VIRGO GALAXIES - Very nice negative transparencies (x4)
Historic UK Schmidt Telescope, 4 Pieces of Astronomy Transparency Film, $95 plus postage
On offer are 4 pieces of historic UK Schmidt film. They are very nice and very large transparencies. Many of the galaxies are small (but visible) on the film. They were produced by the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, from an image taken at the UK Schmidt Telescope, at Siding Spring near Coonabarabran, NSW.
The images are:- Virgo (Field 861), incl.NGC 4437, NGC 4493, and numerous other galaxies (centred on RA 12h 40m; Dec. 0 degrees)
- Virgo (Field 862), a nice collection of galaxies (centred on RA 13h 00m; Dec 0 degrees)
- Virgo (Field 864): a nice collection of galaxies (centred on RA 13h 40 min, Dec 0 degrees)
- Virgo (Field 866): a nice collection of galaxies (centred on RA 15h 00 min, Dec 0 degrees)
A sample of some of the areas of interest on the film is attached for your interest. Please note that there are a few flaws on the film but these are far and few between. Enjoy!
When the Royal Observatory Edinburgh film library was closing down, I managed to get hold of some of the film before it was thrown out. The film is particularly interesting and I am using it in the astronomy programs. The film library has all but shut down now. I am selling off some surplus film.
The faint stars on the negative film are 2 million times fainter than the eye can see (mag. 23, I think). Each negative image is 34 cm x 34 cm but is on a plastic sheet that is 35cm x 43cm (and in a protective sleeve that is slightly bigger again). The images are 6.5 degrees by 6.5 degrees: a wide field of view. The film is best viewed on a lightbox and with a magnifier (loupe) but some people put these on their windows.
For any amateur astronomer, the film is truly a treasure and a piece of history.
The film will be sent in a postal tube for the cost of postage; for Australian addresses, this would be $11.90. Additional images may be purchased and combined in the same package. Collection is possible from Jindalee, a western suburb of Brisbane.
Other UK Schmidt film is available for between $10 and $30. There are other very nice galaxy and galaxy clusters. Please send me an email via naomiian@bigpond.net.au and I will send you the list of available film.
