Boureuilles, 29 April – weblog 4 of 4
After the observing run within the evening of 28-29 April, I do not recall hitting the mattress. I do keep in mind waking up nicely into the afternoon of the twenty ninth. Very first thing to do when waking up any day of an astrotrip is to achieve for my cellphone to verify the climate forecast for the evening forward. Clear skies, as soon as once more.
Having slept nicely into the day didn’t make it a brief wait till dusk. The tip of astronomical twilight was not occurring till after eleven and that left loads of sunlight hours to kill. However with my gear already set and sorted, a baguette on the counter, refreshments within the fridge and an observing plan tweaked to perfection, there was little else that might be performed aside from to sit down again and loosen up.
Because the solar dipped behind the hills to the west, I freed my scope from its shroud, took some pics and arrange a digicam for a timelapse sequence. Quarter to eleven I used to be again on the eyepiece.
First diamonds of the evening have been a handful of doubles in UMa.
Following was an observing first. Not one for an object class, not one for a constellation, however one for a catalog as an alternative.
From the yr 1909 onwards, the Helwân Observatory in Egypt printed a flurry of papers itemizing recognized and – at the moment – unknown nebulae. Or relatively: “nebulae”, of which loads have been categorized as ‘elliptical’ and ‘spiral’ ones. “Nebulae” found and cataloged in an period the place the universe was de facto not but found, because it wasn’t till 1923 when Edwin Hubble scribbled “VAR!” on a plate, adopted by his publication on the first day of the year 1925.
You guessed it: loads of Helwân nebulae turned out to be galaxies as an alternative. Most may be thought-about ‘southerly’, as all however 11 of the 506 discoveries have unfavourable declinations. Of those 11 there are 2 that reside inside the boundaries of the constellation of Coma Berenices: nr.’s 22 and 24. It is these that I added to my guides and this evening I used to be to look at them, together with 13 extra galaxies and galaxy teams in varied observing guides for Coma that I had but to look at in any respect, or to get a primary glimpse of from a darkish web site.
Visually, these two Helwân nebu… galaxies are nothing to jot down residence about. As goes so typically on this interest, is the data behind it that counts. With these first deepsky observations of the evening, Helwân was set unfastened.
Helwân 22
A clearly NW-SE elongated glow, with out AV clearly all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s elongated in the identical course. With AV barely bigger with a notable transition to the brighter core, no nucleus seen.
Helwân 24
A small, extraordinarily faint, spherical glow, solely seen with AV, even in brightness, no element seen.
The celebs to the NNE that type Holmberg 322B should not seen.
1/3 FoV to the east is the galaxy MCG+03-31-035 (PGC38234).
The 13 galaxies and galaxy teams that adopted the Helwâns weren’t spectacular to the attention, both. I used to be in a position to observe each galaxies that type Vorontsov-Vel’yaminov 179 (NGC4065 & NGC4061) …
Each galaxies are seen, aligned WNW to ESE.
Spherical galaxies of just about equal brightness, each are step by step brighter within the center and in each galaxies the nucleus is seen.
The western galaxy A – NGC4065 is barely brighter and barely bigger with AV than the japanese galaxy B – NGC4061 is. The nucleus of A – NGC4065 is on the restrict of visibility with out AV, the nucleus of B – NGC4061 is barely brighter.
To the SE is the galaxy NGC4072, 1/3 FoV to the ESE is NGC4076.
… however the ones that type Arp 260 introduced themselves as solely a single faint glow.
No particular person galaxies may be distinguished.
A really faint. NE-SW elongated, irregular glow, with out AV on the restrict of visibility. With AV clearly elongated however even in brightness, no element seen.
First correct information of the evening was Gx-9 for Coma Berenices in CSOG’s 12-14″ version. These galaxies have been certain to pack extra of a punch.
First within the information is the 65th entry in Zwicky’s third list. As you see, I do not write “III Zw 65” as I do not like that designation. For me it Zwicky first, then III, then 65. Of the three that type this quantity 65, I may solely see the NGC; PGC169245 & PGC40476 didn’t reveal themselves. For a second I wasn’t certain, because the NGC’s nucleus seems offset, however rapidly decided to not be a match for the companions’ positions.
Pictures beneath are from CSOG’s Herschel version, the ‘by object’ information, as NGC4377 is cataloged as Herschel I-12.
17mm Nagler T4: NGC4377 is sort of a big and vivid, spherical glow, all of the sudden brighter in a small spherical core with a vivid nucleus that, utilizing AV, clearly is on the SW fringe of the brighter core, which is notable. With AV extra of the outer components of the galaxy are seen which are barely elongated north to south, however the core stays spherical.
PGC169245 and PGC40476 should not seen; the offset nucleus is actually not one of many PGC’s, as that doesn’t match the positions.
12mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification PGC169245 and PGC40476 should not seen, both.
Higher than NGC4377 was 4419. It is not small in any respect and confirmed faint however notable element, together with a “chunk” taken from the southeastern aspect.
Fairly a big and fairly vivid NW-SE elongated streak, with out AV all of the sudden brighter in a comparatively small core that’s elongated in the identical course and that’s only a bit SW of the center of the galaxy. Utilizing AV extra of the outer components of the galaxy are seen and the faint nucleus is seen. The galaxy is step by step fainter and tapering in direction of the NW, barely extra all of the sudden fainter and tapering much less in direction of the SE.
The darkish half is just not seen however on the SE aspect the galaxy is brighter within the SE half thereof than it’s within the japanese half thereof, utilizing AV a really delicate kink within the galaxy is seen; straight SE of the core a ‘chunk’ is subtly taken from it. With that, the darkish half betrays itself, even when it can’t be distinguished, however had I not learn about it I’d have simply neglected it.
A pleasant galaxy.
Close by is IC3392, one other galaxy revealing greater than its elongation.
A NE-SW elongated glow, with out AV it’s clear that the galaxy is brighter within the SW half and a core that’s barely elongated in the identical course is delicate discernible. With AV the galaxy is extra elongated, the nucleus is faintly seen and it’s clear that the galaxy is brightest SW of the center (that was subtly discernible even with out AV). In direction of the NE the galaxy ends fairly all of the sudden the place it’s barely rounded, the SW brighter tapers and step by step turns into fainter.
Messier 85 (NGC4382) was as good as may be anticipated from a Messier galaxy, with the view enhanced even additional by close by NGC4394. These two go collectively as Holmberg 397 and KPG 334. MCG+03-32-028 (PGC40512) is within the combine, too, however not a part of both cataloged pair, neither is it seen in my aperture.
Messier 85 (NGC4382)
A big, very vivid, barely north-south elongated, fairly diffuse glow, step by step brighter within the center with a really vivid nucleus. With AV extra of the outer components of the galaxy is seen, the galaxy is barely elongated NNW to SSE and the nucleus appears to be simply west of the center. On the NNE edge is a magazine. 12 star (4UCAC542-051656).
MCG+03-32-028 (PGC40512) is just not seen.
To the SE is a magazine. 10 star, 1/2 FoV to the ENE is the galaxy NGC4394.
NGC4394
A NE-SW elongated glow, fairly all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical course. With AV extra of the fainter components is seen, the galaxy is barely extra bulging NE to SE, the elongated core is barely bigger and the nucleus is seen.
1/2 FoV to the WSW is the galaxy Messier 85 (NGC4382).
Missing a core and a nucleus, however a reasonably one nonetheless, is NGC4455. I discovered it subtly irregular.
A clearly NNE-SSW very elongated streak, with out AV clearly brightest within the SSW half. With AV the galaxy extends additional, the brightest half is subtly irregular, the galaxy turns into barely fainter in direction of the NNE and extra all of the sudden fainter in direction of the SSW. No core and no nucleus seen.
One other vivid one revealing element was NGC4450. East of the center I observed a north-south working lane, that’s maybe (a part of) an arm. In CSOG, the NGC is one among a pair of galaxies, as behind its japanese edge is PGC5262309. Unsurprisingly, that tiny, faint PGC proved elusive.
Fairly a big, fairly vivid, north-south elongated glow, step by step brighter within the center and all of the sudden brighter in a small spherical core with a vivid nucleus that’s seen with out AV. With AV the outer components of the galaxy clearly mild up, the galaxy is subtly irregular and it’s clear that the core is only a bit SW of the center. With AV a north-south working lane is subtly discernible on the east aspect of the brighter a part of the galaxy (not the core), which is notable, no such factor is seen on the west aspect. On the east aspect the galaxy bulges much less (flatter on a line from north to south) than it does on the west aspect. A pleasant galaxy.
PGC5262309 behind the japanese fringe of NGC4450 is just not discernible.
Three in a row are NGC4459, -68 & -74. Individually, neither is spectacular, however collectively they do make a worthwhile view. The pictures beneath are for the NGC4468 information, which frames all three of them properly.
NGC4459
A spherical glow, step by step a lot brighter within the center with a vivid nucleus that’s seen with out AV. With AV the galaxy is extra all of the sudden brighter in a small, spherical core.
To the SE is a pale orange magazine. 9 star (SAO100121), 1/3 FoV to the ENE is the galaxy NGC4468, simply over 1/2 FoV to the WSW are NGC4446 & NGC4447 (KPG 339).
NGC4468
With out AV a faint, spherical glow, step by step brighter within the center. With AV barely extra all of the sudden brighter in a spherical core and with AV the faint nucleus is seen.
1/3 FoV to the ENE is the galaxy NGC4474, 1/3 FoV to the WSW is NGC4459.
NGC4474
An east-west elongated streak, with out AV fairly all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical course. The extraordinarily vivid nucleus is WSW of the center and resembles a superimposed star, which is notable.
1/3 FoV to the WSW is the galaxy NGC4468.
Approaching the southern border of the constellation, dipping into “Markarian’s Chain”, are NGC4477 – with faint NGC4479 close by – and NGC4473. Crossing the border into Virgo, I additionally noticed the pair NGC4461 & NGC4458, cataloged as Holmberg 411.
NGC4477
Fairly a vivid, barely north-south elongated glow, with out AV the outer halo is seen very faintly, with out AV naked greater than the core is seen, with out AV the nucleus is seen.
With AV the galaxy is all of the sudden brighter in an excellent smaller, spherical core and with AV extra of the faint, spherical, outer halo of the galaxy is seen, which contrasts properly with the elongated core.
To the SE is the a lot fainter galaxy NGC4479, 1/2 FoV to the SSW is the galaxy NGC4473.
NGC4479
A barely north-south elongated glow, with out AV the nucleus is on the restrict of visibility. With AV barely bigger and step by step brighter within the center, no core discernible.
To the NW is the a lot brighter galaxy NGC4477, 1/2 FoV to the SW is the galaxy NGC4473.
NGC4473
An east-west elongated glow, step by step brighter within the center with a really vivid nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV the the outer components of the galaxy clearly mild up, making the galaxy seem a lot bigger than it’s with out AV. With AV it’s clear that the half that’s seen with out AV is the east-west elongated core of the galaxy. Fairly a pleasant galaxy.
1/2 FoV to the NNE is the galaxy NGC4477, 1/2 FoV to the NE is NGC4479. Simply over 1/2 FoV to the SW are the galaxies NGC4461 & NGC4458 (Holmberg 411) within the constellation of Virgo.
NGC4461 & NGC4458 (Holmberg 411)
Each galaxies are seen, aligned SSE to NNW.
The SSE galaxy A – NGC4461 is the brightest galaxy, a north-south elongated glow, fairly all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical course with a vivid nucleus that’s clearly seen with out AV. With AV the galaxy is much more elongated.
The NNW galaxy B – NGC4458 is barely fainter than the SSE galaxy A – NGC4461 is, a spherical glow, step by step brighter within the center, with out AV the nucleus is seen. With AV the galaxy is sort of all of the sudden brighter in a spherical core. To the ENE is a magazine. 11 star.
Noticed concurrently with the galaxy NGC4473, 1/2 FoV to the NE within the constellation of Coma Berenices.
Deciding to not get chained to Markarian’s group however relatively save them for one more evening, I continued my observations northeastwards in Coma.
Not small however not too vivid, both, but displaying loads of element, is NGC4498.
A clearly NE-SW elongated glow, with out AV clearly brightest NW of the center. With AV extra elongated and clearly irregular, barely wider on the NW aspect the place the galaxy clearly is most irregular, the galaxy tapers in direction of the SE. The galaxy is brightest is a barely NW-SE elongated half that’s simply SSE of the center of the general galaxy, which is notable.
Nearly 1/2 FoV to the WSW is simply galaxy NGC4489 that’s only a bit brighter, 1/2 FoV to the SSE is NGC4502.
Even fainter than NGC4498 and by itself, in my aperture, nothing particular to report about, is NGC4523. That being mentioned, I did get pleasure from observing it. That is on account of 3 superimposed stars that make it an fascinating view. There is a fourth one, however at a cataloged magnitude of 15.9 it was out of attain.
A particularly faint, evenly vivid, NE-SW elongated glow, no element seen, you could know precisely the place to look. On the NE fringe of the glow is a magazine. 11.5 star (4UCAC526-054664), on the ZW edge are a magazine. 13.5 (ESE, 4UCAC526-054660) and a magazine. 14 (WNW, 4UCAC526-054659) star aligned ESE to WNW. The faint star 4UCAC526-054663 to the SSW of the magazine. 11.5 star is just not seen. The faint glow mixed with the superimppsed stars does make it fairly a pleasant view.
1/2 FoV to the NE is the galaxy IC800.
Once more not too vivid, however one other good remark, was the pair of galaxies NGC4540 & IC3528 that type Holmberg 421. That is largely due to the element seen within the NGC, with the IC offering for a pleasant little further. In reality, giving its look, NGC4540 may very nicely be considered a “Mini-Field Galaxy” as there’s similarity to NGC4449 in Canes Venatici.
Each galaxies are seen, not very vivid galaxies however a pleasant pair.
The SW galaxy A – NGC4540 is bigger and brighter than the NE galaxy B – IC3528 is, an irregular, NE-SW elongated glow, fairly all of the sudden brighter within the center and clearly brightest within the SW half. On the NNW edge is a magazine. 13 star (4UCAC528-054716). With AV barely bigger and irregular construction is clearly seen within the brightest a part of the galaxy. With AV the brightest a part of the galaxy bulges barely, bulging in direction of the SW and tapering barely in direction of the NE the place it fades into the fainter outer a part of the galaxy that’s clearest NE of the center. With AV the outer halo of the galaxy barely lights up. To the west is a magazine. 13.5 star.
The NE galaxy B – IC3528 is a spherical glow, with out AV subtly brighter within the center, with AV barely bigger and step by step brighter within the center. No core and no nucleus seen.
The second Messier on this Coma Berenices observing information is nr. 88 (NGC4501). There was loads to explain, even spiral construction, however I couldn’t tease out the darkish lane on the southwest aspect, not even with some further magnification.
17mm Nagler T4: A pleasant, vivid galaxy, clearly elongated NW-SE and fairly all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s barely elongated in the identical course with a vivid nucleus that’s on the SE fringe of the brighter core. On the SW aspect the galaxy is clearly flattened on a line from NW to SE. With AV the galaxy is irregular, barely extra bulging on the NE aspect, on the SE aspect the galaxy is flattened on a line from north to south. With AV the galaxy tapers in direction of the NW the place it’s flattened on a line from NW to SE on the NE aspect of the NW half. On the SW aspect of the NW half it has a barely extra curved form. With AV spiral construction is subtly discernible surrounding the brighter core, particularly SE of the center, after which the galaxy step by step faints outwards. No darkish lanes or interruptions are discernible; the galaxy is flattened on the SW, there the place there is a darkish lane. A pleasant galaxy through which a lot element may be seen.
On the SE edge is a magazine. 13 star (4UCAC522-052502) with a magazine. 14 star to its SSW (part A of the double star Skiff 1584).
1/4 FoV to the south, equally oriented as the 2 stars superimposed over the galaxy, are a magazine. 10.5 (NNE) and a magazine. 11 (SSW) star aligned NNE to SSW, ±210°/25″ (double star Greaves 1156).
Simply over 1/2 FoV to the NE is the galaxy NGC4516.
12mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification the darkish lane on the SW aspect can’t be discerned, both, the galaxy is clearly irregular.
The second to final object within the information made for a really particular remark. Element is sweet to look at, however when it is distinct and unexpectedly involves mild, it is all the higher. IC3476 (Vorontsov-Vel’yaminov 563) offered for simply that. Showing as if caught on high of a fainter glow, is a definite core that’s nearly perpendicular to the lengthy axis of the galaxy. Its form and orientation was unmistakable and: mesmerizing. An object etched on my retina and one extremely beneficial to look at.
With out AV a barely NNE-SSW elongated glow, step by step brighter within the center. With AV the galaxy is clearly brighter within the SW half the place there’s a small, spherical half. With AV it additionally clear that the NNE-SSW elongated half that was seen with out AV, is a component that’s perpendicular to the others a part of the galaxy. With AV on the SW thereof part of the galaxy is seen that extends to the SW (PGC4331228), that’s subtly fainter than the central half is. On the south aspect of the brighter central half, with AV, an elongated half that extends in direction of the NE could be very faintly seen, a lot fainter than the half in direction of the SW is, with that the form of the galaxy is obvious. No nucleus seen. The offset core seems as if ‘caught on’, very notable, a faint galaxy however a outstanding form.
The observations in Coma Berenices left me glad, but eager for extra. With the skies as magnificent as that they had been two nights earlier than and the evening nonetheless younger, I took a 20 minute break earlier than opening the 12-14″ Gx-3 information for a similar constellation. Ensuring I had my dew heaters set, to rule out any likelihood of getting this session interrupted by condensation on my optics.
NGC4565. What. A. Sight. Fifth remark in my log for this showpiece, however solely the primary beneath darkish skies. And nearly half of discipline of view in my 17mm Nagler to the southwest, NGC4562 tagged alongside.
NGC4565
A NE-SW extraordinarily elongated needle through which are brighter half is clearly seen that’s elongated in the identical course containing a central bulge and a vivid nucleus that’s seen with out AV. With AV clearly irregular. The darkish lane working centrally by way of the galaxy is seen straight NE of the center of the bulge (not a touch, clearly seen), the darkish lanes extends extra in direction of the SE than it does in direction of the NE. To the NE of the darkish lane a small a part of the bulge is seen that on that aspect, with AV is clearly very flattened. The bulge is clearly bulging on the SW aspect.
To the NW of the center a delicate (not a whole) interruption within the galaxy is seen, an element is clearly discernible that’s fainter at roughly 2/5 of the NW half in direction of the NW, adopted by 3/5 of that half that’s vivid once more.
The SE a part of the galaxy is barely shorter than the NW half is and step by step turns into fainter in direction of the SE, the place at 2/3 of that half an interruption is subtly discernible, after which the galaxy step by step turns into fainter.
The a part of the galaxy that extends in direction of the NW is roughly one and a half instances the dimensions of the SE half.
A really stunning galaxy.
To the NE of the central bulge is a magazine. 13 star (4UCAC581-047579), indifferent from the glow of the galaxy. Nearly 1/2 FoV to the SW is the galaxy NGC4562.
NGC4562
A faint NE-SW elongated glow, not very small, with out AV step by step brighter within the center. With AV barely bigger and in addition step by step brighter within the center, no nucleus and no core seen.
Nearly 1/2 FoV to the NE is the galaxy NGC4565 (the “Needle Galaxy”).
From a needle to a fish. Particularly: a koi. That’s after all a nickname based mostly on imagery. Visually, although, NGC4559 is clearly irregular and flattened on the northeast aspect. The galaxy incorporates just a few HII areas and star clouds that carry IC designations; I used to be not in a position to instantly pull them out from the glow of the galaxy. Higher to return one other evening for a devoted hunt utilizing filters and varied magnifications.
A NNW-SSE elongated, irregular glow that’s step by step brighter SE of the center in a NNW-SSE elongated, barely oval half. To the ESE of the brighter half is a magazine. 12.5 star, to the SE is a magazine. 12 star and to the south is a magazine. 12 star. Clearly very irregular with AV and flattened on the NE aspect on a line from NW to SE.
HII Areas should not instantly obvious, as listed within the HII/SC information.
1/2 FoV to the SE is the galaxy NGC4559A.
The trio Holmberg 439, that additionally goes by Vorontsov-Vel’yaminov 1555, is one among two Karachentseva Northern Remoted Triplets of Galaxies (KTG) in Coma, as nr. 45. Two of the galaxies, NGC4614 & 4615, make up KTG 348. In relation to the letter-designations for these galaxies in these varied catalogs, it is a joyful mess. NGC4615, for instance, is Holmberg 439A, KPG 348B and KTG 45C. It is also Arp 34. For the observations I log, I all the time try to go together with “historic fist”. For this galaxy group meaning the designations Erik Holmberg used, even when the unwritten rule of “go by R.A.” is just not relevant to this catalog.
All three galaxies are seen, a pleasant view.
The japanese galaxy A – NGC4615 (Arp 34) is a clearly NW-SE elongated glow, step by step brighter within the center and brightest straight NW of the center. The form of the galaxy is subtly discernible with AV, on the WNW a barely bulging half could be very subtly seen, very faint, that originates on the south aspect of the galaxy. With AV the curl on the SE aspect is subtly discernible, extending in direction of the SW with the open aspect on the WSW aspect, barely fainter than the half is that extends in direction of the NW.
The southern galaxy B – NGC4614 is the brightest galaxy, with out AV a barely elongated, oval glow, with AV extra elongated NW to SE and all of the sudden brighter in a core that’s elongated in the identical course. With AV the nucleus is faintly seen. To the WNW is a magazine. 11 star (4UCAC581-047647).
The NW galaxy C – NGC4613 is a spherical glow, with out AV subtly brighter within the center, with AV the nucleus is faintly seen.
NGC4670 = Haro 9 = Arp 163 = Vorontsov-Vel’yaminov 1563. It is not too massive, however the element is within the core and I discovered its nucleus to be on the western fringe of that brighter core. Being a Haro galaxy, that is positively one to come back again to subsequent spring to see what extra element filters and magnification can tease out.
With out AV a barely east-west elongated glow, all of the sudden brighter in a spherical core with a vivid nucleus that’s clearly seen. With AV it’s clear that the nucleus is on the western fringe of the intense core, which is notable, and extra of the outer halo of the galaxy is seen making the galaxy extra spherical.
To the SE is the fainter galaxy NGC4673.
Together with NGC4565 observed three quarters of an hour earlier, an object I had been wanting ahead to look at beneath skies nearly as good as they have been this evening, was the pair that is generally known as Arp 242 – “the Mice”. I used to be not dissatisfied. The south-southeastern galaxy NGC4676B could also be a tad brighter than its northern neighbor is, however utilizing averted imaginative and prescient NGC4676A revealed its tail. Or relatively: spike, as that is how I described it. Though faint, it even appeared a bit ‘sparkly’ to me. One other spotlight of this session.
Each galaxies are seen, faint however a phenomenal remark.
The NNW galaxy NGC4676A is barely fainter than the SSE galaxy NGC4676B is, brighter in a north-south elongated core, no nucleus seen. With AV the extension from the NNW galaxy NGC4676A in direction of the north is seen, clearly a ‘spike’ in direction of the north, very faint however very stunning.
The SSE galaxy NGC4676B is barely brighter than the NNW galaxy NGC4676A is, a NE-SW elongated glow with a vivid nucleus that’s seen with out AV and that’s SW of the center. The faint extension in direction of the south is just not seen.
One more one that may be thought-about a showpiece and one other ‘first-timer beneath darkish skies’ for me, was NGC4725 – the “TIE Fighter Galaxy”. Now, I’m not a Star Wars aficionado, nor am I keen on Star Trek… fairly the other, frankly… however I may make out a part of the galaxy’s namesake form. Additionally, NGC4712 to the west-southwest was noticed.
NGC4725
A vivid, NE-SW elongated galaxy, step by step brighter within the center with a really vivid nucleus that simply seen with out AV and that’s inside a really small, spherical core. With AV each the core and the general galaxy are barely extra elongated. With AV a subtly brighter (however very faint) half is seen on the SW aspect that’s barely elongated NW-SE. On the NE aspect the galaxy is subtly brighter, however no form is discernible there. The gap from the center of the galaxy to the brighter half on the NE aspect is slighty higher than the space in direction of the SW aspect. NNE of the center the galaxy is barely fainter, however no clear interruption. Centrally on the NW aspect the galaxy is barely flattened on a line from NE to SW. On the SE aspect the galaxy is flattened on a line from NE to SW. An exquisite galaxy.
A number of superimposed stars are seen: to the NW of the center is a magazine. 15 star, to the ENE of the center on the sting of the galaxy is a magazine. 14.5 star, to the NE a magazine. 15 star is superimposed.
1/3 FoV to the WSW is the galaxy NGC4712.
NGC4712
A NNW-SSE elongated glow, step by step brighter within the center. With AV extra elongated (nearly north-south elongated) and brightest SSE of the center. No distinct core and no nucleus seen. The superimposed star 4UCAC578-049816 is just not seen.
To the NNW consistent with the galaxy is a magazine. 11.5 star, to the ENE are a magazine. 13 (WSW) and a magazine. 13.5 (ENE) star aligned SW to NE. 1/3 FoV to the ENE is the galaxy NGC4725 (the “TIE Fighter Galaxy”).
Northeast of NGC4725, this observing information for Coma galaxies had one final Arp in inventory for me: NGC4747 a.ok.a. Arp 159. The galaxy is clearly brightest within the southwestern half. Sharing the sector of view is the gorgeous Struve double STF1684 (WDS12519+2540).
A faint, irregular, NE-SW elongated glow, clearly brightest within the SSW half, that half could be very elongated NE to SW and is itself brightest on the NW aspect, which is notable. The galaxy ends all of the sudden on the SW and is step by step fainter in direction of the NE. The darkish interruption within the galaxy is just not discernible. To the SW of the center of the brightest a part of the galaxy, with AV, a small, additionally NE-SE elongated, brighter half is seen, it is faint nevertheless it does leap out. No nucleus seen.
1/4 FoV to the SSE is a vivid yellow magazine. 8 (east) star and a fainter subtly light-blueish star aligned east to west (double star STF1684). SW thereof is a magazine. 10 star (SAO82538) along with which these stars type a crooked, elongated triangle pointing SSW.
With the final of the galaxies on this a part of Coma logged, I leaned again and felt hit by a wave of satisfaction. Solely two weeks earlier I had feared not getting any observing performed this spring. That means all them faint fuzzies in Coma Berenices must anticipate yet one more yr. Now, within the fourth observing run of this journey, all that was left for me to look at in Coma, have been the galaxies in CSOG’s 12-14″ Gx-5 observing information, those which are a part of the center of the “Coma Cluster” (Abell 1656).
I will name {that a} consequence.
Thrilled to have noticed a lot in Coma Berenices, I took one other twenty minute break earlier than transferring on to Serpens (Caput) for galaxies not but noticed, or noticed however solely beneath murky Dutch skies.
First remark within the head of the snake was for the pair of galaxies MCG+02-39-005 (PGC54194) & MCG+02-39-004 (PGC54195) that type KPG 458. These galaxies are small, faint and reveal little to no element, however their shapes are properly contrasting.
Each galaxies are seen, very faint however a pleasant view.
The northern galaxy A – MCG+02-39-005 (PGC54194) is a clearly NNW-SSE very elongated streak, subtly brighter than the southern galaxy B – MCG+02-39-004 is.
The southern galaxy B – MCG+02-39-004 (PGC54195), with out AV, is a spherical glow, even in brightness, no element seen. With AV barely bigger and step by step brighter within the center, no core and no nucleus seen.
The galaxies should not touching.
“Hoag’s Object”. I lastly noticed it. And that is actually all I’ve to say about that. In my aperture, the faint ring is clearly out of attain. However even the core, or nucleus, required upping the magnification and use of averted imaginative and prescient to be referred to as a constructive remark.
17mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification the galaxy typically appears to leap into view however can’t be held.
12mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification the galaxy is seen, a really small, extraordinarily faint, spherical glow, solely seen with AV. Even in brightness, no element seen. The outer ring of the galaxy is just not seen, solely the nucleus is seen however that’s on the restrict of visibility with AV.
1/5 FoV to the west is a north-south elongated, meandering form of magazine. 11 and fainter stars.
NGC6012 was a lot nicer. Once I first noticed this galaxy again in 2010, beneath Dutch skies, it revealed not more than being subtly brighter within the center. Now, with a bit extra aperture however in a sky that’s endlessly higher, it confirmed what it is actually about… and reconfirmed to me why I’ve ceased chasing all however the brightest DSO’s from native observing websites.
A NNE-SSW elongated, oval, irregular glow. With out AV it’s evident that the galaxy is brighter in a NNW-SSE elongated core that’s only a bit SSE of the center of the glow. With AV the core is brightest SSE of the center of the general galaxy. The faint outer components are subtly discernible, the galaxy is flattened on the SW aspect on a line from NNE to SSW and is subtly bulging on the NE aspect with the bulge in direction of the NE.
To the NE are a magazine. 11 (SE) and a magazine. 13 (NW) star aligned SE to NE, ±350°/7″ (not a double star in WDS).
Smaller, however equally appreciated on account of its elongation and vivid core + nucleus, was NGC6010.
Fairly a vivid, WNW-ESE elongated streak that’s all of the sudden brighter in a small core that’s barely elongated in the identical course, with a vivid nucleus that’s seen with out AV. The galaxy is barely flattened on the south aspect on a line from WNW to ENE and is subtly bulging on the north aspect with the bulge in direction of the NNE. The galaxy step by step turns into fainter in direction of the WNW and is barely extra all of the sudden fainter in direction of the ESE and shorter in that course, too. Fairly a pleasant galaxy.
The star USNO358029355 on the japanese edge is just not seen.
To the south are two magazine. 14 stars aligned NE to SW (not a double star in WDS).
Notably bigger, but additionally fainter than most galaxies noticed in Serpens tonight, was IC1151. Although faint, a “chunk” taken out the southwestern a part of the galaxy was discernible.
Fairly a big (bigger than the galaxies that I noticed earlier than this one are), NE-SW elongated glow, with out AV it’s clear that the galaxy is brighter SW of the center. With AV subtly irregular and fairly all of the sudden fainter on the SW aspect and barely tapering on that aspect, step by step fainter in direction of the NE. With AV it’s clear that there’s an interruption to the SW of the center of the galaxy, on the SW aspect of the SW a barely curved form is seen extending in direction of the SW. The “chunk” that’s take from the SE aspect of the SW a part of the galaxy, is discernible. No core and no nucleus seen.
With simply over half an hour to go till the beginning of morning astronomical twilight, I took a brief break, then prolonged my telescope’s optical prepare with a filter slider and got down to observe 3 planetaries in Hercules.
Kohoutek 1-14 is an irregular ring, however a really faint one. Unfiltered, all I used to be in a position to observe have been the 2 stars on the nebula’s heart. Filters teased out the glow and the UHC one was the filter that did the higher job at it.
The pictures beneath are from the Future CSOG Kohoutek Nebulae version… keep tuned.
17mm Nagler T4: Unfiltered the nebula is just not seen, solely the 2 stars which are within the nebula; the NNE is magazine. 13 (4UCAC558-063634), the SSW is magazine. 15 (4UCAC558-063633). Instantly north is a magazine. 15 star.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon UHC: Utilizing this filter a faint spherical glow could be very subtly discernible with out AV that’s clearest to the east of the 2 stars.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon OIII: Utilizing this filter the glow that was seen with use of the UHC filter is simply discernible to the east of the 2 stars.
12mm Nagler T4: Utilizing this magnification, unfiltered, the nebula is just not seen.
12mm Nagler T4, Lumicon OIII & UHC: Utilizing this magnification, each filters and AV the nebula is a spherical glow, nevertheless it’s very faint. The UHC filter subtly has a greater impact. No ring-shape is discernible.
A part of the brand new editions printed as a part of CSOG 3.0 in November 2024, is the one for Humason’s Planetary Nebulae. It is a tiny version, containing solely 3 objects.
This planetary was to be the second to final remark of the session, however with regards to appreciation, it got here out on high. I noticed it as soon as earlier than again in 2019, suspecting a ring-shape, however didn’t observe it utilizing a really excessive magnification. This evening, I did just do that and I didn’t remorse it: actually a ringside view.
17mm Nagler T4: Stellar with out AV, resembles a magazine. 11 star. With AV simply not stellar, a small sphere, an impact not displayed by different stars within the discipline.
To the SW is a magazine. 11 star (TYC1596-02617-1) with a magazine. 13 star to its WNW (4UCAC555-076183), these two stars make for a very good comparability with the nebula.
In a wealthy star discipline.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon UHC: Utilizing this filter the nebula is just not stellar with out AV and is barely elongated east to west, appears to include two lobes, a barely bigger japanese and a smaller western. Considerably resembles a double star, which is notable.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon OIII: The impact of this filter, with out AV, is the same as that of the UHC filter iwth AV. With AV the nebula is extra elongated.
5mm Nagler T6: Utilizing this magnification, unfiltered, the nebula is simply not stellar and is barely elongated east to west with AV. No lobe is discernible however there’s a faint outer halo.
5mm Nagler T6, Lumicon UHC: Utilizing this filter a ring-shape is clearly seen, the ring is brightest on the SE aspect. the SE half of the ring is brighter than the NW aspect of the ring is.
5mm Nagler T6, Lumicon OIII: Utilizing this filter a ring-shape is unmistakably seen, centrally clearly darkish and it’s evident that the SE 3/5 of the nebula (greater than half of the ring form) is brighter than the NW 2/5. That is suspected to be the rationale that two lobes gave the impression to be seen at decrease magnifications. A terribly good and shocking remark! A outstanding object.
3.5mm Nagler T6: Utilizing this magnification, unfiltered, the nebula is a spherical glow and an outer halo could be very faintly seen.
3.5mm Nagler T6, Lumicon UHC: Utilizing this filter the ring form is seen, however the form is clearer with 5mm., there’s barely something of the darkish central half seen anymore.
3.5mm Nagler T6, Lumicon OIII: Utilizing this filter no darkish central half is seen, however is obvious that the SE half of the nebula is brightest.
Remaining remark of the evening was for one more Kohoutek: 3-16. Extraordinarily faint and nearly stellar. Filters didn’t assist.
17mm Nagler T4: A small, extraordinarily faint glow, nearly stellar, simply neglected. The unfiltered view is finest.
To the WSW is a magazine. 13.5 star.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon UHC: Utilizing this filter the little patch that’s the nebula is seen very faintly, solely seen with AV and on the restrict of visibility. The unfiltered view is best.
17mm Nagler T4, Lumicon OIII: Utilizing this filter the nebula is just not seen.
As morning twilight ticked away, I made an try to glimpse the nova shell Cederblad 155 (DQ Hercules). No luck. However that is OK, as this session’s observations left me feeling luckier than I had in a really very long time.
– Blog continues below the observations table –
Observations
3 planetary nebulae
99 galaxies & galaxy teams
7 double stars
Complete: 109 observations
First time observations: 72 objects
Particulars of the objects noticed on this session are within the desk beneath.
30 April
The forecast for the evening of 30 April was an impressive because it had been for the previous nights. As dusk progressed, with a digicam clicking away to catch the crescent Moon setting, I began my observations with – once more – some doubles in Ursa Main. I deliberate to deal with a complete lot of Haro galaxies this session, as quickly as Luna ceased being a nuisance.
Because the Moon approached the hills to the east, its look didn’t bode nicely, as a halo was forming round it. It was at the moment that some doubles I used to be observing began to briefly reveal spikes.
Even whereas the sky appeared clear and the satellite tv for pc imagery was not exhibiting any signal of clouds, both, there clearly was one thing in the air tonight. For as soon as, I didn’t like that tune.
I sat it out till two within the morning. The skies didn’t enhance. All of it simply appeared… dimmed. Figuring out that any deepsky remark can be subpar, particularly in comparison with the 4 glorious observing runs this journey did produce, I elected to pack my gear. The morning of Might 1st I used to be on my method residence.
Now, with all observations labored out and 4 blogs printed, I can solely look again with a smile. Simply when all hope for spring deepsky observations appeared misplaced, the final week of April produced one among my most memorable astrotrips.
A heartfelt thanks to my astrobuddies from Sterrenwacht Rijswijk who invited me to their get collectively in Talma (Grandpré) for the primary 2 nights of this sojourn.
You’ll hear from me once more in August.
Observations astrotrip Grand-Est, spring 2025
1 globular cluster
2 HII areas
3 planetary nebulae
2 quasars
321 galaxies & galaxy teams
44 double stars
Complete: 373 observations
First time observations: 265 objects
