[mental4astro (Alexander)]

Hi all,

This month’s Challenge is a real mixed bag. From naked eye fare, through to eyeball cramping, AND a special treat for the early risers – a “Death of the Dinosaurs” galaxy. Also, to pep up a bit more participation, a bit of a “Sketch-a-Fest”.

Naked eye

July sees the transition from the ‘galactic objects’ to the ‘extra-galactic’. The evening sees the ‘heart’ of the Milky Way arch over our heads. Even from light polluted skies, the distinct concentration of brighter stars that inhabit the main band of the Milky Way is noticeable. Skies that are a little less light polluted will reveal soft concentrations of open clusters and nebulae. Dark skies will show the full extent of the milky Ways brilliance, as the innumerable faint background stars collectively mark the galactic disk, & dark menacing fingers of dust & gas cut through this brilliance.

The Cloud of Sagittarius, the densest example of the former, happens to shield the galactic centre from our eyes (30,000 light years away). The Coal Sack, and example of the later, lies smack bang between the Southern Cross & the Pointers.

Early evening sees the Milky Way stretch from the western horizon, across to the eastern horizon.

Scope targets – Easier

M87, galaxy in Virgo. M87 lies towards the lower northern part of our sky. This supergiant galaxy is King Dog of the Virgo Super cluster of galaxies (of which M104, the Sombrero, is one). Smaller scopes will show it as a faint, unresolved blob, somewhat globular-cluster-like. The largest of scopes will begin to reveal some of its 4000 globular clusters that orbit around it.

M 17, the Swan Nebula, nebula & cluster in Sagittarius. The poorer cousin of the M8 complex, also in Sagittarius. M17 is also a naked eye object, even in moderately light polluted skies. The distinct curved “Z” shape, that resembles a swan in profile, is seen even in modest sized scopes. Larger scopes will show more detailed structure within it.

NGC 7293, the Helix Nebula, planetary nebula in Aquarius. The largest & presumably closest planetary nebula. Binoculars or a rich-field-telescope, are the best way to see this faint “doughnut”. An OIII filter will help show it up and some of its curious corkscrew structure may be discernable.

NGC 1398, galaxy in Fornax. The “Death of the Dinosaurs” galaxy I mentioned earlier. I say this as this galaxy lies 65 million light years from us. On looking at this galaxy, we are looking back into time towards the end of the reign of the dinosaurs. This galaxy is face on to us, & larger scopes will begin to show its barred spiral shape.

Eyeball Cramping offerings

NGC 6027 et al, Stephan’s Sextet, galaxy cluster in Serpens Caput. Larger amateur scopes (12” +) will be able to glimpse the five brighter members of this sextet. The sixth being only a photographic object.

Abell 2065, galaxy cluster in Corona Borealis. This one should see your eyeballs throb! This cluster of some 400 galaxies JUST shows its brightest 12 members in scopes 16” and over.

1’st “Sketch-a-Fest”

To try to pep up a bit the participation in the Challenge, I thought of a push for a bit of a sketching fest of one target. Astronomy aficionados come in all ages, & using all manner of gear. So how about a collection of works of the beautiful, colourful open cluster The Jewel Box in the Southern Cross.

Doesn’t need to be done this July, can even be as old as Captain Cook. Just a collection of studies that show the beautiful range of handiwork.
The Jewel Box is an easy early evening target, especially good for those with an early bedtime. Digital sketch, pencil and paper, it doesn’t matter.

Just have a go at it and upload a pic of it. Maybe also add the scope used, and the magnification too. Easy.

Clear skies,

Mental.