -35 degrees for doubles and clusters. I observe from 42 degrees north latitude. During 2023 I managed over 101 hours at the eyepiece on 34 separate outings. I observed objects mostly in Canis Major, Coma Berenices, Serpens Caput, Ophiuchus, Hercules (mostly overlooked double stars), Capricorn, Aquarious, Cetus, and Perseus. I use a 12" Dobsonian scope. I am able to keep the telescope assembled and in the car for the two weeks per month it is used. It fits easily into my VW Golf wagon, and dark sky set up takes about ten minutes, plus collimation (our roads are quite bad and bumpy where I live). Collimation takes anywhere from 1-3 minutes each time. </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>I keep at least one constellation prepped per season, and usually two. In the field I take Uranometria and my prep sheets. Each side of the sheet has about ten objects on it, both deep sky and double stars. I will often begin and end a session with some planetary observing. This past year Jupiter has been splendid most nights!</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here are some highlights from my year. First light for 2023 was February 12th. Conditions were excellent, and the temperature was mild (32 F). I began in Perseus, where I observed two fine nebula, gn 1579 and gn 1491. Oc 1528 was also fun to observe, being large and scattered but totally filled with bright stars. This is likely a real prize for a 6" scope. Later that night I worked in Canis Major, observing mostly clusters. However, I did seek out eg 2267, and at -32.5 degrees it becomes a challenge even to see it. It is also involved with two stars, making it even harder to discern from my location. A better galaxy for viewing is eg I. 456, located just below -30 degrees.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8wN2xVXYAB-YSie0oCLEKS33Jt1c5CA3ijqgxptbPfIZu3PDQqm8nOupxVs1cMt-jypITnQQbFL3qUU4YwCJFW1Wyn7wVjHsk-YnHAaoS9qjUasmovYiaunGDyAr8-U63C3qe5GH0ofutO4sGQODLrf-g_d3tjlfAWqcSGYGbTYg-5pPG0PU_NyXn559/s600/2267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8wN2xVXYAB-YSie0oCLEKS33Jt1c5CA3ijqgxptbPfIZu3PDQqm8nOupxVs1cMt-jypITnQQbFL3qUU4YwCJFW1Wyn7wVjHsk-YnHAaoS9qjUasmovYiaunGDyAr8-U63C3qe5GH0ofutO4sGQODLrf-g_d3tjlfAWqcSGYGbTYg-5pPG0PU_NyXn559/s320/2267.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i> </i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b><i>NGC 2267, one of the first objects observed in 2023. </i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b><i>It lies very low in Canis Major. </i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><b><i>All images from Nasa.gov. </i></b><b><br /></b></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>February 13th was also clear! In Perseus, triple star Epsilon (45; Stf 471) was an eye popping beautiful sight! Stf 426 also made a superb object to view. Other Perseus highlights that night were oc 1342, and enormous pn 1514 (it's in Taurus but easy to access from Perseus).</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iG1ttPOQEWerrZdc98aVOFrh4eIY0hxZZuKZ7E03a6ul-mXiuKgJGIpnhC0eW4j7p1GrfatklxZ8aSpy05qT62wpXc39ib5Gp486MPzw2FLJJEmpRpwp_hXNroP_-OIlsXot22vsERzwy8jv1vBrhRBkiSWjssGhFXbO8k_nEWWYQbCAO-pUIJkFBEED/s600/1514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iG1ttPOQEWerrZdc98aVOFrh4eIY0hxZZuKZ7E03a6ul-mXiuKgJGIpnhC0eW4j7p1GrfatklxZ8aSpy05qT62wpXc39ib5Gp486MPzw2FLJJEmpRpwp_hXNroP_-OIlsXot22vsERzwy8jv1vBrhRBkiSWjssGhFXbO8k_nEWWYQbCAO-pUIJkFBEED/s320/1514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> pn 1514, a gem for a 12" with filter.<br /></i></b></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>February 17th I was back in Perseus, enjoying views of oc 1545 and oc 1513, among several others. Oc 2362 really stood out, a lovely sight at 86x! The central star here is a colourful triple. And speaking of colourful, don't miss out on H 3495, an orange and blue pair that will remind viewers of Beta Cygni!!</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>In March I sampled a low globular in Puppis. Gc 2298 sits at -36 degrees. With my telescope almost level, it was located at 107x. Nothing much resolved, but it proved to be quite a large object. This is likely quite a showpiece from southerly latitudes. Oc Collinder 135 sits at -37 degrees, as I continued to experiment with extreme south objects. In Canis Major, oc 2345 proved to be a wonderful object to observe! I had my best view at 166x.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>In April I did some work in Pyxis. Except for double stars, this is a very challenging area for deep sky objects. However, oc 2627 lies at a more comfortable -30 degrees. This one turned into a decent prize! This one requires some heavy duty magnification to resolve some of the background haze, but it is worth the journey. My best view was at 221x, where faint stars were popping out everywhere, somewhat like a globular. Sextans is a little better,and I seem to be able to locate the NGC galaxies with a bit of time and luck. Eg 3156 is a dandy for a 12" scope. Even 8" shows this one nicely.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Of course galaxies abound in Coma, and I have already spent several seasons here. Highlights this year include eg 4212, eg 4237, eg 4189, the pair eg 4340/4350, eg 4014, eg 4489, eg 4450, etc. etc!! I hope to detail these by Uranometria chart number in future blog entries. I should make special mention of eg 4710, one of the really great objects in this part of the sky. It is a bright edge-on galaxy that looks great in an 8", and stupendous in a 12". Work in Coma continued through the end of May.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0RUHQfj4nXTVT38EEf5zWbVY7SnzVuboBtdnZQvZ09pJUTEl2AGj_vEUKyf1qrfthWvI88pdAhyphenhyphenG_OH4pxIFKIz9XHQpT-_Ucw4wJZNGWQzj0tqZSsiC9RJN3_8d6OfaxbNTc3qKmReXk_KKpwUEIagDUdz0-cMwD3O9XCifi6KkB72W7e63QPx63L9_/s600/4710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0RUHQfj4nXTVT38EEf5zWbVY7SnzVuboBtdnZQvZ09pJUTEl2AGj_vEUKyf1qrfthWvI88pdAhyphenhyphenG_OH4pxIFKIz9XHQpT-_Ucw4wJZNGWQzj0tqZSsiC9RJN3_8d6OfaxbNTc3qKmReXk_KKpwUEIagDUdz0-cMwD3O9XCifi6KkB72W7e63QPx63L9_/s320/4710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 4710 in Coma.</i> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>In Ophiuchus, globular clusters really seem to gather. M 9 and M 19gave me a lot of eye piece time and pleasure. I had to make certain that the nights were not humid, as views can be disappointing otherwise. But on a crisp, clear night with good transparency, these objects really shine forth. M62 can be challenging to resolve with a 12". I had fair success up to 333x. Pn 6369, the "Little ghost," is also fun to view. With my Orion Sky Glow filter the nebula is very bright and pretty large. A notable dark centre can easily be seen. The 16 mag. central star is, alas, beyond my reach.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>In Serpens Cauda, M16 (Eagle) becomes a site to behold. Both a cluster and a nebula, it provides fine views at any and all magnifications. Without a filter it is much less impressive. I used both the Sky Glow and a Celestron O3 filter. Beware of photos that wash away the stars with nebulosity, as the cluster itself is a fine one. An unexpected surprise in this constellation is oc I. 4756! This is a large and bright cluster, eye popping at 86x. There are literally dozens of bright stars. The huge object (40') fits nicely into my 43x filed of view. This might be a good one for Space Eye, my 2" refractor.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I began work in Capricorn last year. One highlight was eg 6907, a big fat galaxy that has a central bright area shaped like a banana! Though seen at 8", it is much larger at 12". It remained bright up to 33x. In Aquarius (it's November now) I was very impressed with eg 7606. It impresses as a diagonal slash between two faint stars. A bright area just north preceding the centre might be a galactic arm! In Cetus it was mostly fainter galaxies, very time consuming to locate, but rewarding when they are last discovered! Finishing up back in Perseus (where the year began), the last object of 2023 for me was oc 884, the following half of the justly famous Double Cluster. I spent nearly an hour just observing and making detailed notes of this one cluster. A fine way to finish up the year! And it means that I might begin 2024 with the other half of the Double Cluster! A good beginning that would be.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTpoaX3d-6VnEjRzUE3tWROw9YPyRHm9Khk7pUr9_Ep5NMkoLm0zZwvrXQmKNWt9Qzf8wmomHU8pQZmOxOqWsQxBxONH6eP_oXL62bGOoYiUlRyuaYGRPKwxUVw0WEsPlIMzQuxriXB70wQFMhdrhh5J8qRdMYB_g8xshPnqLZOpIgmBYC_A3hCXsi7x5/s600/6907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTpoaX3d-6VnEjRzUE3tWROw9YPyRHm9Khk7pUr9_Ep5NMkoLm0zZwvrXQmKNWt9Qzf8wmomHU8pQZmOxOqWsQxBxONH6eP_oXL62bGOoYiUlRyuaYGRPKwxUVw0WEsPlIMzQuxriXB70wQFMhdrhh5J8qRdMYB_g8xshPnqLZOpIgmBYC_A3hCXsi7x5/s320/6907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>eg 6907 in Capricorn. <br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike<br /></b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b> <br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-38542166424687839062023-08-02T13:39:00.005-04:002023-08-02T13:39:56.676-04:00#140: May, June, July Observations<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I was able to get out for six nights in May between last and first quarter moon. While some of the nights earlier in the month were great, things became gradually ruined by wildfire smoke reaching our area. Daytime skies were milky, while night skies showed stars about 2 magnitudes fainter than normal. So that really put the brakes on deep sky observing. Double stars were mostly okay, though again much fainter than normal. June brought me three nights, two of them with lighter smoke. July brought only two clear nights, but they were both great nights for observing. Dampness was a problem on a few nights, and I eventually shut down when everything became too wet, including me. Our summer dew points can be very high sometimes.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Summer work continued in Hercules (mostly double stars left) and Ophiuchus, while spring saw me continue working with Serpens Caput and the virtually endless Coma Berenices. There were plenty of fine galaxies to review in Coma. I had seen all the big ones in earlier years with my Edmund 8" reflector, but I have to go and see them with the 12", of course. eg 4014 was new to me, easily located at low power and remaining bright even at 333x. Another fairly small but bright one is eg 4489,also new to me. previously seen ones (8") included eg 4498, eg 4450, and eg 4595. 4450 has the appearance of a bright, large comet. eg 4515 was new to me, and also worth a stop.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moving up to really impressive now, eg 4689 is a fantastic sight in an 8", and quite breathtaking in the 12". It's size is 4'.3 x 3'.5, and has a visual mag. of 10.9. Wear your sunglasses!.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W7fV7lZS7AeE5hRXEaxAqmROc6jjpJgyuvmyuPUV5x4Wlbc36u5YRRZrh02bkSIpZ5axp99Xy7TPgJKmazA28F4G7EEe_py6iRpohghAZFFh1HPjQHgt8YXVXshgNUinAt9fucG1koNKLfk7h50cjcskdnM1qZ9cKnXKEnI_D01qASDi878ETCoAhVks/s600/4689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1W7fV7lZS7AeE5hRXEaxAqmROc6jjpJgyuvmyuPUV5x4Wlbc36u5YRRZrh02bkSIpZ5axp99Xy7TPgJKmazA28F4G7EEe_py6iRpohghAZFFh1HPjQHgt8YXVXshgNUinAt9fucG1koNKLfk7h50cjcskdnM1qZ9cKnXKEnI_D01qASDi878ETCoAhVks/w640-h640/4689.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Eg 4689 is a grand sight in a 8" and 12" scope, and probably in a 6" as well. In Coma.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Another new galaxy for me worth mentioning is 3g 4659. The envelope is tricky on this one, as the central area is so bright. But patience, high power, and averted vision will reward patient observers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Eg 4651 is another monster sized galaxy, looking super in an 8" scope, and truly wonderful in a 12". It's size is 4' x 2'.6, with a visual mag. of 10.8. The center appears barred, and the envelope is large. Definitely worth the trip to see it.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gaw8mPRQf21kDBWks5x42uCTdpbiV6wE97R7vy9w77sUKOXGYW17ibkYthl4ja2H7CC-_vhHJiCFGDSLpK4nddxR0Kcg_Pa1Vv5bAIBmBq2y9GR8jX9RjCoHEYxpt70MKVVqKVPRYs_FoHcxjjk_iW9rt0THJjmXcBK7uo-Wet9m8Hr3xg4VITauIEpx/s600/4651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gaw8mPRQf21kDBWks5x42uCTdpbiV6wE97R7vy9w77sUKOXGYW17ibkYthl4ja2H7CC-_vhHJiCFGDSLpK4nddxR0Kcg_Pa1Vv5bAIBmBq2y9GR8jX9RjCoHEYxpt70MKVVqKVPRYs_FoHcxjjk_iW9rt0THJjmXcBK7uo-Wet9m8Hr3xg4VITauIEpx/w640-h640/4651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>eg 4651 in Coma.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Eg 4710 is a fine edge-on sight in a 12", and it points SP towards smaller and fainter eg I. 3806. 4710 is a terrific object at 86x and 120x. It is bright and beautiful, with a notable star F. The view at 333x on a clear, moonless dark night is quite unforgettable. The extensive envelope eventually fades away into nothingness. The Ic galaxy is a bit more than two lengths away from the NGC one, and aims at a right angle to it. A mag. 12.5 star is just S of the IC object.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP4tALs_FmS_nInMB4y_MD1oXMC6WVBWpW5KTfWM6zfpiKQW2PKLPe8kU4VpMvkBS-6wzDwwI-9_JZnSf0cpkfZUykwxlZdrR8j5lG3Y0w1nJM5ZmOHn4ljktEDcemN2iagT8T9Gxrrj1O6pY0p6N3yrGZryXArIKo16-04GrEgt7DiHPYR7dLcAGNCLq/s600/4710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfP4tALs_FmS_nInMB4y_MD1oXMC6WVBWpW5KTfWM6zfpiKQW2PKLPe8kU4VpMvkBS-6wzDwwI-9_JZnSf0cpkfZUykwxlZdrR8j5lG3Y0w1nJM5ZmOHn4ljktEDcemN2iagT8T9Gxrrj1O6pY0p6N3yrGZryXArIKo16-04GrEgt7DiHPYR7dLcAGNCLq/w640-h640/4710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>eg 4710 in Coma.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Most of the objects in Serpens Caput were quite challenging to locate. Here is a challenge for you if you want one. Eg 5954: 4'.2 x 3'.2: Vis. mag. 11.9; SB 14.6. If that surface brightness/dimness doesn't scare you off, a little path of 5 faint stars SP the galaxy can be a big help in locating it. I spotted it at 107x first, then 120x. It is actually fading already at 166x. The central area is oval, faint, but not too small. nearly impossible to find without the little guide stars. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ5C6YXY1rkgGgC2r8QnGk-uKGjw8HDP5JL2sD2b-7HJGV48Ot3VO_L9oleytot8NP6cElXjj41ILriOjSW-dNgFYMglOh3ThAUfWxxqmQooC7es6fBlKxcsKuWJY7y3WWQVn47A4pemQ325riYAyq_oedmYE5Eq0jmUTHl13Gi1QbwrUGFVa1rp16YRJ/s600/5964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ5C6YXY1rkgGgC2r8QnGk-uKGjw8HDP5JL2sD2b-7HJGV48Ot3VO_L9oleytot8NP6cElXjj41ILriOjSW-dNgFYMglOh3ThAUfWxxqmQooC7es6fBlKxcsKuWJY7y3WWQVn47A4pemQ325riYAyq_oedmYE5Eq0jmUTHl13Gi1QbwrUGFVa1rp16YRJ/w640-h640/5964.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>Eg 5964 in Serpens Caput is a challenge object for 12" scopes. A few of the helpful guide stars are shown, SP.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Back in Coma Berenices, eg 4150 and eg 4203 both offer bright views in a 12" mirror. Both are easy catches for an 8". eg 4414 is large, oval, and very bright even at low power. Views remain impressive all the way up to 333x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AUotmYLpW3demHAEx6zt60nM9kEz1Xn30lLFRXbhQEoqobMZ1huEqyzmjgd9OaPHNpSaf0gCUUhPy1SOvFgYTSY9cO36joe7tbpbW1Tps7IHzY1u2KHzCa1kO1QnlqG_XwU49Rh_l3vriSvPjjHwnnQZtSezXzWZhIrcPLLGvJv3x99DP7i-OKdZtohm/s600/4414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AUotmYLpW3demHAEx6zt60nM9kEz1Xn30lLFRXbhQEoqobMZ1huEqyzmjgd9OaPHNpSaf0gCUUhPy1SOvFgYTSY9cO36joe7tbpbW1Tps7IHzY1u2KHzCa1kO1QnlqG_XwU49Rh_l3vriSvPjjHwnnQZtSezXzWZhIrcPLLGvJv3x99DP7i-OKdZtohm/w640-h640/4414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Eg 4414 in Coma looks fine in a 12"scope.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Back in Serpens Caput, two galaxies are worth noting. Eg 5980 becomes more impressive at higher powers, using averted vision. And eg 5984 is a lovely edge-on galaxy, looking its best at 166x. None of these galaxies are super showpieces, but are easy objects and fun to view. And the longer you look, the more you can see.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLdwxxRisqeXb5u-g2TsJigzHfBXgrIU4ikbbL58khS5XClzyng6q4hRbh7u2fQ2kGZMyYZ4fC7lepy2QglsJ7wxZfQR5u20vL3GL0Jc2EBimsJFRwX7Ucjf1nsaAnLVIv35OYuN6zTzXEyZJvJmAwnO9hRePdgZykb5DbiHn6cZm-hYxtOC9c5X-8ZeZ/s600/5984.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLdwxxRisqeXb5u-g2TsJigzHfBXgrIU4ikbbL58khS5XClzyng6q4hRbh7u2fQ2kGZMyYZ4fC7lepy2QglsJ7wxZfQR5u20vL3GL0Jc2EBimsJFRwX7Ucjf1nsaAnLVIv35OYuN6zTzXEyZJvJmAwnO9hRePdgZykb5DbiHn6cZm-hYxtOC9c5X-8ZeZ/w640-h640/5984.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>Eg 5984 in Serpens Caput.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moving into early summer, the many globular clusters of Ophiuchus found their way into my viewfinder. However, conditions were so poor in June due to wild fire smoke that I had to redo all my globular observations in July. Even major Messier objects were poorly seen in June's terrible skies. My month was dominated by the three Messier objects lying fairly close to one another: M 9, M 19, and M 62. <u>M 9</u>, on the good night, offered sharp, clear views. There is modest resolution of this bright and very large object at 221x. Getting that ultra sharp focus makes all the difference! <u>M 19</u> is tough to resolve, as it lies low in my northern sky. It appears very bright at 86x, and quite compact. 166x and 221x resolve a few stars, as things begin to wink in and out. I wish this one was right overhead. <u>Messier 62</u> appears unresolved but mottled at low power. 166x gives some resolution, but not much. 221x shows core detail, including a few stars within it. 333x gives fair resolution overall, with a few dozen very faint stars showing.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There were also any number of fainter NGC globular clusters, and even a decent planetary nebula. <u>Pn 6369</u> is also called the <u>"Little Ghost,"</u> and provided a nice break from all the globulars. Easily located at 86x my best views were at 221x and 333x using my Orion Skyglow filter. The central hole is very prominent, but no central star could be seen (it is mag. 15.9). It resembles a smaller version of M 57. A recommended stopover.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Of the remaining globulars: <u>gc 6356</u> is large and bright, and glowing strongly at 120x. At higher powers a few outliers resolve, and a very few stars are seen close to the core; <u>gc 6342</u> is small and pretty faint. The core breaks up at high power, and a very few stars are glimpsed; <u>gc 6401</u> has a faint but notable star over top, and a bright stellar triangle lies NP It seems to resemble a reflection or emission nebula more than a globular cluster; <u>gc 6355</u> shows a few stars at 221x, though not near the core; <u>gc 6304</u> shows impressive size and brightness at low power. A faint star is NP, which becomes a double at 221x. No resolution was seen on my observing night; <u>gc 6316</u> looks like a planetary nebula or small galaxy at low power. It glows nicely at 221x, with no stars showing; <u>gc 6293</u> is very bright and quite compact. 166x and 221x resolved a few stars, with things really beginning to wink in and out; <u>gc 6287</u> has a lovely inner glow to it, with a few outer stars resolved; <u>gc 6325</u> shows no stars, and is one of the fainter clusters in this nearly endless series; <u>gc 6284</u> is nice and bright at 86x, and a good size. The core is very bright. Outer resolution is good at 221x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Clear skies, and hopefully I'll report back on a successful August session! </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b> <br /></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-61213502304936898082023-04-24T20:55:00.003-04:002023-04-24T20:59:33.585-04:00#139: April Observing Highlights<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>First the bad weather news. My last observing outing was Sat. April 15th. New moon was Wed. the 19th. It has been cloudy since the night of the 15th, and will continue to be cloudy until the end of time, apparently. Now the good news. The early part of the lunar cycle provided me with 5 clear nights. While one of those was windy and frustrating, the others were near perfect nights! So I managed 15 hours and 45 minutes of telescope time in April. So far, 2023 is behaving not too badly. Last month I tried observing much lower in the sky than usual, and had some decent success in the southern regions of Canis Major and Puppis. Which led me to prepare a list of deep sky objects and double stars in Pyxis, taking in the region of -37 Degrees up to around -18 degrees. My latitude is 42 N, so my scope is nearly horizontal for some of these objects. Previously my lower limit for finding NGC objects was -25 degrees, but I see that on some very good nights I can push that much lower. Faint galaxies become too difficult, but the brighter ones are no problem. Same with clusters and double stars.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Uranometria Chart 171</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And so I spent the early part of four nights in April searching out objects in Pyxis (a compass), with some good success. My first NGC object was tiny <u>oc 2635</u>, at -35 degrees. Not an eye catcher at all, just finding it and trying to see it was the challenge here. I managed to see about 8 of its faint stars, confirming my sighting the next night.</b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHOm0I4HOpXso0Q_RomZTwMicSxX16CtcGUGUgXnjILkrqFqSiXCELu4qXxVBuaHQMMwB34ohme42J8OAKYeVibm3H0KQzmoVdceLTAbfZN-VuYamHe1Gaiz0r8FWT5owvjovfNrwmJncnDUN5Y_-gvbT_LlHMLHIFioZ9jEn-Jc-ZN-x-5E8Un_HaQ/s600/2635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHOm0I4HOpXso0Q_RomZTwMicSxX16CtcGUGUgXnjILkrqFqSiXCELu4qXxVBuaHQMMwB34ohme42J8OAKYeVibm3H0KQzmoVdceLTAbfZN-VuYamHe1Gaiz0r8FWT5owvjovfNrwmJncnDUN5Y_-gvbT_LlHMLHIFioZ9jEn-Jc-ZN-x-5E8Un_HaQ/s16000/2635.jpg" /></a></b></div><b><i>oc 2635 in Pyxis. At my latitude this likely takes a 12" to find.</i> </b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Next night I added two more NGC clusters in Pyxis to my life list. <u>Oc 2658</u> sits at a slightly more comfortable -33 Degrees, my best view here was at 221x. At 10' it is considerably larger than 2635, it also has slightly brighter stars. I was able to resolve at least a dozen of them. <u>Oc 2627</u> was actually a decent prize, making me glad I included Pyxis in my travels through the sky. It sits near -30 degrees. It was located at 86x, and at 120x about 15 stars are resolved. They appear to be between mag. 11 and 12, with unresolved haze in behind. 166x begins to resolve some of that haze, and my best view was at 221x. Even there, though, there is still some unresolved haze. Faint stars are popping out everywhere, somewhat like a resolving globular. A pretty fine cluster!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDInKc3JQw0_r_z5VP4N2Z3aG6VjcwaCLEEBwN4Cb4Nct1wGLqkLMbPQTvq0fnH74s2p3LTVIhFrSg6xxUCw3rg8bKJbm34GESrXhFFK_y-J-s50_kjV0xb6sB4k26h8SKSa1jVj54H1nrgtDKCDMs4CNuz2TUyqFsIjkgyjkgIYaSDtPOBx5IzARjQ/s600/2658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDInKc3JQw0_r_z5VP4N2Z3aG6VjcwaCLEEBwN4Cb4Nct1wGLqkLMbPQTvq0fnH74s2p3LTVIhFrSg6xxUCw3rg8bKJbm34GESrXhFFK_y-J-s50_kjV0xb6sB4k26h8SKSa1jVj54H1nrgtDKCDMs4CNuz2TUyqFsIjkgyjkgIYaSDtPOBx5IzARjQ/s16000/2658.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>oc 2658 in Pyxis.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwvUTML-h1ZXEsUC8CZ-YXL-2nJ0xEzKUCtUMKKEk-cNiJUXUFmZvAmkDdU-Gf2XB8xTONlj4QbA_kMtgRv8HYGoXonerekraITt7orwyvGBZ8mVGouLCwDQSNTvSsw5U3JmuuJRPKOc42VOlubybLdETx352g8pTwj8or8JpMtnWxODOmMg_2PObdw/s600/2627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwvUTML-h1ZXEsUC8CZ-YXL-2nJ0xEzKUCtUMKKEk-cNiJUXUFmZvAmkDdU-Gf2XB8xTONlj4QbA_kMtgRv8HYGoXonerekraITt7orwyvGBZ8mVGouLCwDQSNTvSsw5U3JmuuJRPKOc42VOlubybLdETx352g8pTwj8or8JpMtnWxODOmMg_2PObdw/w640-h640/2627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>oc 2627 in Pyxis appears quite fine in the 12".</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Uranometria Chart 153 <br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I was observing a lot of double stars in between deep sky objects, but next up was <u>eg 2613</u>. Located at -25 degrees, the galaxy appeared in my 86x field of view. 120x shows the oval centre of a very elongated galaxy (6'.5 x 1'.4) at its widest and brightest. 166x and 221x give glimpses of its longer extensions. 3 very faint stars are on the south side, and a brighter one is just preceding. Though the galaxy is not a showstopper, it does reward the careful observer with its impressive size and moderate brightness.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveInDWevYG2lMmHqHClYOOU1XOz17kBC_TEr8K2h8k084H0w5Ou3QU1FGmg-0axjabjtrB9wDoGT1bz8h8CHT9mOoAoiQeAE6YauVZWnxahGAuUtMY2SzCth8tJdSCR5qvwaYkcuDmdum8cI4p_AC3VNeNB0X-ZryKsW4Recv5fPAiyyNMr-KXa8LUA/s600/2613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveInDWevYG2lMmHqHClYOOU1XOz17kBC_TEr8K2h8k084H0w5Ou3QU1FGmg-0axjabjtrB9wDoGT1bz8h8CHT9mOoAoiQeAE6YauVZWnxahGAuUtMY2SzCth8tJdSCR5qvwaYkcuDmdum8cI4p_AC3VNeNB0X-ZryKsW4Recv5fPAiyyNMr-KXa8LUA/s16000/2613.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>2613 is a nice find down in Pyxis. Note the 3 stars south of it, the first in line almost touching the galaxy. Also the bright star at its preceding end.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The final two deep sky objects in Pyxis for this year were <u>oc Ru 62</u>, and <u>oc Ru 157</u>. Both are located between -19 and -20 degrees, and were in decent skies for me. They were close enough together that I could shuttle between them at low power for comparison. for 62, a tiny pair of stars north points directly to the cluster. A mag. 8.5 star sits on its preceding edge. About 15 stars can be counted here, some of them very faint. 157 is nestled amidst a group of brighter stars. At its south end is a nearly complete circle of stars. The cluster is pretty small (7'), and the stars are much fainter than the surrounding field. It has a few more stars resolved than 62.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally is cluster E432-3. Located at 86x. 120x shows two short intersecting lines of stars. Higher power shows a dozen stars, the brightest one about 10.5 mag. Nothing to write home about, but it is what it is, and likely seldom viewed.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Uranometria Chart 113</u> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Turning now to Sextans (a sextant), I have been working here for several years now. In addition to trying to locate all of the NGC and IC objects, I have also amassed a large list of double stars to check out, as well as deep sky objects from other catalogues. These are mostly fainter galaxies from the UGC and MCG catalogues. My success with these latter objects is scattered, so I do focus more on the NGC.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The first decent find of the first night was eg 2156, a bright galaxy that appears very elongated at 120x (1'9 x 0'.9). I was able to see it with my 8" stop placed over the secondary mirror supports. It is pretty large and bright using 12". A 9.4 mag. star is located 2' south following, but the galaxy is still easy to see. At 221x the centre is very bright and oval, showing a fainter outer envelope. My best view was at 333x, showing a long extended nebula with a classic central dome of brightness.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNarEcG48uZKKHzVxXKJkgZ26k-ElJL1I7wzLYhBSCZQ7A0fqZrjChGeeOFpv1KfIPFIbEJxhefzV2TsYx2pP73BG-6hQDU065o2BVfvJIKR9OqwHpn_06bWLnilmlQ_VADzUsicq9xlrM8ELVGfF2vST7hhOZ0LoFLGDl7SEeo4zfaLPdGmpXCzTSg/s600/3156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNarEcG48uZKKHzVxXKJkgZ26k-ElJL1I7wzLYhBSCZQ7A0fqZrjChGeeOFpv1KfIPFIbEJxhefzV2TsYx2pP73BG-6hQDU065o2BVfvJIKR9OqwHpn_06bWLnilmlQ_VADzUsicq9xlrM8ELVGfF2vST7hhOZ0LoFLGDl7SEeo4zfaLPdGmpXCzTSg/w640-h640/3156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>3156 in Sextans. After observing several very faint galaxies, it's always rewarding to come across a bright one!</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Next came a a pair of galaxies, one of them a showpiece! <u>3165</u> and <u>3166</u> lie very close together in a field of view. 66 is very large and bright, seen well at 8", being oval. Full aperture at 166x shows its blazing core. The surrounding envelope is easier to view at 221x, being somewhat washed away by the central brightness. 3165 was located at 166x, being quite large itself, and also oval, but it begins to fade rapidly at 221x. Now, for added enjoyment and wonder, comes <u>eg 3169</u>, which can be viewed in the same field with 3166! Both can be seen at 86x using 8" of aperture. 69 has a mag. 10.8 star near the following edge. At full aperture and 120x the galaxy is bright and oval. 166x gives it a slightly less bright appearance than 66. Even so, it's still tricky trying to see the extended envelope. Views remain good all the way up to 333x. A fun area to explore!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvPigpHg6XiNj7VfX2EQBPgoZkec4fCwNjpazm91ezHAoMz1AN5FKHuyyctcwxCzo6Lyv5HQHmc4xdLuvIzbeHgT9D4WADQl_kKIliqqAaqi02NCwMVZJApznodY5QvsTz_kE7A16RQcW32Pie1XmHdDr_bw704wFBQChkZeVfwVIeeY0bSoSVKrh9Q/s600/3166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvPigpHg6XiNj7VfX2EQBPgoZkec4fCwNjpazm91ezHAoMz1AN5FKHuyyctcwxCzo6Lyv5HQHmc4xdLuvIzbeHgT9D4WADQl_kKIliqqAaqi02NCwMVZJApznodY5QvsTz_kE7A16RQcW32Pie1XmHdDr_bw704wFBQChkZeVfwVIeeY0bSoSVKrh9Q/s16000/3166.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>From r to l: eg 3165, 3166, and 3169. All are in Sextans.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Eg I. 600 was located at 120x, being quite large, slightly oval, and showing a bright center. Though ghostly in appearance, I enjoyed a decent view at 166x. At least compared to some of the fainter discoveries of the night.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>MCG +0-27-2</u> represents a type of galaxy I enjoy hunting down. Very, very small, round, and at first appearing stellar. This is one time when surface brightness overrules visual magnitude. Here are the stats: 0'.4 x 0'.4: Vis. 13.8; SB 11.9. This tiny galaxy was an easy catch at 120x, though it did appear stellar. 116x and averted vision shows a pretty decent envelope, but very small. Best views were at 221x and 333x, where the galaxy is now bright, but still small. It shows a stellar core. At the very end I also observed it at 86x, as a faint and tiny star.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Eg 3243</u> was located at 120x, but the galaxy is somewhat dimmed by a nearby 10.5 mag. star. Viewed at 166x and 231x, it is quite large and round, showing a stellar core. Beyond the core lies a bright envelope of haze, then a fainter layer beyond that. At 333x the full size can be appreciated.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG_oIrPW2blRo9SEkqVtW2pB0keCqymxgIKwpDzWB1pwxZV8uICQh0dbJPo1NJhuRplarwMtQyR830838wZLMMMu4eQyY5h1TcquIHhWWifRhfPhDC3w9YysA_L2SjATSTQvTqi61bUK6Ds-rFY3-syFYIiA8yPhUGmhbxI92whOadt2bJCKJ50qfdA/s600/3243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG_oIrPW2blRo9SEkqVtW2pB0keCqymxgIKwpDzWB1pwxZV8uICQh0dbJPo1NJhuRplarwMtQyR830838wZLMMMu4eQyY5h1TcquIHhWWifRhfPhDC3w9YysA_L2SjATSTQvTqi61bUK6Ds-rFY3-syFYIiA8yPhUGmhbxI92whOadt2bJCKJ50qfdA/s16000/3243.jpg" /></a></div>NGC 3243 is in Sextans. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Another small but bright galaxy in Sextans is <u>I. 651</u>. Located easily at 120x, it appears pretty bright, and quite large (0'.8 x 0'.8). 166x, 231, and 333x all give decent views, with the round nebula exuding a pleasingly ghostly luminescence.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Coma Berenices: Uranometria Chart 91</u> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>My major spring constellation has been Coma Berenices for several years now, as I slowly and painstakingly make my way through hundreds of NGC and IC objects, mostly galaxies. This area, lying just above Virgo and immediately following Leo, is filled with some major treasures. And there are dozens of mid-bright galaxies which I won't even mention here, unless they are in the same field of view as a biggie.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>One of my first conquests this year was <u>Messier 98, or NGC 4192</u>. Seen quite well in earlier days with the Edmund 8", the galaxy is a major sight to behold in a 12"! Though perhaps not as bright as one could wish, it certainly held my interest for a long time anyway. It's already a showpiece at 86x (even at 8"). 120x shows a tiny, bright stellar core, with elongated extensions heading out from there and going quite far. This is not an edge-on galaxy, but is tilted slightly towards us. There is a breathtaking Hubble image of this on the internet. All magnifications give fabulous views up to 333, with the size expanding with each increase. Not to be missed, even with a 6" scope! M98 points directly south towards tiny <u>eg 4186</u>, which is pretty faint and tiny by comparison. It shows up at the very bottom of the following image.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiTxHXSpXyNXQFDv6cT9rESgPQEKSZiik-3g8t_NtmZyIfCTsF8wU6E55_KpMNRoJJGv6teETuFTRf3IK6fAuDYeWe8V3DeszHnfKP5i2sTxG6PULa5k_a1N6_U86pnIAFp43kouR36vcRX1Sx_Z484Az3h_NGT07gUZvse6q7lNH5XLcyzJw2Vjykw/s600/m98.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiTxHXSpXyNXQFDv6cT9rESgPQEKSZiik-3g8t_NtmZyIfCTsF8wU6E55_KpMNRoJJGv6teETuFTRf3IK6fAuDYeWe8V3DeszHnfKP5i2sTxG6PULa5k_a1N6_U86pnIAFp43kouR36vcRX1Sx_Z484Az3h_NGT07gUZvse6q7lNH5XLcyzJw2Vjykw/w640-h640/m98.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>M 98 in Coma. These images are all relative in size. By comparing the images you are also comparing their size to one another. This is a biggie!</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>eg 4212</u> is another galaxy previously seen with the 8". Located at 86x, it is large, bright, and oval. At 120x it shows even more of its mass, also becoming quite bright and eye-catching. 166x shows its full size, with a bright centre. Worth a look.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jEn4zQNR2MHb8n9cGm9DH34FJQKG6DYHzdBB9tjAeISC4CwHUKyHkp8j2tpUucSF23Qxc84ZLg-xvPJHOj37lRPBF0jmws4WOaxpZK0H_g9Hs4sNAqq93LJVlOMoljSZ8rF8pDfX3lQGH6ew7ZWaGGTfdDFTV8_MMZ85lZcFebllcMo-YCHFb-bZ_A/s600/4212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jEn4zQNR2MHb8n9cGm9DH34FJQKG6DYHzdBB9tjAeISC4CwHUKyHkp8j2tpUucSF23Qxc84ZLg-xvPJHOj37lRPBF0jmws4WOaxpZK0H_g9Hs4sNAqq93LJVlOMoljSZ8rF8pDfX3lQGH6ew7ZWaGGTfdDFTV8_MMZ85lZcFebllcMo-YCHFb-bZ_A/w640-h640/4212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>4212 is an impressive sight in a 12" Dob.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Eg 4237</u> is also worth a stopover. It's a easy star hop from M 98, thanks to some nearby bright stars. This is a pretty fine galaxy, even at 86x. At 166x it becomes on obvious face on (nearly so) spiral, showing a bright stellar core. There is a bright envelope, but it fades unevenly. Best view was at 221x. A recommended stop if in the area.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qm6sTzLGFpIKMfC3xnMNfdExow7NDHmQASBm729cgldqAXIXGri_-Vuji75XkGuyGIP6LpVyq0yKupY3xi_iIciwhDYWBWmOyfssKjJQB0IacCohoA1vPvWoKwmn27iFdZ3tkpY7IVx8Xst-jxK8QicvL5K3CKZO5cby7hmD4byxSmyHoYploOd5qw/s600/4237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qm6sTzLGFpIKMfC3xnMNfdExow7NDHmQASBm729cgldqAXIXGri_-Vuji75XkGuyGIP6LpVyq0yKupY3xi_iIciwhDYWBWmOyfssKjJQB0IacCohoA1vPvWoKwmn27iFdZ3tkpY7IVx8Xst-jxK8QicvL5K3CKZO5cby7hmD4byxSmyHoYploOd5qw/s16000/4237.jpg" /></a></div><i>4237 isn't far from M 98 in Coma.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>There are two interesting things about <u>eg 4222</u>. First, this faint edge-on galaxy straddles two constellations. It's upper half is in Coma, and its lower half is in Virgo. It's pretty faint, but at higher power glimpses can be had of its full extent. Best view is 221x with averted vision, as it fades out at 333x. Secondly, just south preceding it is a real showstopper in Virgo, eg 4216. This is a breathtaking sight on a good night with a 12" scope. I had an opportunity to view it over several nights, though I did not officially log it.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVgil3gbnqkamUf0HC_a-Y1uhLqY5nc5-H3ai4TOlvbicSAYyUpxoaDl7dHGSpLqrrHhyGEEG0SzjUyMvTM1C_ZDcp8n9cU2vUV-TSnUXSVN549DjbOVtNIyWhdgZ3TM4p2jpkrgvnTV-7UCEVrB8cWHhJaNf_SM1P8GWmvGFwq-uwi0ZRplEdFFswQ/s600/4222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVgil3gbnqkamUf0HC_a-Y1uhLqY5nc5-H3ai4TOlvbicSAYyUpxoaDl7dHGSpLqrrHhyGEEG0SzjUyMvTM1C_ZDcp8n9cU2vUV-TSnUXSVN549DjbOVtNIyWhdgZ3TM4p2jpkrgvnTV-7UCEVrB8cWHhJaNf_SM1P8GWmvGFwq-uwi0ZRplEdFFswQ/w640-h640/4222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>4222 in the north straddles Coma and Virgo. But have a peek south at wonderful 4216 in Virgo!!</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>A little north preceding 4222 is eg 4189, another large and bright object easily seen at 86x. At 120x the shape becomes slightly oval, and it is a bit brighter. 166x shows its full size with averted vision. Lighter and darker areas can be noted within the envelope. It begins to dim at 221x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyLrvAcUuM27RczF2o2qdY48n-iUHDHKkYD2PeGHrhsj34y2ArvmaHu0Oaux9MmHfmcReS01zowR2X2CmemPRQIAoynTRzXedXbOZcNkvzFwLronGTrF_l-zm7ishwtmQ3jrd_8qmBJoKkTHBjHsDkp-96UKoAG8Qq1ZIkdM7HQiwG4hdeQY1R0MRyw/s600/4189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyLrvAcUuM27RczF2o2qdY48n-iUHDHKkYD2PeGHrhsj34y2ArvmaHu0Oaux9MmHfmcReS01zowR2X2CmemPRQIAoynTRzXedXbOZcNkvzFwLronGTrF_l-zm7ishwtmQ3jrd_8qmBJoKkTHBjHsDkp-96UKoAG8Qq1ZIkdM7HQiwG4hdeQY1R0MRyw/s16000/4189.jpg" /></a></div><i>4189 in Coma. Watch for lighter and darker areas in a 12".</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I'll finish up with two final bright galaxies, seen together at most magnifications. <u>eg 4340</u> and <u>eg 4350</u> make an outstanding pair of galaxies, with some contrasting detail to make things even more fun. Both are large and bright, and unmistakable in an 8" mirror. At 120x and 12" both show very bright cores and large envelopes. 50 seems to be a bit brighter overall. 50 becomes very elongated, and starts to resemble a mini M 31, especially at 166x. In this range 40 appears slightly oval. The envelope on that one is tricky due to the brightness of the centre. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsRYDZatIUHgJqL6q_Gwz0NxMOpym-3S348Fo2tiWaAg5gmeQYbQ1UQxzgaDdrH-j4IYJ0u0BfypKKqG1qr6hVvUjGWJwWqOyTesd1gjGiKPJ753F2Pmc3s-2Wh04dVtiaL9OeqjiaSU_OhUi7uBZR9ou6bD7cr6VGpd91WbYaJEXjUZ2d8YYL_YGGw/s600/4350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsRYDZatIUHgJqL6q_Gwz0NxMOpym-3S348Fo2tiWaAg5gmeQYbQ1UQxzgaDdrH-j4IYJ0u0BfypKKqG1qr6hVvUjGWJwWqOyTesd1gjGiKPJ753F2Pmc3s-2Wh04dVtiaL9OeqjiaSU_OhUi7uBZR9ou6bD7cr6VGpd91WbYaJEXjUZ2d8YYL_YGGw/w640-h640/4350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>4350 is in the centre, preceded by 4340, both in Coma.</i> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Also worth checking out in this vicinity are <u> 4239, 4383, and 4405.</u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> <u><br /></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><i> </i></b><br /><b><br /></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b> <br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-84014298594425568432023-03-20T21:08:00.002-04:002023-03-26T21:25:59.592-04:00#138: Winter Observing Highlights 2023<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>January through March is a grim time for deep sky work, even in Canada's most southern latitude (I am at 42 N) If it is clear between last quarter moon and first quarter, it is often too cold and/or too windy to be out in an open farm field setting up a telescope, observing, and then breaking down again. So January, as usual, was a write off, despite this being our 7th warmest winter on record. However, in February came three clear nights I was able to use. There were actually six clear nights this time, but two of them were far too windy, and another was simply too cold. I have been able to push my lower temperature limit down somewhat for extended observing, but many nights are still far too cold. It's mostly the fingers; gloves have to be worn, not mittens, and even with hand warmers inside, things can still get brutal. </b><b>One of the best things about winter observing (and late autumn), is
that one can put in three hours at the eyepiece and still be home by
bedtime. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>So I was able to continue a years' long project in Perseus, and another in Canis Major. I had observed Perseus in some detail years ago with my Edmund 8" scope. But it is always worth having another look at objects with the 12"! And of course back in the day I did not have the detail of a Uranometria atlas. Some previously seen objects that I revisited in Perseus included gn 1579, a large reflection nebula last seen in 2004. Even larger is gn 1491, an emission nebula greatly improved with my Orion Skyglow nebula filter. Two open clusters, oc 1548 and 1528, also wowed me. 1528 is large and the stars are quite scattered, but the sheer number of bright stars makes a pleasant surprise. At 120x there are at least 100 stars. A lovely cluster and a minor showpiece.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP88KC7PjdlpmD25bZLCqJ2sWFCcMm2swFsw96dZDKx-Q3K8FbyG1WnazePRb8UjBk7AOTB7tNKeosqL-4_q0w_N45akDf8NQkCI6qoipupmTZmHxVkG-ydq63QOlXDkLe3joKiMBJGU51iad6yH3hrOC2hElej8ymXOgOOuWhw5ZcFYwCGAJtda-a5A/s600/1528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP88KC7PjdlpmD25bZLCqJ2sWFCcMm2swFsw96dZDKx-Q3K8FbyG1WnazePRb8UjBk7AOTB7tNKeosqL-4_q0w_N45akDf8NQkCI6qoipupmTZmHxVkG-ydq63QOlXDkLe3joKiMBJGU51iad6yH3hrOC2hElej8ymXOgOOuWhw5ZcFYwCGAJtda-a5A/w640-h640/1528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>A fine cluster in Perseus, oc 1528.</i> *</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On a second night I re-observed oc 1342. At 86x a curving line of bright stars is seen, in a rough "S" shape. Involved with it is a close and bright double star at the preceding end. 107x and 120x bring out fainter members. Again, though scattered, the cluster is pretty rich. I counted about 60 stars. I also observed a gorgeous triple star, Epsilon (Stf 471). The main pair is mag. 3 and 8, separated by 9". To me it appeared white and emerald at 43x and 86x A real beauty! There is also a mag. 14 star at 78". It was seen at 166x, but I had to put the main star just out of the field of view.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3vVqsPFV9a-M9iUamPkMqO28un_g4KH71iutbFSvxkeb8s314A-FUIbg9QRy6s6jsxEHMdGNkE7zQpIcNTdLBdxcpVsb-G_AJKlCaJddNX7TPo0h_g5ET59Ln8kIhTZN_in_vx8-aQbDq-stP7KOT_MbcjIYCAAcq4Zd9v5pWh6IbXwwdF1-n6eG3g/s600/1342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3vVqsPFV9a-M9iUamPkMqO28un_g4KH71iutbFSvxkeb8s314A-FUIbg9QRy6s6jsxEHMdGNkE7zQpIcNTdLBdxcpVsb-G_AJKlCaJddNX7TPo0h_g5ET59Ln8kIhTZN_in_vx8-aQbDq-stP7KOT_MbcjIYCAAcq4Zd9v5pWh6IbXwwdF1-n6eG3g/s320/1342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>oc 1342 in Perseus.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Though actually in Taurus, pn 1514 is easily accessed from Perseus. Located at 43x, the planetary nebula was bluish-gray in colour. Up to 120x without a filter I could see bright spots north of the main star, and also south following it. At 166x with a Skyglow filter, views are bright and quite impressive. The O III filter also worked well here, darkening the background even more. 221x shows several areas of varying brightness. This is an impressive object worth seeking. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1a-KEIzH8kkCkVTXfNWBmY5uKqHHsV6-Yc8qC07HMNjLrnvJEcpEAlQRFZCI6Ue1OUNBOn8xQ_IoBEGLX2xsjaUu8wIzrAVFMNQtSYyfAcQyo6Wm6igLS7hlGCMUBDmFTRod8KJguo235AF1uIfIrYgjYm2BLRhq2DjEDB6c_hKk27mU2cC3xOl1gA/s600/1514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1a-KEIzH8kkCkVTXfNWBmY5uKqHHsV6-Yc8qC07HMNjLrnvJEcpEAlQRFZCI6Ue1OUNBOn8xQ_IoBEGLX2xsjaUu8wIzrAVFMNQtSYyfAcQyo6Wm6igLS7hlGCMUBDmFTRod8KJguo235AF1uIfIrYgjYm2BLRhq2DjEDB6c_hKk27mU2cC3xOl1gA/s320/1514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>pn 1514 in Taurus, easily accessed from Perseus.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>On a third February night I finished up work in Perseus until next year. Oc 1545 shows many faint stars at 86x, with a bright double over top (S 445), being an orange and blue pair. At 107x about 30 stars show up, including a central curving line. Another bright star, a triple, sits at the north end. Worth a look. Also noteworthy was oc 1513. At 120x and 166x the group is moderately rich. About 20 brighter stars are noted, and about the same number of faint ones. There are several pairs, and the brightest clump is in the southern section. A mag. 9.5 star is in the north end.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lAIzZSW72yQl7RjzgFXT3vtxFFaGKuMqQx3mhm7LArBonzOiJC-XyE7jfqRKj93UaFgEY9rLp0cnk91KoVVsnk50SwPGWjq4GiX-daXkJIPZ4OzG8qrC8L5bJguOiC56fz6aZ9ztjmA_Fl-o5HoR5Ap8Iuqjuas9RUVfq9OD6ru3cGxsC_wcuTEYVQ/s600/1513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lAIzZSW72yQl7RjzgFXT3vtxFFaGKuMqQx3mhm7LArBonzOiJC-XyE7jfqRKj93UaFgEY9rLp0cnk91KoVVsnk50SwPGWjq4GiX-daXkJIPZ4OzG8qrC8L5bJguOiC56fz6aZ9ztjmA_Fl-o5HoR5Ap8Iuqjuas9RUVfq9OD6ru3cGxsC_wcuTEYVQ/w640-h640/1513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>Oc 1513 in Perseus.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>During those three February nights I observed Perseus early on, turning to Canis Major later in the evening. Canis Major is mostly new territory for me, with only M 41 being previously studied in depth. This constellation is loaded with open clusters, though many of them are small, faint, and non NGC objects. But there are a few galaxies, too. An example is eg I. 456, which sits just below -30 degrees declination. It is a bright galaxy that is just separated from a 9.5 mag. star south following it. At 120x it is oval; 166x shows a distinct bright center. At 221x it isn't half bad, being fairly large and bright. Another pretty fine galaxy is eg 2325. 333x gives the best view of this somewhat bright, large object, and shows a very faint star involved. Most of these galaxies are considerably further south than I usually travel for such objects (my limit is usually -25 degrees for galaxies, and around -39 degrees for clusters and doubles).<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6KNFlcKa2O1YDZQ7hnUfzj6P3ESqkyqZjsMo018cmaUadf8OzZxSo7T-b41e9s9gsGjCQBO2tiQAJ0nmxx4hXhwpTTf-D7GLDGJRbvHBqAWCGdON1F8OmWXbJhX4b-A95d-oooKGsszrxzWGxDdH-XuNQSAZ5BPVLAwbuzMSzSFmiK4B9C-0NPv8pw/s600/2325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6KNFlcKa2O1YDZQ7hnUfzj6P3ESqkyqZjsMo018cmaUadf8OzZxSo7T-b41e9s9gsGjCQBO2tiQAJ0nmxx4hXhwpTTf-D7GLDGJRbvHBqAWCGdON1F8OmWXbJhX4b-A95d-oooKGsszrxzWGxDdH-XuNQSAZ5BPVLAwbuzMSzSFmiK4B9C-0NPv8pw/s320/2325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Eg 2325 in Canis Major.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Oc 2354 in Canis Major is a very large group at 86x, with my best view of it at 107x. There are curving lines of brighter stars, along with many fainter ones. A quick count got me to around 60 stars.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVEeVElpWEF4oUmJJRHIIiABKpBYAvf4Edgtt3zYc2QGPXFZzhsxXNDHpY2IURb8IIRKMwUmY0xU9DtyNVH3lYE4WUocNXwwh8-iyWZiwZsZyI5z6Q3yFKD95VigPGV_k_6Mpv2P87zmhdWLYEPvLw6HlTcKn8UcrHIwlh2_8cl37IgsxgxfO1199XQ/s600/2354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVEeVElpWEF4oUmJJRHIIiABKpBYAvf4Edgtt3zYc2QGPXFZzhsxXNDHpY2IURb8IIRKMwUmY0xU9DtyNVH3lYE4WUocNXwwh8-iyWZiwZsZyI5z6Q3yFKD95VigPGV_k_6Mpv2P87zmhdWLYEPvLw6HlTcKn8UcrHIwlh2_8cl37IgsxgxfO1199XQ/s16000/2354.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>Oc 2354 in Canis Major.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Another beauty is oc 2362, a lovely sight at 86x. 120x resolves all members, looking like little bees swarming around a bright hive. The central star 30, or Tau, is also a very pretty sight. Best view was at 166x, where about 60 stars can be counted. The main pair of the triple is yellow and blue, at mag. 4.5 and 10, separated by 8" of arc. The other member is mag. 11 at 15".</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNhLWwdO_IqvKbveVelkOiwfLVa4ycVkDKyxy8JpK5UlOCFyo0Ydmo9-el2p6bpQwgTj6Ygvu0voWrs_v1sCnIKzFzoE50pOAmOe2ho3N2Tlol6VLbJDjkUePxk7FZBtVIE3qLrh2Q8O7VUwIWnpmFCH6wBXY05xQtPpJSAXSAr0__ZGp0P3ATy2Itw/s600/2362.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNhLWwdO_IqvKbveVelkOiwfLVa4ycVkDKyxy8JpK5UlOCFyo0Ydmo9-el2p6bpQwgTj6Ygvu0voWrs_v1sCnIKzFzoE50pOAmOe2ho3N2Tlol6VLbJDjkUePxk7FZBtVIE3qLrh2Q8O7VUwIWnpmFCH6wBXY05xQtPpJSAXSAr0__ZGp0P3ATy2Itw/w640-h640/2362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>A regular beehive cluster, this is oc 2362 in Canis Major.</i><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I must mention a beautiful double star, h 3495. Magnitudes 5 and 7 with a separation of 27", the colours are a striking orange and blue, very similar to B Cygni!! And just to give a (decent) sample of the many non NGC clusters that this constellation contains, let me talk about Ru 10. This is one of the larger "small" clusters, of which there are literally dozens in this area (and also in Monoceros and Puppis). At 7' in size, the brightest stars are mag. 12. North/south lines of stars precede a mag. 9.7 star. 3 somewhat bright stars sit in the central area, with many fainter ones surrounding them. Best view was at 221x. Some of these clusters (Ru, Be, Cz, and others) only begin at mag. 15, and even mag. 16, so aren't even worth bothering about with anything less than a 12" scope.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>My coldest observation (except when I lived in Sudbury, many moons ago) was the night of February 17th. Upon arrival to set up it was already down to 18 F!! By the time I left it was 16 F, and 80% humidity. That was one chilly night!! But what a sky it was!!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now on to March observing, which was mostly in Canis Major, except for two very low objects in Puppis. While waiting for last quarter to approach in March, I set up detailed worksheets for Puppis, in case I had a run of clear nights and managed to finish work in Canis Major (no need to worry, as it turned out). I have about 19 pages of work awaiting in Puppis now, perhaps for next year. But then I went ahead and prepared Pyxis, based on some low latitude successes recently. and then I prepared Crater as well. So I am set for the next 100 springs, at least. Later in the season I will resume work in Sextans, and, of course, in my main spring area, the indomitable and inexhaustible Coma Berenices, which is well up by the time I stop now.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I will begin first with two low objects I observed in Puppis. After all that prep work, I had to at least observe an object or two there. Besides, I wanted to see how good my lowest sky was. Things turned out quite well. My first object was gc 2298, a globular that sits low for me at -36 degrees. No problem! I located it easily at 107x, and it appears quite large and reasonably bright. But as the magnification increased, it quickly grew faint. I was unable to resolve any but the most outer and brighter stars. 221x did show a brighter core with a fainter envelope surrounding it.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMuw8TglkEL8KPt3GooNFGYIOgQduoEQkCPfpp7QS4NIAOriV7se2Wut0JIRE80abMaObEL9-9iZBX1Zv9P_Q3BtrZshDPwjRRHq5PNfgIyPG5Kr3MUmjjA8PXGMbHDZSz9mQmI7akRsrnBzhNqXzQ43WPFQHnH2-eAjBWpP4BZfm9wsAQynUjeIwsw/s600/2298.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMuw8TglkEL8KPt3GooNFGYIOgQduoEQkCPfpp7QS4NIAOriV7se2Wut0JIRE80abMaObEL9-9iZBX1Zv9P_Q3BtrZshDPwjRRHq5PNfgIyPG5Kr3MUmjjA8PXGMbHDZSz9mQmI7akRsrnBzhNqXzQ43WPFQHnH2-eAjBWpP4BZfm9wsAQynUjeIwsw/w640-h640/2298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><i>gc 2298 in Puppis is a very low object for me, at -36 degrees declination. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The second and final Puppis object for me this season was Cr 135. Monstrously sized at 49', it contains a 2.7 mag. orange star in the south end. Uranometria clocks 13 stars, and that is about what can be seen at 43x and 86x. Of course there are much fainter stars, too, but they must be background to the cluster. The bright orange star has a blue companion, making a fine sight. Wikipedia has a decent image, if interested.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>With only two clear nights in March I was unable to complete my work in Canis Major this year. At least one more (long) night will be required, before I move back to Puppis. But I still got through an incredible 37 objects this month, a tribute to good planning (very necessary, especially in winter) and excellent skies (not to mention a very trustworthy scope!). I usually use a hand held computer to find the first object of the night, but due to cold temps I didn't bother. There are enough bright stars in Canis Major that it is easy to star hop and find one's way.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here is one those minor, extremely faint clusters I was talking about earlier. Oc Tom 2 was only 3' in size (a decent size for a galaxy, but not so much for a cluster). It is supposed to have 50 stars, with the brightest star at mag. 16. What I actually saw were 4 stars, exceedingly faint, at 221x and 333x, with some faint haze in behind. A close pair was part of the deal. Obviously at least an 18" would be needed here, but I went there anyway (because it's there).</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oc 2384 was considerably better, part of a double cluster with nearby 2383. Both clusters fit into my field of view at all powers up to 221x. 2284 has two brighter stars within it at 86x, but at 120x both of these have their own little collection of stars near them. And the preceding bright star is now a very close double star (Bu 199: 7.2-8.1 at 1.8" of arc). At 166x, the following bright star has 6 little stars around it, while the preceding one has 7. Best view was at 221x, and shows an attractive little group. Oc 2383 is a moderately rich group at 120x and 166x, and it immediately follows a mag. 9.8 star. At 221x and 333x there appears to be a distinct north group and a south one, relative to this star. The richer of the pair is south; the north group is sparse by comparison.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjOH_AdvjvSzPerYH2ai1n5cOmN6EikjWWRbkLCuq1Bu0P6J8oVhDNj8yzvPNAp_zURuL_Zezt06QKdJ66s_eRzMFS1Iu6EG8spd1I81As_e10qXUmymd9A2Q_IomZGKhEipFD6n21vSJaCBXDOlSPhRWtabCvM1m-vVRM5n5CWEbPf9bvIo1Ts_l0w/s600/2384.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjOH_AdvjvSzPerYH2ai1n5cOmN6EikjWWRbkLCuq1Bu0P6J8oVhDNj8yzvPNAp_zURuL_Zezt06QKdJ66s_eRzMFS1Iu6EG8spd1I81As_e10qXUmymd9A2Q_IomZGKhEipFD6n21vSJaCBXDOlSPhRWtabCvM1m-vVRM5n5CWEbPf9bvIo1Ts_l0w/s16000/2384.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>Oc 2384, center, makes an attractive pair with 2383, upper right. Both are in Canis Major.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>A couple of half decent minor clusters came next. Oc Ru 18 was located at 86x, where I saw a few brighter stars against some haze. 120x begins to resolve the haze. At 166x and especially 221x the cluster is moderately rich, with about 30 stars counted. Oc Ru 20 resolves into about 20 stars all around a brighter one. It was a decent group at 166x, though it can be located at 86x. At the opposite extreme is Collinder 140, in the far corner (southeast) of Canis Major. At 30', it is very large. Near the center is Dunn 42, a superb gold and blue double star. The magnitudes are 5.5 and 7.5, with a wide separation of 99". Another orange and very blue pair are south preceding. Unranometria shows 10 of the brightest stars. The entire area makes for fine sweeping at 43x.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taking a cluster break for a few moments, there are two small nebula to find. 2296 is tiny but bright, somewhat following Sirius. It lies just beyond its bright influence. I located the nebula at 166x, but the best view of this small, round nebula was at 221x. No filter is needed to see it. There may be a star involved. It strongly resembles a galaxy, and was thought to be one for a long time.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuFHkui3rgTwHde74MrWpkyiHIdUuEdOG3yOITRs8fgkSLvVZGEKP0W1VebLNhRPMcUyoGc4XW9MPS73lLr3y8dhISSYPGKUP2BjlPMWde0ytRY_ORfw5rS26F4gjO6wguaLYScklBzdtkwr2puDae9DLVUku5IAwNKEAzVFc5DUmBqhRwppibMl4UA/s600/2296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuFHkui3rgTwHde74MrWpkyiHIdUuEdOG3yOITRs8fgkSLvVZGEKP0W1VebLNhRPMcUyoGc4XW9MPS73lLr3y8dhISSYPGKUP2BjlPMWde0ytRY_ORfw5rS26F4gjO6wguaLYScklBzdtkwr2puDae9DLVUku5IAwNKEAzVFc5DUmBqhRwppibMl4UA/s320/2296.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>gn 2296 resembles a small galaxy.</i> <i>The glow of nearby Sirius is obvious.<br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The other nebula is up near the border with Monoceros, being gn 2327. This one is curiously located at the end of a curl of stars, and at low power can be mistaken for a star. It is quite bright, with my best view at 221x, where small filaments could be seen coming away from the main brightness. The star following it is also a nebula, though it appears stellar in the scope.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeZMaabETHjmtzWvDUg5OV1fqKsgw_FUtt1Z3BchlajnNkXDoVQff6rCRq-qWf8wWLB68zHoHhsYSyRdwTr0U0UzZjP07x9MxFxJtM79eyneQEtQOpL9EBb1SQF8f-fSzVFFLYQ_EDekXvrazI1qVTTrVOl1vAG831Kuz9h_lFlJgJKvqi51hZKzkIw/s600/2327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeZMaabETHjmtzWvDUg5OV1fqKsgw_FUtt1Z3BchlajnNkXDoVQff6rCRq-qWf8wWLB68zHoHhsYSyRdwTr0U0UzZjP07x9MxFxJtM79eyneQEtQOpL9EBb1SQF8f-fSzVFFLYQ_EDekXvrazI1qVTTrVOl1vAG831Kuz9h_lFlJgJKvqi51hZKzkIw/s320/2327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>gn 2327 and a smaller companion can be found up near the border with Monceros.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Along with 1528 in Perseus, perhaps the finest cluster of the winter sessions was oc 2345, with it's brightest star at mag. 9. It's not a super standout object, but it has a curious overlay of bright stars in a horseshoe shape, with fainter ones in behind. At the apex of the horseshoe, in the north, is a bright double star. 166x gives a fine view of this fairly large open cluster. At this range, the 2nd star in the horseshoe in the following end is also a close double. This pair has a particularly rich group of faint stars around it. 221x and 333x resolve more and more faint stars. This is a moderately rich group with widely scattered fields, some of these being fairly dense.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6SX3SjQKdPIRv7kFOvFm_VyjLbM3_B1mFTnsF_nHUu5pZUai7iZlXJhKaW7v9rkB-6Ab6eJuHZDb72cCFdECW8DZnvECG0KvZyzTWgbJuIK6tby5IVJ5kY3JuRqOK5_h7CktCcDWAZaD4Xd4aChSeGKwN3BO2r6AzKh9OeaVT5Y404r_xvmPn9e3dg/s600/2345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6SX3SjQKdPIRv7kFOvFm_VyjLbM3_B1mFTnsF_nHUu5pZUai7iZlXJhKaW7v9rkB-6Ab6eJuHZDb72cCFdECW8DZnvECG0KvZyzTWgbJuIK6tby5IVJ5kY3JuRqOK5_h7CktCcDWAZaD4Xd4aChSeGKwN3BO2r6AzKh9OeaVT5Y404r_xvmPn9e3dg/s16000/2345.jpg" /></a></div><b><i>Oc 2345 in Canis Major.</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>With a cloudy week ahead (new moon is tomorrow), I am finished until April. Last year I had 0 clear nights in March, so at least I scored twice this year.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>*All images are taken from http://www.astrosurf.com/benoit/p23.html, which are in turn from NASA. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> </i><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /> </b> <br /></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-52783408440786767972022-12-19T20:58:00.005-05:002024-01-04T22:08:45.748-05:00#137: 2022 Observing Summary<p style="text-align: justify;"> <b>It was not a great year, but some decent work got done with the 12" Dob. I skipped out on the entire summer skies, despite some very good nights, for personal reasons. Spring was almost a total washout due to clouds and wind. Autumn was fairly good, especially October. And my lone December outing was with binoculars to watch Mars slip behind the moon, amidst mostly cloudy skies. So I ended up with 40 hours of observing time at the telescope, and 14 separate outings. Compare that to 2021 with 22 outings, and 2020 with 45! In Spring I only managed 6 hours of observing; that's how bad the weather was. Autumn was much better, with 34 hours logged at the eyepiece.<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>In Spring skies work continues in Coma Berenices, a constellation I have observed years ago with my Edmund 8" reflector. I am now observing it in much more detail, aiming for all the NGC objects and as many IC objects as my scope can reach. In addition, I am including many UGC and M galaxies, and a large selection of double stars. It is a project that will take many years to complete, like my similar one in Leo. I also managed a small start on Canis Major in early Spring, before getting clouded over and postponed till 2023. Autumn work includes Sextans, Aquarius, and Cetus, and some good progress was made there. Sextans and Cetus have challenges due to low boundaries, but at certain times I get good southern skies, and was able to use them this year to advantage.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>It was not a year of incredible discoveries from the NGC list, though I did retakes of some of the good ones seen previously with the 8". Eg 210 in Cetus stands out as worth a stop on a fine night, as does pn 246. This is the only NGC object in Cetus that isn't a galaxy. It's an odd planetary nebula, with some bright stars within. It's not that great an object until a filter is added; I used the Orion sky glow filter to good advantage to see this very large, often overlooked object. Eg 255 is very close, and quite a good sight in a 12" scope, too. And eg 217 looks like a tiny version of M 31.</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDHaj33JHohvon6sQs0kF89lKJADzxkJgm29Kxlh40qjb4sDI3cgLgrbTXFN6G1HgcLxib5wneQQCp98hm27Ko_wczOndc7K8MlAI4-Ii0f67pu-wei07_TxWARVk-DOqDcksNmeKCAM3mike0ylxFPihDas2VCgIJkJ-z32wMrAJziR6qfciklSYtw/s600/210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDHaj33JHohvon6sQs0kF89lKJADzxkJgm29Kxlh40qjb4sDI3cgLgrbTXFN6G1HgcLxib5wneQQCp98hm27Ko_wczOndc7K8MlAI4-Ii0f67pu-wei07_TxWARVk-DOqDcksNmeKCAM3mike0ylxFPihDas2VCgIJkJ-z32wMrAJziR6qfciklSYtw/w640-h640/210.jpg" width="640" /></a><b><i>eg 210 in Cetus.<br /></i></b></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKcufsA1Mry0ULpcEiMSmxte4ITfXrgfUPZ73gYzfTd3YUObfidPY265aZeueXKQINGWWN0GF0tYsf7_KagSsprIlKzFYLzR3Q5S3V3R1EgGlCNmGkWBlFwph6g_AkwbcYrSq_BemSpx93u9FOuFoWJ1U00CyaH_wQYPUjCfn_eVzQ3456ZhTq-XjWA/s600/246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKcufsA1Mry0ULpcEiMSmxte4ITfXrgfUPZ73gYzfTd3YUObfidPY265aZeueXKQINGWWN0GF0tYsf7_KagSsprIlKzFYLzR3Q5S3V3R1EgGlCNmGkWBlFwph6g_AkwbcYrSq_BemSpx93u9FOuFoWJ1U00CyaH_wQYPUjCfn_eVzQ3456ZhTq-XjWA/w640-h640/246.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymFGlEBkDCVSDv9a1AJzTQmZiwQHeIflbHH-fKfrhzAkGNMroUpUSR-vlhSBhU-AxIMp8nzdItNoFO70On-mpi4EEesCUuKIChCE81mwREzuWDn1lvDvPpua5xJsPNxaKn4GlXfZ7AP9uuqxruId8oaaSBAgysx929vsKOXmQermC0AJKH7VQn3Pujw/s600/255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymFGlEBkDCVSDv9a1AJzTQmZiwQHeIflbHH-fKfrhzAkGNMroUpUSR-vlhSBhU-AxIMp8nzdItNoFO70On-mpi4EEesCUuKIChCE81mwREzuWDn1lvDvPpua5xJsPNxaKn4GlXfZ7AP9uuqxruId8oaaSBAgysx929vsKOXmQermC0AJKH7VQn3Pujw/w640-h640/255.jpg" width="640" /></a><b><i>Pn 246 (2nd above) and eg 255, in Cetus.</i></b><b> <br /></b></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>One of the trickiest and most disappointing views was of gc 7492 in Aquarius. Good luck finding this faint globular in our southern skies! Other decent galaxies in Cetus include NGC 273, 74, and 75, the last two an actual pair.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Saturn and Jupiter were on full display, especially fine in early autumn. Virtually every night that I set up, I would begin and often end with these two planets. I was able to get decent views of Mars in late autumn, too (along with the December occultation).</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike<br /></b></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-32415224295954102292022-09-21T13:00:00.000-04:002022-09-21T13:00:01.356-04:00#136: A Six Galaxy Gathering in Aquarius<p><b>My first outing since early May was a grand success! In addition to late night views of Saturn and Jupiter (which were spectacular!), my 12" Dob and I went galaxy hunting in Aquarius, and later in Cetus. My main objective was a six galaxy NGC group in Aquarius. I ran out of time last autumn and had to set aside the project until this year. With temps in the mid 60s F, and humidity quite low, the transparency was perfect for southern sky galaxy work. A few double stars were thrown into the mix as well.</b></p><p><b>Uranometria Chart 104 (left side) shows the group crammed into a small area between 00 and +01 degrees declination, and between 20 hr 44' and 20 hr 48' right ascension. Fortunately, there are a few faint guide stars quite close by to help locate the group. Here is an image to help with identification. All objects were viewed with a 12" Orion Dob. Five of them fit into a wide angle field of view at 166x.<br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTAHZ6u-Ltq-DaT6Q_1krnYnhEcvBOrwouvj3QNRHkMmcoxziZTq3XnD3Euvm_373AkXHfkayaJ2nm7ZOckTZQZ5rDTjlLmZOGu43lPvPSn0nPxtYBP0kqsl8JZyA1GCkQBmwuGvqIJ0bXfHhGF0zr4n16c3TlrTbgi9uZm0aJ-PHhY0l0jYmEgmXQQ/s503/6961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="465" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTAHZ6u-Ltq-DaT6Q_1krnYnhEcvBOrwouvj3QNRHkMmcoxziZTq3XnD3Euvm_373AkXHfkayaJ2nm7ZOckTZQZ5rDTjlLmZOGu43lPvPSn0nPxtYBP0kqsl8JZyA1GCkQBmwuGvqIJ0bXfHhGF0zr4n16c3TlrTbgi9uZm0aJ-PHhY0l0jYmEgmXQQ/w592-h640/6961.jpg" width="592" /></a></b></div><b><i>A six galaxy group in Aquarius.</i> </b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6959</u>: 0'.7 x 0'.3; Vis. mag. 13.7, Surface Brightness 11.9: Easily located north of 6961, first find a small asterism of 3 faint stars in a curving line preceding the galaxy, and 2 others following. The galaxy lies amidst the stars on the north edge. Seen well at 166x, it is pretty small but very elongated and surprisingly bright. Views improve at 231x, and are still good at 333x. It is in the same low power field with three galaxies south of it.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6961</u>: 0'.6 x 0'.5; Vis. mag. 13.7; SB 12.4: This member is pretty small and faint, and slightly farther from 6962 than is 6964. All three galaxies form a straight line. Though later seen at 120x, it was first located at 166x. Even at 231x it is a ghostly object, round.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6962</u>: 2'.9 x 2'.3; Vis. mag. 12.1; SB 14.1: Both galaxies make a fine close pair, and can <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6964</u>: 1'.7 x 1'.3; Vis. mag. 13; SB 13.8: </b><b>likely be </b><b>seen in 8" scopes. The size and brightness difference is easily noted. 62 really jumps out first, and then 64 is picked out just south following. Both are easy to see and bright at 120x. Views begin to get remarkable at 166x, and remain good at 231x and 333x. Both have very bright centers and much fainter envelopes (the surface brightness stats appear to be accurate only for the outer envelopes). 62 is the largest and brightest of the six galaxies in the region, with 64 holding down the #2 spot.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6965</u>: 0'.6 x 0'.4; Vis. mag. 14; SB 12.4: The most northerly of the six, this is also the trickiest to locate. However, by using a line of 3 faint stars near it (see above photo--one is south following, one is preceding, and one is north preceding) the area of its exact location can be easily found. First located at 166x, better views were had at 231x and 333x. It is faint, appears to be round, and has a center that is brighter than its tiny envelope. Difficult, but in a good sky not a real problem. Of course use averted vision.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>NGC 6967:</u> 1' x 0'.6; Vis. mag. 13.1; SB 12.4: Located at 120x, the galaxy is bright and conspicuous, likely suitable for an 8". It presents an elongated haze between two faint stars, with a very faint and tiny star seen preceding, and nearly attached, at 166x. The galaxy remains bright at 231x, where the elongation shows up even better.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike<br /></b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b> <br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-67052235885623345862022-07-06T12:38:00.001-04:002022-07-06T12:38:37.911-04:00#135: Still Breathing<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yes, I am alive and well. Why no observing reports? Observing just hasn't been happening very much this spring. Weather was the biggest problem, with a truly terrible spring session due to rain and clouds. More recently, the price of gas has interfered with my observing program, too. It's a 50 minute drive each way to my dark sky site, so that adds up even going out 3 or 4 times per month. And I tend to avoid heading out near Summer Solstice anymore, as darkness arrives too late for this old duffer. If I want to put in a solid 3 hours of observing, I would start around 10:45 pm EDT, finish up at 1:45, pack up the gear and drive home, not hitting the sack until around 3 am. I used to be able to pull that kind of thing off, but it gets harder and harder with age. I spend my days practicing piano, but I am too burnt out after a late night out to practice successfully.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Also in the summer, there is the bug problem. Of course I use bug spray, and it's not too bad where I observe, but the twilight drive there, and the late night drive home, means that for each trip I make it leaves hundreds of squashed and dead bugs all over my car and windshield. So next morning first thing after breakfast, I have to wash the car. I mean really scrub it.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sure, you might say, those are only excuses for not observing. But taken together, this is no longer a season in which I observe. I will likely crank up operations again in the latter half of August. Also of note is the fact that my observing club (RASC Windsor) no longer publishes a newsletter. I used to write articles for that publication 5 times per year, and it kept me on my toes. Many of those articles are published here, but no longer.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>I had begun a massive project related to my goal of seeing all the northern NGC objects, namely discussing each one and posting about it here. That project was a tiresome thing to undertake, but it might get revived. I like to take a chart from Uranometria and run through all the objects I was able to observe with my 12" reflector. Of course some of the charts are so dense with objects (Coma B. and Canes V. for instance) that the very thought of writing about each object I have observed sends shudders up and down my spine. I had left off in the middle of talking about Leo, so I might resume there in a few weeks.</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Clear skies!</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mapman Mike </b> <br /></p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-14467941363389958102022-01-27T13:14:00.007-05:002022-01-27T13:18:09.736-05:00#134: Some Objects in Orion<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <u><b>At The Eyepiece, by Mike Ethier</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
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<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
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<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>December and January are the two least productive months for this
observer. December seems to be perpetually cloudy, and January clear
nights, when they appear, are usually bitter cold. However, by the
latter part of February and early March things begin to seem hopeful
again, and regular observing often resumes at this time. This is
good news for those of us who like to study objects in Orion. While
beautifully situated in January, unless you are in the Florida Keys
waiting later in the season is a more practical viewing option. Most
of my deep sky work in Orion takes place at the end of February and
early March. Much of Orion is still well placed in the sky into late
March. I have selected a few smaller and out of the way sights this
month. There is more to Orion than its Messier wonders! So if you
don’t want to tackle the following objects now, be patient and wait
a week or two.</b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">four open </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">clusters
and lone planetary nebula I will talk about this month can be found
on Chart </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">9</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">6
of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas, All Sky Edition. This is by far the
best hands-on sky atlas </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">available</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
useful in the field and </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">infinitely
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">fun to browse at home.
North of Betelgeuse and Bellatrix is a wide asterism of bright stars,
centred on Meissa. The southern-most bright star of this group is
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Phi-2 Orionis, also
numbered as 40. South following this star is </span><u>pn 2022</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
The nebulae is very bright in a 12” mirror, and obvious at 100x.
No filter is necessary. Observed at 100x through 272x, the edges
appear dimmer and less evenly lit than the central area. Though a
good object for a 12”, an 8” should also show it well. It’s
small size seems to aide its brightness. Use a moderately high
power.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHz4zrFuMjkTy0UMATre0NdXfMTvUIqcBuy1pAGVpBG3J-noRirzeclHseii1S-9ggRkzC5e1CCXiJtS2dBNZJUZoepjbi7s0h1dAhZtKoqmPLDxqxDee2xvNMqI3PSTjF165Cn26gO9LS3vOR_m9r5rmTJuG8bqc9dpL5VHHZfpQJ0E1eYJhc8fBOA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHz4zrFuMjkTy0UMATre0NdXfMTvUIqcBuy1pAGVpBG3J-noRirzeclHseii1S-9ggRkzC5e1CCXiJtS2dBNZJUZoepjbi7s0h1dAhZtKoqmPLDxqxDee2xvNMqI3PSTjF165Cn26gO9LS3vOR_m9r5rmTJuG8bqc9dpL5VHHZfpQJ0E1eYJhc8fBOA=s320" width="320" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NGC 2022 </b><br /></div><div><p></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Moving
3 degrees north of Betelgeuse and about 8 minutes following, </span><u>oc
2141</u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> appears at low power as
a low surface brightness haze. I enjoy the challenge of this kind of
cluster, having hopes that a 12” mirror will show its secrets at
higher powers. At 60x and 100x the cluster is quite large, sitting
among a few brighter stars laid over top. At 136x there is some
resolution of the faint haze, including a tight knot of stars </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">near
centre</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. More stars come
out </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">to play </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">at
200x, including many that are very, very faint (1</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">6</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">
mag.?). At 272x more clumps and knots are seen, popping out right
down to visual threshold. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">A
night with good transparency is a big help </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">with
this faint but rewarding group</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-lolmCKkeai1WF6oOsqEaBzl0tfx18wM5rOYGmSMAtkigDfzUfIYobmloal0-QYYOitYqyUL4s4YRZ0NqKFBYCEX4wOcVj5M9XxanAKi2qCMW7_k7IXXiYPZhat32RBKonIiXnGqJ8nmtmRao7-7yF32bWpBkZmTfGAhsWszOBYCKnvYmH9t8a7-ODg=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-lolmCKkeai1WF6oOsqEaBzl0tfx18wM5rOYGmSMAtkigDfzUfIYobmloal0-QYYOitYqyUL4s4YRZ0NqKFBYCEX4wOcVj5M9XxanAKi2qCMW7_k7IXXiYPZhat32RBKonIiXnGqJ8nmtmRao7-7yF32bWpBkZmTfGAhsWszOBYCKnvYmH9t8a7-ODg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NGC 2141 <span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span></b></div>
<p></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><p><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">2
degrees N of oc 2141, and about 11’ following, is </span><u>oc
2194</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">. Already resolving
nicely at 60x and 100x, this is a very enticing cluster in a 12”
mirror! A notable arm of stars extends </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">south
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">preceding</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
At 136x the cluster is rich and bright. However, with my mirror
stopped down to 8” the stars are </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">now
pretty</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> faint. 187X and
full aperture gives a very remarkable view, showing many brighter
stars (mag. 13) overtop reams of much fainter ones. This is a highly
recommended group, and would be stunning in the club’s 14” scope.
Immediately following oc 2194 is </span><u>oc Skiff J0614.8+1252</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Two separate star groups are noted, almost adjacent, and just north
following the larger cluster. The actual cluster is the group
closest to oc 2194. At 136x and 187x, it is a faint, circular group
of stars just north of 3 brighter stars. The other separate group, a
brighter asterism, is in the same field of view at moderately high
power. The Skiff group is fainter than this, and richer in stars.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqaaYdxIyTW9UJpuAn37DdSwHiZoAwjCr5rN7fa3l4TI6OK7pKTMEZcpk68OAOppBUIP3bGtb7IxWsj5JHQLE_MTqc3QzqNQaXaU6qIg6d7dWb5om92L80l1Hu0fSxPE0RPAooUyuihb1mGJTLygvpQwnaCKvB601sj5GBPRVqHfom2QIoz6Lnu10MQ=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqaaYdxIyTW9UJpuAn37DdSwHiZoAwjCr5rN7fa3l4TI6OK7pKTMEZcpk68OAOppBUIP3bGtb7IxWsj5JHQLE_MTqc3QzqNQaXaU6qIg6d7dWb5om92L80l1Hu0fSxPE0RPAooUyuihb1mGJTLygvpQwnaCKvB601sj5GBPRVqHfom2QIoz6Lnu10MQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NGC 2194. </b></div>
<p></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">North
preceding oc 2194 is </span><u>oc 2169</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
an interesting object as it also receives designation as a multiple
star in the </span><u>Struve catalogue, #848</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">At least half the
interest is the multiple star, which could be extended with even more
than its 5 main members. The cluster is bright and well resolved at
60x. It is an attractive cluster, and appears in two distinct
sections. 100X and 136x show 10 stars in the main group, and 7 in
the </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">secondary section</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Struve 848 has a main pair of mag. 7.5-8 stars at 2.6” apart.
These were split nicely at 100x and 136x. A mag. 12 star is 14”
away, seen at 136x. In addition, there is a mag. 8 star at 28”,
and a mag. 9 star at 43”.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhevfVHVDjetv52QkcmD2NgKIeaqGU-SETbidZv1GqlQmbMnG8CpvHoni6fB3zsk15HMCG_4jHwFPXbtBFdjgi_BCMUlKhiIhoHTT6Ol7kwHFRvaIl_I-nSX3MZLX3v4GlZxSgzfjsmWZuJlaI6YBW1EkFz5bqCuD84-JihTG5BINevFadmptMpaydfHg=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhevfVHVDjetv52QkcmD2NgKIeaqGU-SETbidZv1GqlQmbMnG8CpvHoni6fB3zsk15HMCG_4jHwFPXbtBFdjgi_BCMUlKhiIhoHTT6Ol7kwHFRvaIl_I-nSX3MZLX3v4GlZxSgzfjsmWZuJlaI6YBW1EkFz5bqCuD84-JihTG5BINevFadmptMpaydfHg=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NGC 2169 </b><br /></div><div><p></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Object
Statistics</b></u></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>pn
2022:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> Size 39”;
Vis. Mag. 11.6; Central star mag. 15.8.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>oc
2141:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> Size 10’;
Vis. Mag. 9.5; Brightest star mag. 15.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>oc
2194:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> Size 9’;
Vis. Mag. 8.5; Brightest star mag. 13.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>oc
Skiff:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> Size 5’;
About 20 stars.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Oc
2169:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> Size 6’;
Vis. Mag. 5.9; Brightest star mag. 6.9.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Messier
Of The Month: Messier 78 in Orion</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Definitely
an object that does not receive as much love as M 42, it is best to
study M 78 before observing its more famous and spectacular cousin.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Discovered by Mechain in
1780, it is a reflection nebula, part of a group of similar objects
lying about 1350 light years away. Nebula filters don’t help much
with this kind of object, and fortunately aren’t required for good
visual views. When taken on its own (without comparing it to M 42),
M 78 is bright, pretty large, and impressive at high powers, where
good detail shows in its varying brightness and irregular shape. 60X
and 100x show a moderate-sized, moderately bright irregularly shaped
haze surrounding two mag. 10 stars. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">These
stars act as the illuminators of M 78. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
appears to extend south, and narrows in that direction. 136X shows
it well. Just north of M 78 lies </span><u>gn 2071</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
a nebula surrounding two bright stars that is obvious at 60x and
100x. The brighter star is V 1380, a variable, and is the star with
the most notable haze around it. At 136x the star splits into a
double (9.7-11.5/10”?). A third nebula, </span><u>gn 2067</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
is immediately north preceding M 78. It is small and faint, located
just south of a faint star. I use this one to demonstrate just how
wonderful M 78 is by comparison. A 4</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">
nebula lies </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">just </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">south
preceding </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">(gn 2064), but I
have yet to see this one visually. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">I
shall try again later in the winter. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
objects are shown on Chart 116 of Uranometria 2000, along with many
other small, faint nebula.</span></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtkbXW7d_A1Ax4-KmPUXGoOO81aQMG_r0i5zjiWxUQp8xUfgV-V-rkUflDaKl7Bppds5K7OiGpFZfvDXDrqbUIQUxzVHif1fehNEpWADB4MDoqh4kQbvkjgp9nD5717hA77uAfMTJbTCPp55-BnJw5mfwlxCeP4iXz9fTFu1oYpZIxK-Y-nF9F4iUsuA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtkbXW7d_A1Ax4-KmPUXGoOO81aQMG_r0i5zjiWxUQp8xUfgV-V-rkUflDaKl7Bppds5K7OiGpFZfvDXDrqbUIQUxzVHif1fehNEpWADB4MDoqh4kQbvkjgp9nD5717hA77uAfMTJbTCPp55-BnJw5mfwlxCeP4iXz9fTFu1oYpZIxK-Y-nF9F4iUsuA=s16000" /></a></b></div><b>Messier 78, NGC 2068. 2067 is the fainter cloud above right of M 78. 2064 is the smaller, brighter cloud below and to the right of M 78.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmUoBEjOt5YD9MFnyki0lV_hdGhfpw8512DxL_y_IZAoZQRjMCzSOb1nEjTK9tAsc67eHDy6jT_cfV-CkKQ-bjub3ML_nlrXUP5fC9Ubao45iqR34AdIMQukvnh9xqTYRMo5mm-eOgbGfwxSREjndL_QjTyMmK9BYEVnkvYH9yH7orGiyvdl4kTqDEZQ=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmUoBEjOt5YD9MFnyki0lV_hdGhfpw8512DxL_y_IZAoZQRjMCzSOb1nEjTK9tAsc67eHDy6jT_cfV-CkKQ-bjub3ML_nlrXUP5fC9Ubao45iqR34AdIMQukvnh9xqTYRMo5mm-eOgbGfwxSREjndL_QjTyMmK9BYEVnkvYH9yH7orGiyvdl4kTqDEZQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NGC 2071</b></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Object
Statistics</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Messier
78—gn 2068:</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> 8’ x
6’; Reflection nebula.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Gn
2071</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:--7’x 5’;
Reflection nebula.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Gn
2067</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:--8’ x 3’;
Reflection nebula.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Gn
2064</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:--1.5’ x 1’;
Reflection nebula.</b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></span></p>
</div></div>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-39573819636446363832021-10-25T13:33:00.005-04:002022-01-27T13:17:03.492-05:00#133: Day Trips and Night Trips, and Messier 15<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b>At The Eyepiece, by Mike Ethier</b></u></div><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Many
of us enjoy day trips, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">being
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">easy-to-arrange travel
getting us there and back in the same day. Nearby Ontario places
like Point Pelee, the city of London, Sarnia, and smaller cent</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ers</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
and parks in between, offer good options for a quick and easy
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">mini-</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">vacation.
When the US border is open, Detroit offers a virtual Milky Way of
day trip options, from concerts, sporting events, and art galleries,
to shopping, dining, and whatever else one might wish to do </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">in
a large city</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. Ann Arbor,
Toledo, and many interesting suburbs offer the day visitor </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">many
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">more options. Windsor and
Essex County citizens are fortunate to have so much on offer so near
to home.</span></b></p>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Now
imagine if our local environment changed gradually over the year.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Slowly</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
Chicago </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">emerges</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
across the river instead of Detroit, and next season it’s New York.
Point Pelee then changes to a mountainous national park for totally
different experiences for the hiker, photographer, and nature lover.
The following year Detroit is back, and so the cycle of seasons go.
Imagine all that there would be to do for the day tripper if such
things really happened.</span></b></p>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Well,
it sort of does happen, only at night, and in the sky. As the
seasons change, so does our view looking outwards from Earth. A day
trip becomes a night trip, and while some sights can be viewed well
from city and suburban yards, to get the full spectrum of what is on
offer, it is best to take a little drive into the country, where
skies are darker </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">and more
welcoming to the amateur astronomer. While we might think nothing of
driving two hours to a daytime destination for a pleasure outing once
in a while, why not </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">consider</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
do</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ing</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
the same for astronomy’s sake? I would love to </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">find
a</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> usable dark sky sites
beyond Essex County, but not too far away. A once per month small
group outing for a long observing session might be just the ticket to
refresh ourselves. While Point Pelee is a valid option, it has to
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">happen</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
on a certain night, and if that night is cloudy, all bets are off for
another month. A bit more flexibility is needed, with the weather
conditions we have to live with here. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Hallam
has improved a lot with the </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">gradual
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">dimming of greenhouse
lights, but the south sky is still a mess, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
of course the northwest and west </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">is
worse</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. </span></b>
</p>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Here
are some </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">celestial </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">places
where I have spent fun times so far in 2021. In late winter I
observed in Canis Major and Orion. In the early spring I spent time
visiting and observing objects in Sextans and Coma Berenices, as well
as Serpens Caput. Later in the spring and into early summer I
visited Ophiuchus, Sagitta, and Hercules. In late summer and early
autumn (so far) I have been to Cassiopeia and Aquarius. While I
haven’t travelled much on day trips during the pandemic, I have
managed quite a few excursions into the night sky. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
is so much to see, and so little time.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Messier
of the Month: M 15 in Pegasus</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">I
first made the acquaintance of this fine globular star cluster in
mid-August, 1977. I was using my Tasco 4.5” reflector, and this
marked my 51</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">st</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">
Messier object at that time. At 72x I was able to resolve 4 or 5
stars on the outer limits of the central mass. I mentioned at the
time the beauty of the bright white center against a perfectly black
sky background. That observation was made at the family camp on Lake
Penage, west of Sudbury. </span></b>
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Jump
ahead to November 8</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
1991, and </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">to </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">my
backyard in old Anderdon Township. This was my first view </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">of
it </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">using </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Edmund 8” reflector. My
view was hampered that night by a brilliant display of aurora. Many
members will remember that night, as red aurora flooded Essex County
skies. Check back into your observing notes. In Sudbury, aurora
were frequent and mostly annoying, but have proved to be quite rare
in Essex County. This was a major display.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
following night I was able to resume normal observations. Stars were
resolving nicely at 112x, which was not p</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">o</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ssible
the previous night. 169</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">x</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
gave the best view, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">with
stars resolving all across the cluster. Higher powers were applied,
but focussing became quite tricky.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Now
jump to October 25</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
2014. From Hallam Observatory I was able to view M 15 with my newly
acquired 12” reflector. Here are some quotes from </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">my
notes from</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> that night: “A
12” scope is a most useful tool when it comes to resolving globular
star clusters. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">[</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">M
15</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">]</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
was observed tonight at all magnifications, from 43x through 250x.
Each step up is an adventure, and one worth repeating... It begins to
resolve at 60x, and at 100x stars are resolving to near the core...
At 187x a notable clump is north preceding the bright core. 250X
breaks up the core, with dark areas just south. The center blazes
and is still very dense...”</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>M15 is easily viewed in October skies, seen well ahead of the
Great Square.</b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9PZgTnak23rvwly1iGA4XrZAKLPug6_tmAXcEwnC8Gk6C9pQYkMiYJM7-o5P7kaSzXbygaf3wEoypPW6TTdJ-GID0Sjsb8oBOb0HzT17WJjeIVNcCJFjQwq0XwQOYOjKvDYOTFy0RqLgqglDjhd89p0uBnT6o1ARQJF-ppJexSDjHBD04nMHipoqUYg=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9PZgTnak23rvwly1iGA4XrZAKLPug6_tmAXcEwnC8Gk6C9pQYkMiYJM7-o5P7kaSzXbygaf3wEoypPW6TTdJ-GID0Sjsb8oBOb0HzT17WJjeIVNcCJFjQwq0XwQOYOjKvDYOTFy0RqLgqglDjhd89p0uBnT6o1ARQJF-ppJexSDjHBD04nMHipoqUYg=s320" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>M 78 <br /></b><p></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Messier
15, or gc 7078</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>: 18’;
visual mag. 6.3; Brightest stars mag. 12.6. It was discovered in
1746, and lies about 34,00 light years away. </b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
are about 100,000 stars in this densely packed group. In small
telescopes (my 2” Space Eye refractor, for example), it could
easily be mistaken for a comet.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Mapman Mike <br /></span></b></p>
<p> </p>Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-16095456765138924752021-05-21T22:10:00.001-04:002024-03-12T22:08:06.445-04:00#132: Messier 24 Star Cloud<p> </p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">This month I am combining my
two articles, At The Eyepiece, and Messier of The Month into one.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Also known as the
Sagittarius Star Cloud, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">M
24</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> has a somewhat
confusing history due to a wrong R.A. assigned to it by Barnard. It
wasn’t until 2001 that the mistake became well known, and Messier’s
original discovery could be </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">acknowledged</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">(see the longer
explanation at cseligman.com, under the IC 4715). There is only one
other Messier object with an IC designation, that being M 25/IC 4725.
Easily seen with the naked eye, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">M
24 is very</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> large,
extremely star-rich, a</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">nd</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
beautiful in binoculars and a joy in a rich field telescope, such as
the Edmund Astroscan. While much of Sagittarius provides rich
sweeping at low power, there is no denying the intensity of M 24.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">While
it appears stunning with any sort of visual aid, I spent over an hour
here one September night in 2014 with a 12” Dob, exploring every
nook and cranny of this colourful, star-filled area. Within the
cloud are three other small open clusters, as well as a planetary
nebula. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">So if you </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">have
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">some time to spend one
fine summer or early autumn evening, M 24 is a recommended stop. The
cloud’s size is given as 120’ of arc, so I began exploring with
my lowest possible magnification, which is 43x. Oc 6603 is
conspicuous right away. Immediately south of the cluster are 6
bright stars, arrow shaped. These stars appear to be involved with
the richest and most splendid area, and seem to be at the heart of
the cloud. The sweeping continues to be exceptional if moving south
preceding to variable star V4387 (see map). A bright yellow star,
V4387 leads south to another beautiful area of thousands of stars.
Moving back to the original arrowhead, the star just south of oc 6603
is a deep orange. South following is a bright double star, yellow
and blue, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">one of many
doubles within the cloud</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
There is so much more to discover about the cloud itself, but I will
move on to some of the other named points of interest.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9nUQ_E3CgpE2uFAajPwA5P_Tpr1Q0vAQGiSbW80Yulf3uZUSWP1COpUTHRY5cQxePpRjfRHyFLExbxoBwB9OMAqMVlQx2uTcatVCwPo4p-kGA8boPEXxGU9FGrR79NkabKWnrsHOakfe/s608/Image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9nUQ_E3CgpE2uFAajPwA5P_Tpr1Q0vAQGiSbW80Yulf3uZUSWP1COpUTHRY5cQxePpRjfRHyFLExbxoBwB9OMAqMVlQx2uTcatVCwPo4p-kGA8boPEXxGU9FGrR79NkabKWnrsHOakfe/s16000/Image.jpg" /></a></b></div><b><br /> </b><u><b>Oc
6603</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> (Size 4’;
Visual Mag. 11; brightest star mag. 14; 100 stars) is hazy, bright,
and not too small at 43x. It looks so much like a comet that no
wonder some people still mistake this cluster for M 24 itself. Even
at 43x it begins to resolve. We were also </b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">able
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">to resolve some of it in
Deb’s 6” reflector at 125x. At 60x and 12” the cluster is
still bright, and still in the beginning stages of resolving. At
100x there is some resolution all across the cluster, similar to that
of a globular cluster. A bright line of unresolved haze runs through
the middle, NE to SW. 125X gives decent resolution, with the central
hazy bar narrowing. The cluster is finally fully resolved at 250x,
including the bar, now seen as a line of tiny stars. There are dark
patches on either side of the line, as well as m</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">any
tiny</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> star</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">s</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
This object is a real beauty in a 12” scope!</span></b><p></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Collinder
469</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> is a compact
cluster ( Size 2.6’; Visual mag. 9.1; 15 stars) preceding oc 6603
by 2’ of R.A., and just a tiny bit north. I located it at 60x,
noting several bright stars in a tight V-shape, with background haze.
A</b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">t</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
100x it is very compact, with few faint stars resolving. At 200x 15
stars can be counted, several being very faint.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b><u>Oc Mrk 38</u> (2’) shows three bright stars at 60x, one of them
being yellow and quite bright. At 200x 10 stars are seen very close
to the bright three, with a few others close by.</b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Planetary
nebula 6567</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> </b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">lies
just south preceding Mrk 38. At a </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">minuscule</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
size of only 12” of arc, the object appears virtually stellar at
250x. A tiny bit of fuzz can be discerned around it, being a
grayish-blue colour. It is bright, at mag. 11, and I have seen it
with an 8”. The central star is mag. 14.3, though </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">it
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">is washed out by the
brightness of the haze.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">While
sometimes passed over for the wondrous nebulae and clusters in
Sagittarius, M 24 is worth spending time exploring. I haven’t
visited yet with Space Eye, my 2” refractor, but it’s on the list
for summer. Clear skies.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Mapman Mike <br /></span></b></p>
Volksvegan2http://www.blogger.com/profile/18136312196959097308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-28271106007824701242021-03-21T16:14:00.001-04:002021-03-21T16:14:19.085-04:00#131: The Box in Coma, and M 99<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <u><b>At The Eyepiece, March 2021</b></u></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>As I finish up work on Orion, which has taken me several winter
seasons to do, I am readying my charts for spring work. For
astronomers, spring is a season that zooms past at breakneck speed.
These galaxy heavy constellations are visible for far less time than
their summer and autumn counterparts. This is because the amount of
daylight is increasing rapidly at this time of year, and the
constellations appear to move across the sky much faster.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
early spring work is in the constellation of Sextans, and I will have
more to say about this area in a future article. For seven years my
main spring constellation was Leo, and I still return each year to
view favourite objects in that area. But a few years ago I moved on
to another constellation that promises to keep me occupied for many
more spring observing sessions. Coma Berenices is quite a playground
for observers who love galaxies. And the </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">galaxies</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
come in all sizes, shapes, levels of brightness, and groupings.
While preparing my pre-observing notes and stats for Coma, I was
intrigued to find “The Box” labelled on my Uranometria charts
(#54 and #72 of the all-sky edition), and couldn’t wait to see what
that was all about.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>The
Box</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> is a group of four
galaxies, roughly in rectangular shape, and can be found in the far
north preceding area of Coma, close to the border with </b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Ursa
Major. While groups of four galaxies are anything but rare in Coma,
photographs certainly do show an interesting group. All of the
galaxies are pretty faint, though in good skies a 25cm scope should
show three. Here is a list of galaxies and their specs, and a photo
from cseligman.com:</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>eg 4169: 1’.8’ x 0’.9: Visual magnitude 12.2; surface
brightness 12.6.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>eg 4173: 5’ x 0’.7: Vis. 13; SB 14.2.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>eg 4174: 0’.6 x 0’.3: Vis. 13.4; SB 11.4.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<b>eg 4175: 1’.8 x 0’.4: Vis. 13.3; SB 12.8</b></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyDbwFq8tghdx3NOlpPVDmFmM9_NmKahYtofUWAbocKlcc_0uON-1TxeDHT0cShoXcbRoQmPmA45yR1SFQM2N7ZzAzKfOIyhd-9TE-xn0VoZiLwmgUjhAzULYhtK7l5hX90hqmNV9Lt4/s750/The+Box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyDbwFq8tghdx3NOlpPVDmFmM9_NmKahYtofUWAbocKlcc_0uON-1TxeDHT0cShoXcbRoQmPmA45yR1SFQM2N7ZzAzKfOIyhd-9TE-xn0VoZiLwmgUjhAzULYhtK7l5hX90hqmNV9Lt4/w640-h640/The+Box.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><i><b>The Box, a group of four galaxies, in Coma Berenices. North is at the top.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Image from cseligman.com </b></i></div><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">I had my chance to view these
galaxies on May 5</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
2019, using my 30cm Orion Dob. It is a push-to scope, and the group
was found easily enough </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">using
the little computer</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Though all four galaxies can be seen at 136x, 4173 is very faint.
Thus it seems more like a triplet. The brightest part of this very
faint member lies just north of 4169. And 4169 is the first galaxy
one sees, and it remains bright and very oval up to 250x. At 187x a
few decent glimpses of the very long and thin 4173 are enjoyed, using
averted vision. 4174-75 are easily viewed at 136x, both objects
appearing pretty bright, pretty small, with notable stellar cores.
At 200x and 250x 4175 becomes quite a bit larger now, and very
elongated. In this range 4174 appears a bit brighter that 4175,
becoming oval in shape but quite small. I hope you get a chance to
view this minor </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">but fun
little</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> group someday. The
club’s 35 cm scope would be an ideal instrument.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><b>Messier of the Month: Messier 99</b></u></p>
<p align="center" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Staying within the boundaries
of Coma Berenices, but moving about 14 degrees south and a few
minutes following The Box, Messier 99 pops into the eyepiece, a
bright and nearly round galaxy easily viewed with small telescopes.
It was discovered in mid March 1781 by Pierre Mechain, and seen a
month later by Charles Messier. My first look came considerably
after that, in mid May of 1980. I was at Lake Penage west of
Sudbury, and it was a humdinger of a night! </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
was 3 C and spectacularly clear. I was able to see the galaxy with
my 8” scope stopped down to 4”, at 36x. Full aperture showed it
relatively </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">large</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
and round. At 56x the galaxy is surrounded by tiny stars, one just
within the outer haze </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">of</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
the arms. 72X offered the best view. While the centre remains
bright at higher powers, the envelope itself starts to fade.</span></b></p><div align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></b></div><div align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqUNA8FhJmqWujSIj2D-9YYk4thd7g4PDYd9QCIQM2IdnGNuFYUHPBIyqp47E0cH8Bx2kuqI_Yok2mzLgEZBhSub6VNkrkrvd5IXo0zeeVD8PNcbcng1puEFmqWblOw-Hq6LpOaVaYj4/s600/M+99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqUNA8FhJmqWujSIj2D-9YYk4thd7g4PDYd9QCIQM2IdnGNuFYUHPBIyqp47E0cH8Bx2kuqI_Yok2mzLgEZBhSub6VNkrkrvd5IXo0zeeVD8PNcbcng1puEFmqWblOw-Hq6LpOaVaYj4/w640-h640/M+99.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><i>Messier 99. </i><br /></span></b></div>
<p align="justify" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Jump
to May 26</b></span></span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>th</b></span></span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>,
2020. On May 26</b></span></span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>th</b></span></span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
the temps were hovering around 20 C, and conditions were excellent at
my Kent County viewing site. I began by using my 20 cm (8”)
aperture stop, locating the galaxy at 60x. It had been just over 40
years since I had last seen this object! At full aperture (30 cm)
and 100x the core is stella</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>r</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>and
very bright</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>.
The galaxy is large, showing a very bright centre around the
</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>brilliant
</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>core,
surrounded </b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>itself
</b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>by
a large, fainter envelope of haze. Viewing M 99 is like seeing an
unresolved globular cluster. 187X and 272x show the envelope to be
unevenly lit, no doubt hinting at the spiral arms. A bright area of
haze seems to precede the very bright central area, followed by a
darker area, and then a brighter area again. It is such views that
often give us aperture fever, and makes me wish I had a 1 metre scope
(in high Earth orbit)! </b></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Longer
views are rewarding at high power, so stay with Messier 99, and use
as much magnification as conditions allow. Messier 99 is about 50
million light years away, something to think about when viewing it.</b></span></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b>Messier
99 (eg 4254)</b></u></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:
5’.4 x 4’.7: Visual mag. 9.9; Surface Brightness mag. 13.2.</b></span></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></span></span></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-68923419487653306872021-02-01T12:45:00.002-05:002021-02-01T12:45:21.500-05:00#130: For All Mankind, and M 42.<p><b><i>This is my article for our club newsletter in Windsor, Ontario, Canada for January. Past newsletter and information about the club can be found on our website, RASC Windsor.</i></b><br /></p><p align="justify">
<b>It was way back in 1968 when I first got interested in astronomy.
I began with binocular observations of the moon in early November.
In December, Apollo 8 and 3 astronauts successfully orbited the moon
and returned safely. The next craft to go that way would be
Apollo 11 half a year later, followed by #12-17. Those of us
lucky to be alive during those heady days all have our own special
memories, and we continue to treasure them. Sometime in the
late 1980s I got interested in Brian Eno's ambient music, including
one of my favourite albums, called Apollo. The music is all
instrumental, quiet and gentle for the most part, and was used as
background for a film of the same name. The original film,
which I was never able to track down, had no speaking, just images
and music.</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>That film was re-imagined, reworked, and
renamed <u>For All Mankind</u> in the late 1980s. This time
dialogue was added to the images, but only the voices of Apollo
astronauts, mission control, and John F. Kennedy were used. Al
Reinert, the director, got cooperation from NASA, and Criterion
bought the rights to the film. I didn't even realize the film
was showing on the Criterion Channel until I bought an updated and
expanded version (2 CDs) of the album by Eno. The CD notes talked a
lot about the movie, and lo and behold, I instantly put it into my
queue and it has now been watched, enjoyed, and loved. There have
been many documentary specials about Apollo, most of them featuring
narration, talking heads, and Walter Cronkite. This one is
different.</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>What Reinert did was assemble NASA footage from
the archives (a story in itself, told in one of the extra features),
much of it never seen before, and compact the lunar missions into one
big mission, showing scenes from all the lunar flights, and even from
an earlier Gemini flight. It becomes one brilliant and focused
film, and instead of dwelling entirely on science, it lets the
astronauts, in their own words during the missions, describe their
feelings and responses to what they were doing, with Houston mission
control listening in. Thus we get a totally different take on
Apollo, much more human and aesthetic than the science ones we were
given back in the day. We see candid moments aboard the
spacecraft never seen before, and we follow along from the Earth to
the Moon on a voyage of discovery that has yet to be surpassed in
human history. </b></p>
<p align="justify"> <b>Along with the feature come</b><b>s</b><b>
4 extras, filling in information that the movie could not show.
For example, the movie has no talking heads, but the extra features
do </b><b>contain </b><b>interview</b><b>s</b><b> </b><b>with </b><b>many
of the astronauts years later. </b><b>One</b><b> short feature
talks </b><b>exclusively </b><b>with </b><b>the late </b><b>Alan
Bean, who became an amazing artist upon his return (he died in
2018). </b><b>Another </b><b>short extra feature </b><b>talks
about the lengths </b><b>to which </b><b>the director went to
assemble the footage he uses in the film. Yet another one interviews
15 of the Apollo astronauts. </b><b>The whole collection is
available for purchase on DVD, and looks like something I will
purchase if it leaves Criterion </b><b>Channel </b><b>before I can
watch it again a few more times. If you do not subscribe to
Criterion Channel </b><b>t</b><b>his is only one reason out of about
2,000 to do so. And i</b><b>f</b><b> the Apollo lunar missions
seem</b><b>ed</b><b> a bit </b><b>dated and </b><b>unexciting to you,
or you don't really know that much about them, </b><b>or you would
just enjoy a new perspective, </b><b>then you need to watch this
film. </b><b>It may even be something your club might consider
showing at a future meeting.</b><br />
<br />
</p>
<p align="center"><u><b>Messier of the Month: </b><b>M 42</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span>
</p>
<p align="justify"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>It’s
finally time to tackle Messier 42! Last year I talked about its
little brother or sister (I can never tell which), Messier 43. </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>They
both appear in the same field of view, but are distinct from one
another. </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>M 42</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>is </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>one
of those objects that consistently improves with increased aperture
and magnification. But it’s always best to begin with the naked
eye view, followed by bi</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>noculars.
My first view was with 6 x 30 binoculars, beneath a street light in
front of my home in Sudbury, back in the winter of 1969. My first
telescopic view was a month or so later, with a red and blue toy 3”
reflector, a plastic model of the 100” Mt. Wilson scope, </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>with
a terrible mirror and a plastic eyepiece giving about 25x</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>.
Even that view blew my teenage mind! </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>More
recent views with my vastly superior 2” refractor confirm this as a
public showpiece in even the smallest instrument.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>I</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>n
March 1974 I observed the nebula from Sudbury with my 4.5” Tasco
Lunagrosso reflector. Viewing it at 22x I wrote at the time, “The
whole scene had a three-dimensional atmosphere to it, and one could
imagine oneself peering into the swirling depths of the universe.”
In the 12” from Hallam (January 2019) I wrote “Visually, I find
the nebula much more satisfying than any photo </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>of
it </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>I have ever
seen. I would much rather view it in a telescope than look at a
photo.” Parts of the nebula resemble the giant wings of a bird,
wings extended. A large dark lane appears in the south. The blown
out area around the quadruple star has a distinct 3D appearance, and
seems long and cylindrical, like a giant wave about to crash. At 12”
there is simply too much detail for the eye to perceive, and as
magnification is increased (up to 250x) the nebula becomes mottled,
with many variations of grey, white, and black, </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>as
well as many shades of brightness</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>.
Following along the extensions, it takes a long </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>journey</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>before</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
it fade</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>s</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
away into the background sky. </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>The
cluster involved </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>with
M 42</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> contains about
20 </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>stars</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>,
with Theta 1 and 2 being the main highlights. The Trapezium
(quadruple star, </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>also
Theta 1 Orionis)</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>)
is seen well at 84x and 136x, along with 2 other fainter stars north,
embedded in the nebula. </b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>This
object is required viewing for all amateur astronomers.</b></span></p>
<p align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Messier 42—-oc
1976: Cluster size 47’, a sparse group.</b></p>
<p align="justify"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> gn 1977:
</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>20’x10’,
emission and reflection nebula, associated with the cluster.</b></span></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-31967689049940507632020-10-19T17:46:00.004-04:002020-10-19T17:46:34.453-04:00#129: Five Planets, Two Planetaries, and Two Messier Objects<div style="text-align: left;"><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>The following is the October article I wrote for Aurora, the newsletter for the Windsor, Ontario branch of the RASC. The entire newsletter (and all the older ones) can be downloaded from our website (RASC Windsor).</i><br /></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>My idea of what constitutes a great night of observing varies with
the seasons, and which projects are on my clipboard for the next
clear night. Sometimes it might be a long list of double stars, and
sometimes a clump of NGC objects. Usually I prefer to work in detail
in one area of the sky at one time, so I will have a list for early
night and a list for later in the night. For a few nights recently,
and lasting throughout October, I have a suggestion for viewers who
can access a dark sky sight, preferably near the lake to get good
southern sky exposure.</b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
are currently five outer planets available to viewers this month,
with Mars being the main attraction. I have enjoyed several superb
views of </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">its</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
surface in October </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">with
the 12” Dob</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">, the best I
have ever seen, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">including</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
my first opposition experience in 1971. I like to use a red filter
at 166x, which really brings out the dark areas strongly, and then
switch to a yellow filter at 231x, which makes the detail stand out
clearer and brighter. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Since</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
Mars is </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">currently </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">best
observed after 11 PM, I have been starting with Jupiter and Saturn
lately. Again I prefer a yellow filter with both planets, which are
really too bright in my 12” mirror </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">otherwise</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Over the summer I have kept a steady watch and have enjoyed </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">many
clear and</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> incredible views
of both planets and their moons.</span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Uranus
and Neptune are visible, too. Neptune is easy to find after 9 PM,
nestled into an area </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">near
96 Aquarii</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. I have been
watching its slow progress through the sky over several nights
recently, and on my last visit (Oct. 14</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">)
I was able to easily see Triton, the first time I have had such luck.
The moon is about mag. 13.5, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">moving</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
between 12” and 17” of arc from the planet. Deborah and I both
saw it clearly, and it was quite a chill and a thrill to do so at the
eyepiece (231x). I find that the chart in the Astronomical handbook
is next to useless to finding Neptune, so I went on-line and found a
better one. It isn’t far from eg 7</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">585</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
a prominent galaxy in Aquari</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">us</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
and is an easy star hop from there.</span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Uranus
is best seen later, after around 11 pm. It is in Aries, in the
middle of nowhere. The Handbook chart is helpful, and I was able to
plot the planet on Uranometria beforehand. It is much brighter than
Neptune (which is bluish-green and pretty bright in the 12” scope),
and stands out as the brightest object in its area of sky. It
appears blue in colour. At 231x it does show a tiny disc, but </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">on
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the night I found it the
seeing was quite bad, and the planet shimmered away. I will return
on a better night. Over the course of one evening we were able to
observe Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Mars, and Uranus, in that order,
with Deb’s 6” scope and my 12”. It was a fun way to spend an
evening. But wait, there’s more!</span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Aquarius
is home to two very different planetary nebula, both well known to
amateurs. One of these objects resembles a planet closely enough to
deserve the name planetary nebula. NGC 7009 is called the Saturn
Nebula. It is mag. 8, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">being
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">35” in size, and has a
bright central star. It has a remarkable colour, a very strong blue
that is fun to compare with that of Neptune and Uranus. This nebula
takes magnification well, and I enjoy</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">ed</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
good views at 333x. No filter is required to see this object at its
best. At first its two extremities, or ansae, appear as tiny dots,
or stars, preceding and following the object. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">After
a few moments, and at reasonably high magnifications, they appear
attached to the main body. These can be seen in an 8”, with
patience.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
overall impression of NGC 7009 is of a cartoon drawing of Saturn. At
high power with 12” it also appears to have a fuzzy or mottled
texture, as of many fine lines engraved across its surface.</span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Not
too far away is another showpiece planetary nebula, The Helix (NGC
7293). This very large and faint nebula sits at </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">21
degrees of declination. From Hallam this is in a very poor area of
the southern sky. Ideally, Point Pelee would serve </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">well</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
or a dark place along the lake. The visual magnitude of the overall
object is a bright 7.3. However, due do its enormous size (1054”),
expect a shock when you see it for the first time, especially in a
smaller scope. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">It might
appear very faint and ghostly. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Under
good conditions and with the right equipment, this is one of the
major wonders of the heavens. I like to observe the nebula at low to
medium magnifications, starting at 86x, then moving up to 107x and
finally 120x. Without a filter there is a veritable open cluster of
stars to be seen through the haze, but finding the central star, mag.
13.5, is not difficult. I really like the view using </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">my</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
old Orion Skyglow filter. The nebula brightens a lot, and areas of
varying brightness can be easily distinguished, especially towards
the edges. However, the OIII filter (Celestron), while giving darker
views, also provides a more 3D </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">immersive
experience, showing plenty of detail and giving the impression of
great turbulence and churning. I pushed as high as 166x, filling my
eyepiece with this amazing object, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">using
the Skyglow filter</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. As
far as </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">seeing </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">detail
goes, this object rates as highly as Jupiter, Saturn, or Mars at
opposition. It is a mini-universe unto itself!</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Messier
of the Month</span></b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> </b></span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Since
we are already in the area of Aquarius, I will </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">now
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">discuss two of its Messier
objects, one of which is a</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">lmost
a</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> showpiece, and one of
which is </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">certainly </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">a
dud. Let’s begin with the showpiece. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
first official logging of </span><u><span style="text-decoration: none;">Messier
72, or gc 6981</span></u><span style="text-decoration: none;">, was
the night of July 28</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
1994, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">using my Edmund 8”
reflector</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">. While located
easily at 59x, and observed up to 200x, it was basically a round ball
of light, not that bright, and showing no resolution worth
mentioning. Switch to September 18</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
of 2020, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">when</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
I first came after M 72 with the 12”. Looking much like a comet at
86x, the cluster is unresolved. Lying at -12.5 degrees south, it was
in a good enough sky from my Kent County location. At 120x it takes
on a granular quality. Finally, at 166x, the globular cluster begins
to resolve</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">into
very tiny stars, all across the bright central area. 231X achieves
fair resolution, with tiny pinpricks of light dancing across the
background haze of unresolved stars. 33</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">3</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">X
provides decent resolution for well seasoned eyes, though M 72 is far
from a showpiece cluster for untrained eyes. It does provide a good
challenge for a 12” scope from our latitude and sky conditions.
The outer, much fainter haze surrounding the central area is not very
large.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">While
M 72 was claimed by Mechain, and does resemble a comet-like object,
Messier himself must shoulder the blame for M 73. I remember being
quite disgusted and disappointed the first time I saw it, and
wondering how such a sight had ever made it to </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">list. Messier used a 3.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">5</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">”
refractor, yet he still added this to his list of objects that could
be mistaken for a comet. Perhaps his lens was fogged. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">But
all there is to see is a 4-star asterism of mag. 9 stars. Nothing
else. I’m not the only person who finds it odd that M 73 and M 72
(which Messier does not mention) are at roughly the same declination,
and separated by 1 hour of right ascension. Was there a mix up of
some kind, and he really meant to log M 72? We’ll never know, but
after seeing how many </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">such
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">mistakes were made in the
original NGC catalogue, it is not an impossible thing to imagine.</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Messier 72 (NGC 6981): Size 6’.6; Vis. Mag. 9.2; Brightest star
mag. 14.2.<span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: none;">Messier
73 (NGC 6994): Size 1’.4; 4 stars; Vis. mag. 8.9.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: none;">Mapman Mike wishes you clear skies! </span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></b></p> <br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-64722781175284111632020-09-11T21:58:00.001-04:002020-10-04T13:23:35.567-04:00#128: A Galaxy Quintet, and Messier 92<p><b> The following article was written for our astronomy club newsletter, September 2020. I am a member of The Royal Astronomical Association (Canada), Windsor branch.<br /></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Lying very close to Stephan’s
Quintet in Pegasus (which is more like a quartet, but I quibble), the
eg 7331 quintet is much more rewarding in moderate sized telescopes,
thanks to the overwhelming presence of one of the great NGC galaxies.
Four of its visual neighbours can be located in dark skies with a
12” scope, a few of them quite easily. Anything larger, including
our club’s 14” instrument, should provide satisfying views. A
sixth </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">NGC </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">member
is </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">a very</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
faint </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">double star</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
and a seventh was </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">also
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">incorrectly labelled,
actually being a star.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">I
first came across eg 7331 on the night of October 16</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
1991. Back in those days I could see galaxies from my back deck in
Anderdon with my 8” Edmund reflector. I logged it as a major
surprise of the night, since I was also competing with an 8-day old
moon! That is one bright galaxy. It was easily swept up at 36x.
112X showed the elongated shape, with a much fuller size seen at
169x. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">The central area
remained bright, but the outer areas were pretty faint. None of my
maps at the time showed the other galaxies.</span></b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">It
wasn’t until I returned to Pegasus with the 12” reflector,
undergoing my NGC project in that constellation (there </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">are
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">298 NGC objects here) that
I made a </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">new</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
visit to 7331, and went in search of the smaller objects alongside
it. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">This was in October
2015, and I was observing from Hallam. I had just finished up with
observations of Stephan’s Quintet, and moved my scope the short
distance to eg 7331. It was remarkably bright at 60x, and very
elongated. It is a large galaxy, 10’.5 x 3’.5, and visually
bright at mag. 9.5, though its surface brightness drops to 13.2
because of its size. It is still a good object even in a 6” scope,
but in a 12” mirror it is an unforgettable sight. It bears
magnification easily, so use the highest possible </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">one
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">that still gives good
images. 250X showed me a thin, dark line just preceding the bright
center.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The four smaller galaxies we
are concerned with consist of eg 7335, 7336, 7337, and 7340, all
located </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">just </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">following
the main galaxy. Simply </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">by</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
allowing 7331 to drift to the edge of the field bring</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">s</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
the others into view. Taking them in order, eg 7335 is the brightest
and most obvious of the smaller objects, and </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">can</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
be seen with an 8” if one knows where to look. At 12” I first
glimpsed it using 100x, just north following the central core of
7331. Views improve with high power, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
it eventually appears like a smaller, fainter version of 7331 itself,
even in the same position angle. This galaxy is 1’.3 x 0’.6 in
size. Visual brightness is 13.4, and its surface brightness is 13.</span></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">T</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
next number is eg 7336. This one is pretty faint, but located just
north of 7335, so it’s not difficult to locate. I viewed it at
187x and 200x, noting its elongation and slightly brighter center.
It’s size is a tiny 0.’8 x 0.’4. Visually it clocks in at mag.
14.5, but due do its tiny size, the surface brightness ramps it up to
a 13.1. Expect to see something </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">halfway
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">between those two
magnitudes, thus about 13.8. It is not difficult to see in a 12”,
and may be visible in a 10”.</span></b>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Eg 7337 is a challenge, and it took me some time to see it. Not
only is it rather faint, but it sits close to a star that is brighter
than it, hampering the view. Milky Way stars can be a real nuisance
sometimes, and this is one of those time. The galaxy’s size is
1.’1 x 0.’7. Visually it is mag. 14.4, with a surface brightness
of only mag. 14. This one is challenging with a 12” scope, but
quite doable if you are patient. It lies south of 7335, and aligned
with the south end of 7331.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Last but not least comes eg 7340. After 7335, it is the easiest
of the little galaxies to find. Though only a tiny 0’.9 x 0’.6,
it is not difficult to see at 136x and 187x. It shows an oval shape
at higher powers.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Stephan’s Quintet is easy to find from 7331, too, if you are in
the mood for another quintet. Just sweep south preceding until you
arrive. It’s fun to sweep back and forth between quintets, getting
to know this area of the sky. In a future article I will detail my
difficult search for Copeland’s Septet, seven very small and faint
galaxies in Leo. In the meantime, enjoy clear skies!</b></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Messier of the Month: Messier 92</b></u></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>Globular star clusters make a fascinating study. There are only
170 listed in Uranametria, including ones too faint to see with
modest scopes, and those visible in the Magellanic systems. They are
rarer than one might think. I remember my Tasco 4.5” days very
well (1971-1978), trying to imagine what a resolved cluster might
look like at the eyepiece. The first one I viewed with an 8” scope
(1978) was M 56 in Lyra, followed by M 13 and M 92 in Hercules. What
a revelation it was! Even today, despite the incredible resolved
photos from Hubble of these mini-galaxies of stars, I prefer visual
observation to photos of globulars and open clusters. Some sights
can still easily take my breath away.</b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>I logged M 92 officially in late July, 1992, from Lake Penage,
west of Sudbury, with my Edmund 8” reflector. I was expecting a
bright ball of haze, perhaps beginning to resolve at higher power.
Instead, I saw one of the finest globular clusters in the north sky.
Not only is M 92 big and bright, but it can be observed directly
overhead, usually the best part of the sky in which to observe. I
was surprised, to say the least, when it was located at 36x and stars
were already resolving to near the center. This is what I had
dreamed about during those Tasco 4.5” days! At 59x stars resolved
to the core, and I observed three distinct sections: the bright
central core, surrounded by a bright collar, or ring, and surrounding
all was the outer region of individual stars. M 92 is magnificent at
112x, revealing a blindingly bright core surrounded by a rich
background of stars made up of lines, curves, and various patterns.
At 169x the area behind the core’s many resolved stars was blazing,
revealing too many stars to draw or even count. At 200x the effect
was like observing a giant explosion of stars hurtling outward. The
full cluster goes beyond the field of view. 254X showed good core
detail, as it began to break up into chunks of brightness and stars.</b>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>In July of 2016 I observed it from Hallam (and many times since!)
with my 12” reflector. Though about one third smaller than M 13,
and certainly not as rich, it is still one of the most awe-inspiring
sights I have ever seen (and I’ve been to the Rockies 40 times!).
At 187x and 200x I noted that to the north and south of the center,
the rich outliers reminded me of the wings of a moth, with a very
bright head between them. At 374x (I took my time to get a really,
really good focus) the core has broken into two halves, and is mostly
all resolved. Breathtaking!</b>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b>M 92 in Hercules can be easily viewed throughout September,
offering up a wonderful contrast to M 13. Use the 14” at moderate
and high powers, and I guarantee a sight worth seeing.</b>
</p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b><u>M 92 (gc 6341)</u>: Size 14’; Visual Mag. 6.5; Brightest
star Mag. 12.1</b></p><p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><b>Mapman Mike <br /></b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><b> </b></p>
<p align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><b> </b>
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-2833235047729595492020-07-11T18:36:00.005-04:002020-08-20T12:48:13.640-04:00#127: Science Fiction Recommendation<br />
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>One
of the most inspiring sights available to amateur astronomers is the
planet Saturn, especially when the rings are opened to their widest
angle. Along with most views of this strange world comes the smaller
pinprick of light known as Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, and second
largest moon in the solar system. It is half as big again as Earth’s
moon. Titan is often referred to as a planetary moon, and has proven
itself to have one of the most interesting surfaces in the solar
system, mainly thanks to the Cassini mission, which began mapping
Titan in 2004.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Five
years before this, in 1999, Hal Clement’s novel <u>Half-Life</u>
was published. Hal Clement (real name Harry Clement Stubbs,
1922-2003) was a hard science fiction writer who really focused on
the science angle, and the methods used to gain answers to puzzling
questions. The novel details an expedition from Earth to study the
atmosphere and surface of Titan, searching for biochemical clues as
to why humans are rapidly going extinct. The expedition consists of
23 scientists, men and women, and all of them quite ill, and we
follow their means and methods used to search for answers. While an
amateur telescope won’t reveal too much about the surface of Titan,
Clement’s novel will, and the book will likely increase your
interest greatly in this alien world. Of course in 1999 we knew far
less about Titan than we do now, but this only makes the novel even
more fascinating, as Clement uses every little known scrap of
contemporary information about the moon in his book. Reading Clement
is almost like reading transcripts from an actual space expedition to
Titan, and I’m certain many astronomy enthusiasts, especially those with
sturdy science backgrounds, would find his work fascinating. Clement
earned a degree in astronomy from Harvard, and went on to earn an M.
Ed from Boston, and later an M. S. in chemistry from Simmons. </b>
</div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Not
only is he a well educated man, but he is also a master writer,
earning the Grand Master title from the Science Fiction Writers of
America in 1999, the same year <u>Half-Life</u> was published (the
author would have been 77). And if this was the only great book he
had written, he would still deserve the title. However, though
<u>Half-Life</u> contains no aliens, many of his books do. The way
humans and aliens interact in his stories, searching for answers to
scientific puzzles, is equally fascinating. Some of his best early
writing concerns the planet Mesklin, with its eccentric orbit and
even more eccentric inhabitants. Even Clement’s fictional planets
have strong basis in science fact, and the way he explores them and
attempts to solve their mysteries seems to invite readers along for
the ride. Here are a few more titles by Clement that I highly
recommend, though it is by no means his entire list. Many of these
titles are available on Kindle, and will likely be read by the
purchaser more than once. </b>
</div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Mission
of Gravity (serialized beginning in 1950)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Iceworld
(1951)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Cycle
of Fire (1957)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Close
to Critical (1958)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Still
River (1987)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Half-Life
(1999)</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Messier
of the Moment: M 5, in Serpens Caput</b></u></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>NGC
5904 is one of the finest globular clusters in the sky, and it is
quite suitable for smaller apertures. My first view was July 19<sup>th</sup>,
1985, when I saw it from Lake Penage, west of Sudbury. I was using
my 8” Edmund scope, for which I had made stops of 4” and 6”.
Even at 4” of aperture I was able to resolve some stars, though not
in the central region. At 72x about 10 stars were winking in and
out. Moving up to 6” of aperture, the center now becomes intensely
bright. 56X gave good resolution, but again only in the outer haze.
At 112x the center was hinting at breaking up, and star patterns
began emerging around it. At full aperture, resolution was good even
at 36x. At 112x stars begin to finally flicker in the central area.
The core is literally blazing now, and streams and spirals of stars
surround it. The core showed irregularity at 169x, and at 254x
fainter stars to the core can be glimpsed. A very small “inner”
inner core can now be seen.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Jump
to May 20<sup>th</sup>, 2020, from a dark site in Kent County, using
a 12” scope. While Messier 5 is a rewarding object for a 6” and
8” mirror, in a 12” scope it can be a bit overwhelming. At 60x
the cluster is very large, and there is already good resolution from
the core outwards to the limiting edges. At 100x the brilliant core
is breaking up, with even more stars seen closer to it. Brighter
stars seem to circle the core. At 136x and 187x (the best viewing
range, in my opinion) uncountable resolving stars seem to resemble a
face-on spiral galaxy that is resolving along its winding arms.
Other viewers have also commented on this effect.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>At
272x the core appears to thrust upward towards the viewer, giving the
impression of viewing a snow-covered volcanic cone from directly
above. This is a truly wondrous object for amateur telescopes!
Optimum viewing time is 10 pm July 3<sup>rd</sup>, though it is still
high enough several weeks before and after to make a journey there
worthwhile.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Messier
5: Size 23’; Visual mag. 5.7; Brightest star mag. 12.2</b><br />
<br />
<b>Mapman Mike </b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-42933303652277708332020-03-22T18:44:00.002-04:002021-02-27T12:13:00.059-05:00#126: March, Life Lists<div align="justify">
<b>The following post updates an earlier one in this series; it was also published in Aurora, the newsletter of the Windsor Branch of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. </b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>In </b><b>earlier</b><b> post</b><b>s</b><b> I talked about
astronomers who work their way methodically through object lists,
often to the detriment of the object. A quick glance, a note or two,
maybe a quick sketch and then they are off to the next object. All
well and fine if you are looking at 14th magnitude galaxies, but if
your list is packed with the brightest deep sky gems, what is the
hurry? 400 top objects could well last your entire life.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>To make certain that I never finish my life
list, or run out of options on any given clear night, I chose the NGC
list a long time ago as my main deep sky emphasis. I will not pass a
Collinder or Berkeley cluster without a look, but my longest viewing
time is spent on the NGC list. In a lifetime of observing I have seen
</b><b>and logged</b><b> </b><b>many </b><b>of them. Ones seen
previously with the 8” scope are being reviewed with the 12”.
</b><b>And some of the best ones are being glimpsed with my 2”
refractor. </b><b>It’s fun to compare the notes of </b><b>past</b><b>
viewed objects </b><b>when using a different scope</b><b>.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>The </b><b>current </b><b>edition of
Uranometria 2000 claims that more than 30,000 non-stellar objects are
on its charts. That's over 22,000 more than are in the NGC list. Good
grief. Makes me kind of thankful that I am not overly obsessed. Of
those 30,000 objects, nearly 26,000 of them are galaxies. Which means
that nearly 5 in 6 non-stellar objects viewable in the night sky with
amateur scopes are galaxies. Most of those are pretty faint, too.
Here is the breakdown, as reported on the atlas' back cover,
</b><b>remembering that this encompasses the north and south skies</b><b>:</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>25,883 galaxies</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>671 galaxy clusters
(Abell)</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>14 star clouds</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>1,613 open
clusters, including those in the Magellanic Clouds</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>170 globular
clusters</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>355 bright nebulae</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>367 dark nebulae</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>1,145 planetary
nebulae</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>260 radio sources</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<i><b>35 x-ray sources</b></i></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>I remember being very surprised when I first
learned how many galaxies were available to amateur astronomers (all
the ones listed in Uranometria are mag. 15 or brighter). I mean that
I was </b><u><b>very</b></u><b> surprised. Growing up loving the
Milky Way area and all of its clusters and nebulae, it was easy to
conclude that clusters of stars far outnumber galaxies. That, to say
the least, was an erroneous conclusion. If one decides to choose the
NGC for a life list, one must be prepared to see some galaxies. I
don't just mean the ones in the Messier catalog, either.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>Finding and doing justice to galaxies requires
the very </b><b>darkest</b><b> of dark skies. I used to be able to
pick off 12th mag. galaxies from my back deck </b><b>in Anderdon</b><b>
with my 8" scope. Light pollution has increased so much in my
area that this is now </b><b>almost</b><b> impossible, </b><b>even
with a 12”</b><b>. </b><b>I</b><b>f I want to do a decent job of
observing in </b><b>Sextans</b><b> this spring, I have to be prepared
to travel with the scope. This brings on an interesting conundrum. </b><b>D</b><b>o
I observe the brighter galaxies from my home, saving the fainter ones
for country skies? Though this is a feasible plan, I try to imagine
what </b><b>brighter objects</b><b> might look like from a dark sky.
If I can even </b><b>glimpse</b><b> it from home, then it </b><b>should</b><b>
be that much more impressive from a dark sky. Should I save all my
faint objects for darker skies? What about </b><b>the </b><b>M</b><b>essier
</b><b>list</b><b>? W</b><b>hat would these objects look like from a
really dark sky site, </b><b>if only seen from light polluted ones</b><b>?</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>One </b><b>way</b><b> to </b><b>help tackle
</b><b>this problem, which I'm certain many of us face all too often,
is to keep notes and report on the brighter ones as seen from home
suburban skies, but also return to them in dark skies and enjoy
a</b><b>nother, more lingering look</b><b>. </b><b>Open clusters and
globulars </b><b>that resolve</b><b>, for example, will show many
more stars from a dark sky, and galaxies can be expected to show a
larger area and appear brighter, especially towards the center.
</b><b>Light pollution filters work extremely well in light polluted
skies. However, their future under LED lights remains in flux.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>D</b><b>ouble star work can carry on quite
well, too, </b><b>from poorer skies, </b><b>often even during full
moon nights, </b><b>though the rich background seen in a dark sky
might reveal a hidden gem or two to the very observant viewer that
would be other</b><b>w</b><b>ise un</b><b>noticed</b><b>. However, I
am determined to do as much deep sky work in the darkest skies I can
reach, </b><b>though I realize that time is running out for the
Windsor area</b><b>. I've been spoiled by my northern Ontario early
years of observing, </b><b>and even by Hallam when it was at its
best</b><b>. </b>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<u><b>Messier Of The Month: M 43</b></u></div>
<div align="center">
<br /><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span>
</div>
<div align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;">
<b>M43 is also
commonly known as De Mairan’s Nebula, as well as NGC 1982. De
Mairan was a French scientist who lived from 1678-1771. He observed
the nebula in 1731, which Messier later added to his now famous list.
The sword area of Orion, which also includes the more famous and
much larger M 42, contains no less than 10 separate NGC numbers, and
makes for a fascinating hour of observing to tell one from the other.
This area shall be the subject of a future At The Eyepiece article.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;">
<b>M43 is not only
overshadowed by its bigger deep sky mate M 42, it is actually a part
of it. M 43 lies just barely north of M 42, separated from it by a
narrow dark lane, and is almost touching the main nebula. Look for
an ivory coloured 7<sup>th</sup> magnitude star north of the big
nebula. M 43 encircles this star, with more of it showing south of
the star than north. A fainter elongated segment lies north again,
towards another star. The nebula is easy to see without a filter,
and should be visible in scopes of 4”. Although noted in years
past with the 4.5” Tasco reflector, the above description was made
using the 12” Orion Dobsonian, from Hallam, on January 5<sup>th</sup>,
2019. Next time you are observing in this area, make sure to take a
look at Messier 43. An interesting article could also be written
about Messier objects that can be viewed with other Messier objects
in the same field of view. This is one of them.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="text-decoration: none;">
<b>Messier 43 (NGC
1982): 20’ x 15’; Emission and Reflection Nebula.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>Clear skies, and happy observing.</b></div>
<div align="justify">
<b>Mapman Mike</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-55715869150178513862020-01-30T11:43:00.002-05:002020-01-30T11:45:07.891-05:00#125: Crab Nebula<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The following is an article I wrote for our astronomy club newsletter, for January 2020. I belong to the Windsor branch of the RASC, and write articles five times per year. To see previous newsletters, link to <a href="http://www.rascwindsor.com/pages/newsletter-archive.php" target="_blank">this address on our homepage</a>. There are also other fine articles by other members, as well as some outstanding amateur photos.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;">This time of year very little
time is spent at the telescope eyepiece. I did enjoy a fine night on
December 21</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">st</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
but as of early January that has been it, other than a few naked eye
pe</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">eks</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
at Betelgeuse. Instead, I will talk briefly about the 2019
highlights and lowlights, and say a bit about 2020.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> For
me, 2019 will be remembered as the year I had to abandon </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
club's </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Hallam </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">site</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
for my observing program. The greenhouse lights to the south have
reached a level of insanity I could not have imagined even a few
years ago. While in the long term I am optimistic that the stray
light problem from Leamington will be addressed, in the short term
Hallam is now reserved (for me) for lunar and planetary work. I have
had to move my </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">deep sky
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">observing to Chatham Kent
County, where I can at least enjoy good skies to the north, east, and
south. The success of Detroit’s streetlight program has made the
west and northwest sky much more light polluted than several years
ago, when nearly half the streetlights in that city did not function.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b> And yet another big problem lies in the near future, as over
six thousand new satellites will be orbiting the Earth within two or
three years. These satellites will be used to bring fast internet to
the entire planet. They are supposed to be highly reflective, too.
In 2020, 1500 of them will be launched. The first few batches of 60 are
already up there. Even using remote telescopes for photography will
be greatly affected. Needless to say, it isn’t only amateurs who
are worried; major observatories will have some serious obstacles to
overcome as well. And what happens to these satellites if Earth is
struck by a major solar flare? If you think we have a lot of space
junk up there now, just wait.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
NGC observing project continued in 2019, as I managed to get out
under clear skies with my telescope 34 times, totaling over 100 hours
of observing. That is considerably better than 2018, one of the
cloudiest years I have ever seen. One of those observations was the
total lunar eclipse of January 20</span><sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></sup><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
possibly the coldest observation I have ever recorded from Essex
County. It was a very fine and clear night, however.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b> And in Spring 2019 I finally managed to complete my viewing of
the entire NGC list in the constellation boundaries of Leo! That was
a seven year project that took me to some fabulous sights, a few of
which I have shared in these pages. My newest Spring observing
adventure lies within the border of Coma Berenices, and might take me
just as long. Will I ever get to tackle Virgo someday? If I do, you
will read about it here.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<b> Winter months are an excellent time to plan a viewing program for
the warmer months. I wish you all many happy observing planning
sessions, and excellent skies with which to undertake those plans.</b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b>Messier
of the Month: M 1, “The Crab Nebula”</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>
</b></span>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> Approximately
7500 years ago, a star exploded in the direction of </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
constellation</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Taurus. Seen
and recorded over a thousand years ago by the Chinese in 1054 A.D.,
the </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">remnant from this
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">supernova was the first
astronomical object to be identified as such. The Earl of Rosse drew
the object in 1840, observing it with his 36” telescope. His
drawing was said to resemble a crab, and thus the nickname. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">This
is one of the most studied objects in the sky, and provides for some
fascinating </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">on-line
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">reading. Stunning photos
reveal the object in breathtaking detail. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">What
is highly unusual about M 1 is that on very detailed professional
photos, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">significant
c</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">hanges can be noted </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">in
less than a month. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Even
so, I still like to view it in a small scope. In a really dark sky
it can be seen with binoculars, though my views have been only
through telescopes. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">And
it continues to expand, being significantly larger now in photos than
when I first began the hobby.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
first look came in March, 1973, using my 4.5” Tasco reflector.
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">With fresh snow on the
ground and an unshielded streetlight only a few meters away, it
wasn’t the ideal first look at such an object. A much better view
came from my back deck in Anderdon Township in March, 1994. I was
using my trusty Edmund 8” reflector. At lower powers it reminded
me somewhat of a very large and bright galaxy. The edges appeared
smooth, even at 169x. Skip ahead to late November, 2016. I viewed
it with the 12” Dob from Hallam, and found it impressively large,
very bright, and quite elongated. The large central area is much
brighter than the outer areas. Several faint stars appear to me very
close, or even touching the outside edges. The south-following end
is very patchy, whereas the north end tapers and fades gradually.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
Space Eye view came in October, 2015, from Hallam. I did not have
high expectations of seeing M 1 with the 2” refractor, but it was
located at 30x! The nebula was really faint, but quite unmistakable.
It was oval, and though fairly small, averted vision really helped
bring it out.</span></b></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u><b><span style="font-style: normal;">Messier
1 (NGC gn 1952)</span></b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>:
6’ x 4’ emission nebula in Taurus.</b></span></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Mapman Mike </b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5047916596850267008.post-74104862179813687172019-09-03T21:39:00.000-04:002019-09-24T13:26:55.459-04:00#124: Messier 34<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Perseus is home to some of the finest clusters
in the sky. Messier 34 is only one of the showpieces in this constellation sitting
atop the Milky Way, and in January the cluster is ideally suited for
observation, being almost overhead in the early evening. I have had the good
fortune to observe this bright open cluster with three different scopes,
including Space Eye, my 2” refractor. M 34 is a fine object for very small
scopes, and is seen well at 30x. It is a large group filled with bright stars,
and the eye is kept busy. The central area resolves well, and there are also
several bright stars in the outskirts. That observation was done in October of
2015.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Back in October of 2002 I viewed it from
Comber with my Edmund 8” reflector. At 36x it appeared as a very loose,
medium-rich cluster. There are numerous bright stars, some in pairs. The
cluster is best viewed at low power. 56X resolves the entire group, though
views were also lovely at 72x. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In January of this year I finally got to look
at it with the 12” scope. It fits in the field of view at 60x, its many bright
stars becoming almost blindingly white. The cluster includes some fine doubles,
and the overall large and loose structure invites the eye to search all around
for interesting pairings and other details. One aspect that struck me was a
fascinating string of faint stars on the south end, intersecting with another
line coming through the center of the cluster. There are about 12 stars in the
first line, some with very faint companions. 100X shows the central area in
good detail, though at this range the full cluster size is lost. Since M 34 is
right in the Milky Way, it is fun to sweep the area surrounding the cluster. A
rich knot of faint stars can be seen just south following, and I also came
across a wide U of stars not far away.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It’s often too cold in January to do much more
than a brief observation. This time is usually reserved for a look at the Orion
Nebula. However, M 34 can be appreciated on a quick visit, and will also reward
those with time for a closer view.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><u>M 34 (NGC 1039)</u>: Size 25’; overall mag. 5.2; about 60
stars; brightest star mag. 9.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0lAGFNb_0jc5AJsJ0SnlifECJFCmqW956-kSQBCm-WqFvpKTlgsIeOqxxB_iOe2HNqm8OMMAUC4XGIsJRTQTDOcPsF3k2UMv9XTUqlM6Uy152Fp3lbW4Hbf7pwgqE_E2e7HpFuk_iu8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0lAGFNb_0jc5AJsJ0SnlifECJFCmqW956-kSQBCm-WqFvpKTlgsIeOqxxB_iOe2HNqm8OMMAUC4XGIsJRTQTDOcPsF3k2UMv9XTUqlM6Uy152Fp3lbW4Hbf7pwgqE_E2e7HpFuk_iu8/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>https://skyview.gsfc.nasa.gov/current/cgi/runquery.pl?Interface=bform&VCOORD=ngc+1039&SURVEY=Digitized+Sky+Survey&SCOORD=Equatorial&EQUINX=2000&MAPROJ=Gnomonic&SFACTR=0.35&ISCALN=Linear&GRIDDD=No&COLTAB=B-W+Linear&PIXELX=600&PIXELY=600</i> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clear skies!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mapman Mike</span></b></div>
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