July Challenge Object - NGC5128 (Centaurus A)

[iceman]

Hi all.

We'd love you to take part in the July Observing Challenge (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=69,217,0,0,1,0). Please post your observing reports and sketches for NGC5128 in this thread. Discussions about the object can also be in this thread.

Please ensure scanned sketches obey the image posting guidelines when you attach them.

For deep-space images of the object, see the "Deep Space" astrophotography forum.

[dhumpie]

I will get the ball rolling again. This is a very easy "catch" even from suburbia and in a 10x50 binoculars no less. I think I can see a hint of the dark lane in my 15x70's when mounted in a photo tripod. The lane is very easy even at low powers in my old 76mm f/9 newt and in my Orion 80ST. I get the best views of the galaxy at 62-75x from suburbia. Also use the same mags from dark sky sites when the views are just glorious. It really does resemble its nickname "the hamburger galaxy". I have seen hints of some internal structure in the dust lane in westsky's 10"f/5 dob. These stuctures were confirmed in Kevin's 16" dob.

See my sketches at:

http://www.geocities.com/dhumpie/dastro/5128.jpg

Darren

[Moonman]

Yes after some shifting about with the telescope as I was not sure what to expect a located a faint wisp with a dark line intersecting as per the pictures and descriptions I had looked up before hand.

The Omega Centauri Cluster just 4 degrees south is a beautiful site especially fro me as I have some improved optics to view it. It was nice to be able to deliniate seperate stars instead of just a haze.

Well onto the the next object

[CosMos]

NGC 5128 grows in size and brightness the longer you look at it. In the past, I have observed it from a light polluted suburb, just 20 minutes walk from Auckland city. Using a 20cm f6.7 dob., Centaurus A was not spotted right away. Also, not having a finder scope, I used nearby star patterns to locate the area and a wide field view (40mm eyepiece). The dark lane itself was seen first as it was darker than the background sky. After a minute or so, the gaseous nature started to develop and after two minutes it was obvious. Rocking the telescope gently also helped to enhance the view. Sky conditions play a big part in seeing this one from a suburban sky.

Binoculars (7x50) from a darker site will show a small round glow bisected by a dark lane. Large apertures in the 60cm range will draw forth much inner structure in the dark lane, an incredible view. One of my favourites!!
Rich :2thumbs:

[dhumpie]

Nice reports guys. I have added some sketches to my web site. Have a look at:

http://www.geocities.com/dhumpie/dastro/dss.htm

Darren

[Moonman]

Good one Darren,

Yes looking at your sketch helped solidify my recollections and affirm that I definitely did spot the object. Nice drawings almost thought I was looking at photos for a second.

Regards

[stringscope]

I find Centaurus A is one of objects I keep going back to on dark sky nights. I had a look at it last night from my light polluted suburban driveway. As expected the image was a little washed out but never the less the dust lane was obvious. I did not persist due to the light pollution.

[dhumpie]

Thanks for the compliment Michael. I am working at improving my sketching. And great report Ian!

Darren

[Dave47tuc]

Ok a easy object and very nice to look at.
Use a big scope and plenty of detail in the dark lane. :thumbsup:

But the challange is have you seen it naked eye? :confuse3:

I have read that some have :confused:

I have not my eyes are not that good :D

[davidpretorius]

Ok Mike, my first go at the challenges will start tonight NGC5128 and m6, i will de my best!!!!

[BC]

I set up well away from the house lights on Saturday night and was looking at Centaurus A. I haven't read detailed descriptions so I didn't have specific features to look for but I saw a faint star in the middle of the dust lane using averted vision.

[dhumpie]

Yup I have some good detail in the dust lane through Kev's 16 incher ;)

Darren