[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

Every year, the Virgo cluster of galaxies seem to slip away before I have the chance to observe them. Two evening ago (5th June) has been the first night this year when the clouds cleared and I had the chance to reacquaint myself with them.

I cruised into the region with my 140mm Vixen and was immediately confused. I expected the Messier Galaxies to be faint with this relatively small scope, but not this faint. Then, I realized that I was seeing NGC galaxies beyond the M list.

I tried to just get a feel for the area without charts, then I stumbled upon this incredibly rich area of galaxies. I had never seen so many in the one field of view. I counted seven with many more galaxies in neighboring fields of view.

I consulted my charts next morning to understand what I had seen. I picked up my Herald-Bobroff Astroatlas and there they were, on the front cover!

Yesterday, I purchased Sue French’s Book: Deep-Sky Wonders and from her, I learnt the name and story behind: Markarian’s Chain.

I was out again last night with my light bucket: an 8” SCT. I have mixed feelings about SCTs. It did show the galaxies as brighter, but with less clarity. Nevertheless, I felt like I was seeing more galaxies, before the evening was prematurely halted by clouds.

It is raining ATM, so I don’t like my chances tonight.

I kept notes on my first observations of Messier Objects. On checking these, my first views of M84 and M86 were on 5th June 1981; exactly 40 years ago. They were from inner city skies and I failed to notice any of the nearby galaxies, even though I was using an 8” scope.