NGC 55 and NGC 300

[edosaurus_rex]

All,

I had a clear night AND I wasn't away on company travel for the New Moon weekend so I visited NGC 253. Then I remembered I still hadn't finished my Southern Gems list (between Decl -35 and -45deg). So I tracked down NGC 55 (nice!) 7.8 mag and quite large I need to introduce looking at this to my northern astro friends. There are 3, mag 7 stars that "point" right to this one that are very near Ankaa (alp Pho) making it very easy to find. I'll be back - to this one.

NGC 300 was in the same neighborhood and just a squeak more difficult at mag 8.1 (remember guys this is just 20 deg above my horizon at the meridian)

Looking forward to working the Gems in the Winter Milky Way (mostly opens but I like opens)

Clear skies,

Ed K

[astroron]

:hi:Ed, I to looked at those galaxies last night, but they where overhead:)
Keep up looking down:lol::lol::lol::thumbsup:

[edosaurus_rex]

Hi Ron et al,

All things considered, how does NGC253 compare to NGC55 taking size, orientation, and magnitude into account. Your comparison is a little more fair as they cross near the zenith. We have a little better view of NGC253 as it is 14deg higher crossing at 32deg altitude.

Ed K

[Domol]

I have many memories of both NGC256 & NCG55, from both my 6 inch reflector and C11. i have spent countless nights over the years visiting these objects. NGC 256 is the better object in my opinion. from rural locations one can just spot detail at high mag. NCG is a very long pencil like galaxy. From melborne skys these days they lose alot of character!

[glenc]

Ed I frequently look at NGC 253 and NGC 55 with 20x80 binoculars. Both are clearly visible and 253 is a fair bit brighter than 55. Both are visible in a 50mm finder. NGC 300 is also obvious in 20x80s but not as impressive as 253 and 55 in a scope because it has low surface brightness.

[CoombellKid]

I like Glen make good use of my 20x80's having seen 55 & 253 dont remember
trying 300. I always found 300 rather faint in the scope I'll remember to give
it a go in the 20x80's. 55 used to be one of my favorite GX's, now I love em
all lol

regards,CS

[edosaurus_rex]

Thanks all for the feedback.

I'm trying to get more of the guys "up here" to look in the -35 to -45deg Declination belt (below M7 but not too mucky). I got a good look at NGC6723 two weekends ago.

Ed K