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Ngc 1097 + 1097a
Hi All,
I remember about four years ago near Bigga NSW at a Three Rivers Foundation star party, the sight of this most shapely galaxy through another 25" 'scope with Steve Gottlieb and Gary Mitchell made me think: "Gee ... I gotta get one of these"! Two years later in August 2018 my hope was realised and I had one of my own at last.
A few nights ago I went back and made an eyepiece sketch from home of the 45 million ly distant barred spiral (with a bright Seyfert II nucleus): NGC 1097 and its small dwarf companion NGC 1097A. Personally, I think this is the most beautiful of all the barred spirals -- the "Audrey Hepburn" of barred spirals if you like. This completed final sketch is closely based on a rough preliminary made with red torchlight at the eyepiece. 63.5cm f/5, 12mm TII Nagler @ x260 16/11/2020. North is up and East to the left. The field is 19 arc minutes diameter.
Best,
L.
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