Virgo galaxy cluster.

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

Hi all, I'm having real trouble finding the cluster in virgo. I am pretty confident that I am looking in the right place. Between Vindemiatrix and denebola right? I have been scanning between these 2 and have found nothing of interest. Should this be easy to see in a 6" dob. I adjusted my eyes for at least an hour the other night and still nothing. I have a dgm npb filter on the way. Is this likely to help.

[Paddy (Patrick)]

Your best guide to this cluster will be Rho Virginis, about 1/3 of the way from Vindemiatrix to Denebola. I suspect that with a 6" scope, a lot of the galaxies will be very faint, but you should be able to pick up the Messiers and brighter NGC galaxies with good dark and clear skies. Make sure that you are to the north of any town. And use averted vision and look for faint smudges.

[JJDOBBER79 (Jas)]

Thanks paddy. I think the sky where I am is not dark enough. Looking clear tonight. I will try and get out of town.

[goober (Doug)]

If you are anywhere near lights, it's difficult. From dark skies my 4" bags tons of them.

[MattT]

Most galaxies in my 6" refractor look like a star with a faint halo around them. M 104 is an exception, as are a few others. I would say you are in the right place and spend a bit of time looking...if its a fuzzy star then its a galaxy. Don't think a filter will help at all, I'd take it off and see what the difference is.
Matt

[noeyedeer (Matt)]

the moon isn't helpful either at the moment