Two Stunning Galaxies

[EpickCrom]

Hi fellow astronomers! Last night I saw two bright galaxies for the first time, NGC 1404 in Eridanus and NGC 1399 in Fornax.

The great thing about these two is despite being in seperate constellations they are close to each other in the sky, seperated by 9'. I saw them together in the same field of view using 80x in my 10 inch dob. This is a fantastic sight and one I recommend you check out if you haven't already! Wishing you all clear skies.

Joe

[Crater101]

Thanks Joe! That must have been quite a marvellous sight. I'll keep an eye peeled for that (if I can get some clear skies again...)

[EpickCrom]

Hi Warren, this duo of galaxies is well placed at the moment. It's always nice to observe two or more objects in the same field of view! Wishing you clear skies.

[Robh]

Yes, great sight!

NGC 1399 is a massive elliptical galaxy at the center of the Fornax Cluster. It is almost spherical in shape. The galaxy is believed to have about 6,000 globular clusters and a supermassive black hole of 500 million solar masses.

Its elliptical neighbour, NGC 1404 has an estimated 700 or so globs but may have lost quite a few to NGC 1399.

[EpickCrom]

Thanks for the info Rob. I hadn't realised that NGC 1399 is at the centre of the Fornax Cluster. It sure stands out in my dob, I will be visiting it again tonight!:thumbsup: