Observations 1-4-2011 - PART 2

[Lismore Bloke]

And here's Part Two:

NGC 5189 PN – MUSCA
RA 13 33 32
DEC -65 58 27
SIZE 140”
MAG 10.3
CLASS V
SOME NICE INFO: http://homepage.mac.com/andjames/NGC5189.htm
IMAGE: http://www.gemini.edu/gallery/v/astronomical_images_and_illustratio ns/album04/ngc5189MR.jpg.html

This thing is just stunning through the O-III. It looks like a butterfly floating in the sky. Very complex object that I’m finding difficult to describe properly. Just check the image above and hunt it down, it’s one of the best PN’s in the sky.


NGC 4033 GX – CORVUS
RA 12 00 34
DEC -17 50 38
SIZE 2.5’X1.1’
MAG 12.5
CLASS S0
Small elongated galaxy, bright centre.


NGC 4038-39 GX – CORVUS
RA 12 01 53
DEC -18 53 10
SIZE 3.2’X2.2’
MAG 11.0p
CLASS Sm/P
IMAGE: http://www.astrosurf.com/antilhue/ngc4038_4039.htm
Through the eyepiece this pair of galaxies appeared joined at the end, one looked somewhat larger than the other.

NGC 4936 GX – CENTAURUS
RA 13 04 17
DEC -30 31 38
SIZE 1.9’X1.9’
MAG 11.32
CLASS E
This galaxy appeared round with a bright core. There was a suggestion of an outer envelope, but I would mark this down as uncertain.


NGC 5253 GX – CENTAURUS
RA 13 39 55
DEC -31 38 32
SIZE 4.0’X1.7’
MAG 10.55v
CLASS E-S0, HII
IMAGE: http://www.astrosurf.com/antilhue/ngc_5253.htm

Fairly large, bright oval shaped galaxy with a bright core, framed by a group of three stars.


NGC 5102 GX – CENTAURUS
RA 13 21 57
DEC -36 37 56
SIZE 9.3’X3.5’
MAG 9.56
CLASS S0
One of the easiest small galaxies to spot, even in light polluted surroundings. Quite bright and elongated with a very small almost stellar nucleus. Iota Centauri nearby.


NGC 4696 GX – CENTAURUS
RA 12 48 49
DEC -41 18 44
SIZE 3.5X3.2
MAG 12.2
CLASS E4/S03(4)
This one appeared as a faint round glow, no real detail visible.

NGC 4373 GX – CENTAURUS
RA 12 25 17
DEC -39 45 40
SIZE 3.2X2.3
MAG 11.1
CLASS E-S0
Slightly elongated galaxy with a bright core.

NGC 5460 OC - CENTAURUS
RA 14 07 6
DEC -48 19
SIZE 25’
MAG 5.6
IMAGE: http://spider.seds.org/ngc/ngcdss.cgi?obj=NGC!5460&r=14:07.6&d=-48:19&e=J2000&h=30&w=30&f=GIF&c=none (http://spider.seds.org/ngc/ngcdss.cgi?obj=NGC%215460&r=14:07.6&d=-48:19&e=J2000&h=30&w=30&f=GIF&c=none)

Fairly rich and unusual cluster, shaped somewhat like a reversed question mark. Very attractive group.



NGC 5286 GC – CENTAURUS
RA 13 46 26
DEC -51 22 24
SIZE 9.1’
MAG 7.2
CLASS V
IMAGE: http://www.astrosurf.com/antilhue/ngc5286.htm (http://www.astrosurf.com/antilhue/ngc5286.htm)

Bright, large globular, mottled appearance, seemed on the edge of some resolution. Bright centre. Mag 4.7 star M Centauri is in the same field. I thought this star had a somewhat nebulous appearance, but this is probably just a visual thing.

A great session, very enjoyable. The Argo did an excellent job in picking out objects that I could easily overlook. Thanks for looking. Cheers, Paul.

[astroron]

Thanks for the report's Paul,some great objects for small tellescopes as well as for the larger scopes;)
The addition of the pictures with information is a a new innovationhttp://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../vbiis/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif
Cheers

[Lismore Bloke]

Thanks for those kind words Ron. I always look up the objects I observe. There is so much information available on line and the images help me to check on the accuracy or otherwise of what I have seen. This is particularly the case when there are galaxy groups and clusters. It is very easy to misidentify something. I have deleted one galaxy from the report that I thought was 3557, but the photos of that area didn't support my notes.

This checking process also reveals things that I can observe later. For example, I had no idea that there was a red nebula around Lambda Centauri. It may not be something that I can pick up visually, but I'll try. You may have more luck with your 16" and dark skies.

Cheers, Paul.

[Paddy]

Great reports Paul. Some evocative and concise descriptions of some lovely objects. Interesting that the reverse question mark you describe in NGC 5460 is visible in the SEDS image so often the patterns that seem to me quite marked at the eyepiece are not obvious on photographs. This is a great exception.

I have to agree that NGC 3293 right up there as the most beautiful OC in the sky. And perhaps more beautiful than the Jewel Box...I'm glad I don't have to decide. And a lovely description of NGC 5189.

And very nice to have the links to images.

[Lismore Bloke]

Hello Patrick,

Many thanks for the comments. It was one of the best sessions I can remember. The Argo is certainly living up to its reputation. I know that there are two schools of thought on such devices. Many star hoppers say that it is better to find objects manually as it helps you to learn the sky. There is much to be said for this, but that can take some time. I've just passed 60 and my eyesight is not what it used to be: I need all the help I can get, so I'm glad to have some electronic assistance to maximise my observing pleasure. After all, we are outside looking up because we love the hobby, and the Argo is a great help!!

Cheers, Paul.

[Liz]

Great report Paul, will write a few of those targets down. :thumbsup:

I have an Argo Navis in limbo (Ron rolls his eyes) I plan to get it up and going this year (have had had it > 1 year!!) and know it will be great ...when I do. Had problems early on, and now havent touched it for a looong time. :rolleyes:

[Lismore Bloke]

Thanks Liz, I appreciate the comments.
What were the problems you had with the Argo, if you don't mind me asking?

Cheers, Paul.