Hi Malcolm,
Very good report Malcolm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by barx1963
NGC 1266 Galaxy in Dorado[/FONT][/B]
RA 13 16 00.9 Dec -02 25 39 Mag(V)13.0 Dim’ 1.5x1.0 SB 13.3 Class (R’)SB(rs)00 pec
Locate Alpha Doradus by naked eye. There is a 1 deg wide equilateral triangle of mag 5/6 stars about 2deg to Np. Follow line of 2 p stars to S about 50’ to a mag 8 star. Galaxy lies just f of it. A very faint mag 12 star is superimposed of f edge of galaxy. Target is fairly large, appears to have a bar running NS. Knots in outer envelope evident with averted vision.
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However I think there's a typo here: this is NGC 1566, not NGC 1266. Excellent galaxy, One of the closer Seyfert II galaxies to our own Milky Way the core is quite bright. In 25cm spiral structure is barely visible to experienced observers. IN 31cm (again given the right conditions) is is somewhat easier and in 46cm it is straightforward to see. That star in the halo trips me up almost everytime I see this eg sending me scurrying for the supernova search charts or the DSS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by barx1963
NGC 1617 Galaxy in Dorado
RA 04 31 40.3 Dec -54 36 12 Mag(V)10.4 Dim’ 4.3x2.1 SB 12.7 Class SB(s)a
Lies about 20’ Np of Alpha Doradus. Core easily seen. At higher power (113x) and with averted vision, there is a suggestion of a large spindle shape with an EW orientation. Bracketed by 3 faint stars estimated mag 11-12. IC2085 lies nearby but not located.
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Pity you didn't see IC 2085 it is a lovely little splinter of mist, though in 30cm it will be at least quite faint.
Quote:
Originally Posted by barx1963
NGC 1672 Galaxy in Dorado
RA 04 45 42.2 Dec -59 14 41 Mag(V)9.7 Dim’ 6.6x5.5 SB 13.4 Class SB(s)b II
From Kappa Doradus, move 40’ to Nf to a mag 6.5 star. Galaxy lies about 10’ to p. Bright stellar like core with faint outer envelope. Some spiral structure appeared evident with averted vision.
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NGC 1672 is a very nice and underrated eg. I covered it in my column a couple of issues ago now. Very good barred spiral. Hints of spiral structure in 30cm, much clearer with 46cm where you can see the stubby arms coming off the end of the bar.
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NGC 1252 Open Cluster in Horologium
RA 03 10 56.0 Dec -57 46 00 Diam’ 9 No. of Stars 18 Mag Brightest Star 6.7Type ast Asterism
Mag 6.5 star 40’ to Sp of TW Horologii. Very loose open cluster with no central condensation. Onlu about 7/8 stars clearly visible.
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Yep, it's an astereism and a sparse one at that. There is some speculation that
some of its stars may be distantly related to the Hyades cluster (Collinder 50). They apparently share a common proper motion and metallicity (from memory).
Thanks Malcolm !!
Best,
Les D