Talma (Grandpré), 27 April – weblog 2 of 4
The night time of 25-26 April was a very good one. Unexpectedly good and minimize quick solely by a necessity for sleep. Now, a very good night time’s sleep in a home shared with 12, that is a unique story. 5 Hours of relaxation is probably the most one can anticipate, tops. It is a good factor the daytime camaraderie greater than makes up for misplaced hours of downtime.
The cloud forecast for the night time of the twenty sixth gave no purpose for optimism. Neither did the anticipated climate for the next night time. We had each purpose to relaxation in the truth that the previous night time was all that this weekend introduced, astronomy sensible. That being mentioned, I used to be planning forward. I didn’t have to make it again residence till Thursday 1 Might and the forecast for Monday by Wednesday was clear skies to the max. Conveniently, the primary of Might can be the primary day when the Moon would really begin to intervene.
Extending my keep in northern France by just a few nights would imply having to maneuver to a different location, as this home had new guests arriving quickly after our departure on Monday. With two places accessible, I picked close by Boureuilles, a mere 20 minutes away. The identical city I had visited 3 occasions earlier than. Completely different home, identical proprietor.
The night time of the twenty sixth the skies have been overcast and at occasions it rained. The morning of the twenty seventh the climate apps continued to look grim nicely into the afternoon. Round 3 o’ clock, issues modified. Clouds: what clouds? Magically, each forecast made an abrupt 180 and the satellite tv for pc imagery agreed: the skies can be clear at night time.
A tweak to my observing plan, a brief pre-dinner nap, scope cowl eliminated, dew cap hooked up, timelapse digital camera prepped and I used to be all set for the night time. Related rituals have been happening elsewhere on the sector and up on Mount Talma. Because the skies darkened, it was clear (…) right away that this night time was to be a minimum of nearly as good because the night time of the twenty fifth. If not higher, because the transparency was one thing else.
As I wish to put it: “SQM is nothing. Transparency is all the things”. This night time, we obtained one of the best of each.
As has turn into the norm, I spent the ultimate stretch of night astronomical twilight observing a handful of doubles. Once more in Ursa Main. I break up 12, of which Espin 2638 (WDS11414+5855) and John Herschel’s nr. 508 (WDS11422+3940) have been one of the best.
Espin 2638
AB break up, huge. A pleasant double.
A is yellow, a definite, clear shade, B is white-blueish, a delicate blueish hue.
HJ508
AB break up. A stupendous double regardless of the celebrities not being very vibrant.
A is yellow, a definite, clear, deep shade, B is faint and is orange, clearly contrasting.
Simply after eleven, I used to be again in Coma Berenices. CSOG’s 12-14″ Gx-8 information led the way in which.
All the time good to kick of deepsky observations with one thing vibrant and fairly. The primary object within the information, Messier 98, offered for simply that. Photographs under are from CSOG’s Messier version, the “by object” information.
A big, NNW-SSE elongated streak, progressively brighter within the center with a vibrant nucleus that’s seen with out AV and that’s in a small, barely NNW-SSE elongated brighter central half that’s only a bit SW of the center, however no distinct core is discernible. With AV the galaxy is barely irregular and barely brighter NW of the center. NE of the brighter half a delicate “chew” is taken from the galaxy, this may solely be discerned with AV. SE of the center the galaxy is even in brightness, farther to the SE a barely brighter, NW-SE elongated half is seen, barely canted with respect to the axis of the galaxy. The knot SE thereof shouldn’t be seen.
1/3 FoV to the SSE is NGC4186. NGC4192A to the SW shouldn’t be seen.
Not as giant because the Messier however fairly vibrant and clearly irregular, was NGG4212. Photographs are from CSOG’s Herschel version, once more a “by object” information.
Fairly a vibrant, irregular, ENE-WSW elongated, oval glow. Irregular even with out AV and clearly brighter within the WSW half. With AV clearly irregular and barely extra bulging NW to SE to the SW of the center. With AV the nucleus or a superimposed star is seen to the SW of the center (when figuring out this statement decided to be the nucleus). In direction of the WSW the galaxy is instantly fainter, in direction of the NE the galaxy progressively turns into fainter.
1/2 FoV to the NW is the fainter galaxy IC3061, 1/2 FoV to the NE is IC3091.
It didn’t take lengthy earlier than what was to be top-of-the-line observations of the night time entered my discipline of view. A threesome of galaxies, overlapping the border of Coma and Virgo. NGC4222, NGC4216 – the “Silver Streak Galaxy” and NGC4206 collectively go as Holmberg 353. It is an awfully fairly sight. Photographs under are from CSOG’s Holmberg Double and A number of Galaxies version.
NGC4222
A NE-SW elongated streak, with out AV it’s clear that the galaxy is brightest within the SW 2/3 half. With AV the galaxy is instantly fainter on the SW facet and progressively faint in direction of the NE.
NGC4216
A NNW-SSE very elongated streak, progressively brighter within the center and brightest in a component that’s barely elongated in the identical path and that’s clearly barely SSW of the center, containing a small, spherical core and a vibrant nucleus that’s on the SSW fringe of the spherical core, which is notable. East of the nucleus is a magazine. 14 star (4UCAC516-054692), simply indifferent from the glow of the galaxy. The galaxy is subtly wider on the SSW facet and on that facet is instantly fainter, extra progressively fainter in direction of the NNE. A really good galaxy.
NGC4206
A north-south very elongated streak, with out AV fairly instantly brighter in a really elongated central half (elongated in the identical path) however no distinct core seen. With AV extra elongated and subtly brightest within the southern 3/5 half with the central a part of the galaxy within the northern half thereof. No nucleus seen.
I might be making one other go to to this group on the earliest event, as I wish to strive for group member D – IC771 and faint PGC39247 that’s simply north of the teams major galaxy A – NGC4216.
With solely faint IC3094 noticed in between, one other vibrant and fairly one was within the bucket. Messier 99 – the “Coma Pinwheel Galaxy” together with the HII area Rubin, Moore, Bertiau 55 on its east-northeastern edge. Photographs under are from CSOG’s Messier version, the “by object” information and the 12-14″ HII Areas information for Coma, respectively.
Fairly a big, irregular glow, progressively brighter within the center, with AV the spiral form is discernible. On the south facet an arm is seen that bends in direction of the west and that curves barely in direction of the NW. The galaxy is centrally brighter in a barely east-west elongated half, the nucleus is seen with AV. The galaxy is extra instantly fainter on the NE facet and on that facet rounded with the bulging facet in direction of the NE. With AV a faint half could be very subtly seen on the north facet that originates on the west facet of the brighter half, runs barely in direction of the north and that curves barely in direction of the NE the place it ends fairly instantly, that is (the start of) the northern arm of the galaxy. No arms are discernible on the east facet of the galaxy. A stupendous galaxy.
On the ENE fringe of the glow of the galaxy, with AV, a small, faint, east-west elongated, evenly vibrant glow is seen: the HII area Rubin, Moore, Bertiau 55. South thereof, simply indifferent from the glow of the galaxy, is a magazine. 11.5 star (4UCAC523-054688).
1/3 FoV to the NE is a vibrant white-yellow magazine. 6 star (SAO100039).
An NGC galaxy nicely value observing is nr. 4237. It seems irregular and sports activities an offset nucleus. A vibrant yellow star to the southeast enhances the view.
Fairly a big and vibrant, WNW-ESE elongated, irregular, oval glow, brightest WNW of the center. The nucleus is seen within the SE a part of the brighter half.
Step by step fainter in direction of the WNW and extra instantly fainter in direction of the ESE. Fairly a pleasant galaxy.
1/2 FoV to the SE is a vibrant yellow magazine. 6 star (SAO100023).
Even higher than 4237 is 4293. Just like the earlier, it clearly exhibits irregularity. I preferred it only a bit higher.
A pretty big, fairly vibrant, ENE-WSW elongated, irregular glow that’s clearly brightest within the WSW 2/3 half. ENE of the center of the brighter half a barely brighter, irregular central half is seen that’s elongated in the identical path with a faint nucleus that’s seen with AV. With AV extra of the outer glow of the galaxy is seen, particularly on the ENE the place the galaxy is instantly fainter, the galaxy stretches out extra and progressively turns into fainter in direction of the WSW. A pleasant galaxy, irregular construction is clearly seen.
One of many smaller galaxies within the information is PGC39904. Every other day… night time, it might be simply one other faint glow. This galaxy, nevertheless, has a bit knot on its japanese edge. I went for it, even utilized some further magnification, however a considerably teardrop form total was one of the best I may make of it.
17mm Nagler T4: A faint ENE-WSW elongated glow that’s barely wider north to south on the western facet, faint however considerably has a teardrop-shape. The knot on the japanese facet shouldn’t be discernible.
1/3 FoV to the NE is a vibrant white-yellow magazine. 5 star (11 Comae Berenices).
12mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification the galaxy is a faint, barely ENE-WSW elongated, oval glow, evenly vibrant, no knot is seen.
Among the many finest within the night time’s number of Coma galaxies was the pair Holmberg 377 (NGC4298 & NGC4302). Neither galaxy is vibrant, however an irregular western galaxy flanking a really elongated japanese one, that is onerous to beat.
Each galaxies are seen, not very vibrant galaxies however a really good pair.
The japanese galaxy B – NGC4302 is barely fainter than the western galaxy A – NGC4298 is, a clearly north-south elongated streak, with out AV clearly brightest within the southern 3/5 half. With AV the galaxy is bigger and extra elongated and the brighter central half is barely bigger, too. Centrally within the brighter central half a small, barely brighter core is seen. The darkish lane shouldn’t be discernible and no nucleus is seen. With AV the galaxy is barely irregular. The galaxy is extra instantly fainter in direction of the south and progressively fainter in direction of the north. On the NNW edge is a magazine. 13 star (4UCAC524-053462). The knot and the star USNO377218214 to the south will not be seen.
The western galaxy A – NGC4298 is an oval, NW-SE elongated glow, clearly brighter than the japanese galaxy B – NGC4302 is. With out AV barely irregular, with AV very clearly irregular and brightest simply SE of the center, barely flattened on the NE facet on a line from NW to SE, subtly bulging on the SW facet. To the NE is a magazine. 12.5 star (4UCAC524-053461).
Messier 100 adopted quickly after and whereas showing very in another way from the Holmberg pair, I discovered it equally appreciative. The trace of spiral construction was delicate, however the vibrant southern arm was unmistakable. Close by NGC4323 and NGC4328 allowed observations, too.
Messier 100
Fairly a big and vibrant, oval glow, barely elongated NE to SE and instantly brighter in a small, spherical core that’s clearly SW of the center of the galaxy with a vibrant nucleus that’s seen with out AV. On the SW facet the galaxy is kind of instantly fainter the place the galaxy doesn’t bulge as a lot, barely flattened on a line from WNW to ESE. The galaxy is progressively fainter in direction of the NE the place it’s clearly flattened on a line from NW to SE. NE thereof a fainter half is subtly seen that progressively dissolves. With AV clearly irregular with a barely darkish half NW of the central half, that is a touch of spiral construction. On the south facet, with AV, a band is subtly discernible working east to west (barely WNW-ESE), that is an arm of the galaxy. On the NW edge is a magazine. 14.5 star.
To the NNE is the galaxy NGC4323, to the east is NGC4328.
NGC4323
A small, faint glow, seen with out AV however just about “overshadowed” by Messier 100 (NGC4321) to the SSW. With out AV even in brightness, with AV subtly brighter within the center, no nucleus seen.
To the ENE are a magazine. 12.5 (SSW) and a magazine. 13 (NNE) star aligned SSW to NNE.
NGC4328
To the east of Messier 100 (NGC4321), barely bigger and vibrant than NGC4323 to the NNE of Messier 100 is, a spherical glow, simply seen with out AV. With AV progressively brighter within the center, no nucleus seen.
NGC4421 shouldn’t be a showpiece, however it’s fairly vibrant and does reveal a clearly elongated core. To me, the nucleus appeared only a bit offset.
Fairly a vibrant, north-south elongated streak, fairly instantly brighter in a core that’s clearly elongated in the identical path with a vibrant nucleus that’s seen with out AV and that’s only a bit SSW of the center of the galaxy, which is notable.
To the WNW is a white-yellow magazine. 10 star (SAO100101).
NGC4383 a.okay.a. Markarian 769 varieties a pair with a lot fainter MCG+03-32-027 (PGC40506). The brighter galaxy’s nucleus gave the impression to be on the sting of its brighter core. The MCG required averted imaginative and prescient to be teased out.
Each galaxies are seen.
The NNE galaxy NGC4383 is a NNW-SSE elongated glow with a really vibrant nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV barely bigger and subtly brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical path. The nucleus clearly is on the WSW fringe of the brighter core, which is notable.
The SSW galaxy MCG+03-32-027 (PGC40506) is a faint, spherical glow, evenly vibrant, no element seen and solely seen with AV. Is to the SSE of a magazine. 11.5 star along with which the 2 galaxies type a flattened triangle with the star within the WNW tip.
One other Holmberg and once more two galaxies to explain: NGC4350 & NGC4340 type the brilliant and comparatively huge pair Holmberg 391.
Each galaxies are clearly seen, good.
The ESE galaxy A – NGC4350 is a NNE-SSW elongated streak, fairly instantly brighter in a central half that’s barely elongated in the identical path, containing a good brighter, spherical core with a really vibrant nucleus that’s seen with out AV.
The WNW galaxy B – NGC4340 is a spherical glow, fairly instantly brighter in a spherical core with a vibrant nucleus that’s seen with out AV however that isn’t as vibrant because the nucleus of A – NGC4350 is. With AV barely elongated NW to SE and progressively brighter within the center.
The galaxies on this information, mixed, have been a fairly compact gathering. One hour on the eyepiece and 29 entries for my log, of which 25 first timers. Along with the observations of two nights earlier than, I used to be lastly making a dent in my Coma Berenices galaxy listing.
Taking a break from observing I slewed the scope to some vibrant galaxies for my new my new astrotrip buddies to take pleasure in. Taking within the huge image, it was unimaginable to disregard how amazingly good the skies have been. Darkness, transparency, seeing: it can not presumably get any higher on this area. Skies like this usually require a drive to the Alps.
Again from my break I got down to observe galaxies in CSOG’s 12-14″ Gx-6 information for Boötes, within the southwestern a part of the constellation, filtered for those I had but to watch.
First statement in Boötes was a Karachentsev pair: MCG+03-35-013 (PGC48074) & MCG+03-35-014 (PGC48073) = KPG 387.
Each galaxies are seen.
The SSW galaxy A – MCG+03-35-013 (PGC48074) is subtly bigger and brighter than the NNE galaxy B – MCG+03-35-014 (PGC48073) is, each galaxies are spherical little patches and in each galaxies the nucleus is seen with out AV, the nucleus of the SSW galaxy A – MCG+03-35-013 is only a bit brighter. The NNE galaxy is evenly vibrant, no change with AV. The SSW galaxy is subtly brighter within the center.
To the west is a magazine. 11 star.
IC950 & PGC3442468 type one other pair. Initially, I may solely see the IC however a little bit of time and endurance allowed my eyes to tell apart the very small and faint PGC as nicely. The identical occurred with the pair that adopted, MCG+03-35-034 (PGC49330) & PGC1463828. Right here, the I used to be unable to visually ‘maintain’ the PGC galaxy constantly, nevertheless it peeked its head usually sufficient for me to name it a optimistic statement.
IC950 & PGC3442468
Initially I solely see IC950: A small, faint, spherical glow, even in brightness. With AV barely elongated north to south and progressively subtly brighter within the center. Varieties the NW tip of a barely crooked, flattened triangle with a magazine. 11.5 star to the ENE and a magazine. 11 star to the south within the base.
After some time I’m able to discern PGC3442468, too: A small, faint, spherical glow WSW of IC950, solely seen with AV, even in brightness, indifferent from IC950.
Virtually 1/2 FoV to the SSW is the galaxy IC4337.
MCG+03-35-034 & PGC1463828
Initially I solely see the southern galaxy MCG+03-35-034 (PGC49330): A small, faint, spherical glow, even in brightness with out AV. With AV subtly brighter within the center and with AV the faint nucleus is simply seen.
After some time I see PGC1463828, too: To the NNW of MCG+03-35-035, with AV, a faint glow typically jumps into view, noticed with certainty however not held constantly.
To the NNE is a vibrant white magazine. 10 star (SAO100750).
To the ENE there seem like a small, faint galaxy and a star, no certainty about this whereas observing. When figuring out this statement decided to be two faint stars aligned east to west (4UCAC524-055271 and -2).
To the ENE of those two stars is the galaxy PGC1464025.
KPG 408 additionally revealed its two members IC970 & MCG+03-36-029 (PGC50014), with a definite distinction in brightness.
Each galaxies are seen.
A – IC970 is the brighter and bigger NNW galaxy, a NE-SW elongated glow, fairly instantly brighter in fairly a definite core that’s elongated in the identical path with an offset nucleus to the SW of the center, which is notable.
The southern galaxy B – MCG+03-36-029 (PGC50014) is a a lot fainter, north-south elongated glow, with AV on the restrict of visibility, with AV progressively brighter within the center, no distinct core discernible and no nucleus seen.
Ultimate pair within the Herdsman was Arp 117. Each IC’s have been seen. North-northeastern IC983 revealed its outer areas, however lacked element.
NW of a white magazine. 10 star (SAO100889) is a spherical glow (IC983) with a really vibrant nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV barely bigger however the glow surrounding the nucleus could be very faint, the glow is notable however there isn’t a construction seen.
SSW of IC983 is IC982, a small, faint, spherical glow, even in brightness, clearly seen with out AV. With AV the nucleus is seen and the glow is barely bigger however even in brightness.
With Boötes observations within the bag I centered Messier 13 within the discipline of view and identified its telltale darkish “X”. A line shortly fashioned at my scope, amongst them a minimum of one pirate. Hercules’ different Messier globular, nr. 92, was equally appreciated.
After half an hour I scattered the herd, put in myself on the south facet of the scope and got down to seize some leftovers in Draco.
I attempted to pick PGC28165139 – “Sancho’s Object” however failed, even after I may observe the western galaxy PGC3136298. The “Blue Sausage” that’s MCG+10-22-009 (Vorontsov-Vel’yaminov 1747, PGC54421) that adopted was clearly elongated however underwhelming, too.
East of the northernmost star in a proper angled triangle of magazine. 10.5 and fainter stars, with the appropriate angle on the SW facet, is a really faint spherical glow, even in brightness with out AV, with AV subtly brighter within the center with a really faint nucleus that’s seen with AV: that is the western galaxy PGC3136298.
The japanese galaxy PGC28165139 (“Sancho’s Object”) can’t be discerned.
A really faint, ESE-WNW elongated streak, with out AV even in brightness and troublesome to watch. With AV subtly brighter within the center and clearly very elongated, no nucleus seen.
To the WNW is a magazine. 11 star, that’s the star within the NNE tip of an elongated triangle of stars with the bottom on the SSW facet that consists of two magazine. 11.5 star aligned WNW to ESE.
One of many Dragon’s final showpieces is the “Draco Triplet”. This group was first cataloged as resembling Holmberg 719. Really a terrific galaxy sampler.
All three galaxies are seen, a pleasant view.
A – NGC5982 is the central galaxy, brighter than the japanese galaxy B – NGC5985 is, a barely east-west elongated glow, fairly instantly brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical path with a vibrant nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV the brighter core is instantly brighter and barely bigger and extra of the fainter outer elements of the galaxy is seen.
The ESE galaxy B – NGC5985 is kind of a vibrant SSW-NNE elongated glow, fairly instantly brighter within the center however no core discernible. With out AV the nucleus is simply seen that’s clearly NNE of the center, which is notable. With AV the galaxy is barely bigger and subtly irregular, however no arms may be discerned.
The WNW galaxy C – NGC5981 is the faintest galaxy, a SE-NW elongated streak, fairly instantly brighter in a core that could be very elongated in the identical path. No nucleus seen, nor with AV. With AV it’s clear that the brighter core is barely NW of the center of the galaxy.
Shifting again to the north facet of scope to proceed my observations in Hercules, I observed the view was deteriorating. The skies have been to not blame, because the circumstances remained splendid. It was getting ever so barely colder this time of night time and that made it straightforward to determine what was occurring: Dew. Drat.
My dew heaters had been on since earlier within the session, however at all times taking care to not flip up my corrector plate’s dew strip too excessive, I had clearly set it simply too low. A fast look on the entrance of the telescope confirmed my suspicion. Now, each astrotrip up till this one I packed a hairdryer. By no means had to make use of it up till now so I did not pack it this time round. Figures…
It took a very good twenty minutes for my optics to dry and as soon as they did, I used to be again at it for some extra faint fuzzies.
Of the eight galaxies and galaxy teams noticed on this a part of the sky, nothing was spectacular. The only Holmberg pair amongst them, nr. 747, solely revealed its major galaxy NGC6145. MCG+07-34-022 (PGC58078) that’s near the southwest remained out of sight, too, besides the view nonetheless made for 2 galaxies noticed, as NGC6156 is close by as nicely. I preferred NGC6156 higher.
NGC6145 (Holmberg 747A)
A – NGC6145 is a north-south elongated glow, progressively brighter within the center. With AV bigger, barely extra elongated and extra instantly brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical path, no nucleus seen.
B – NGC6147 and MCG+07-34-022 WSW thereof will not be seen.
To the SSE is the galaxy NGC6146.
NGC6146
Sharing the FoV with NGC6145 (Holmberg 747A) to the NNW: A spherical glow, brighter than NGC6145 is, progressively brighter within the center with a vibrant nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV fairly instantly brighter in a small, spherical core.
To the ENE is a magazine. 13 star.
Over half an hour remained earlier than the beginning of morning astronomical twilight. Time I spent chatting with my mates on Mount Talma, the place Maurice Toet was grabbing his remaining French M51 frames, earlier than heading indoors.
This observing run had turn into a pink letter session. By no means earlier than had I noticed on this area underneath skies so clear and darkish as that they had been this night time.
Really an Ardenner Particular.
Observations
1 globular cluster
1 HII Area
81 galaxies & galaxy teams
13 double stars
Whole: 96 observations
First time observations: 76 objects
Particulars of the objects noticed on this session are within the desk under.
