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Galaxies- 13th hour on the meridian
I had a great night observing last night. Drove out 20km west of Whyalla to clear the town lights.
Using my AT106 refractor I was amazed how many galaxies it would show, and some with detail!
Has anyone noticed how many prominent galaxies lie around the 13.00 RA?? This celestial meridian lines up with the local one around 7pm at present, so get out there and bag this lot:
1. M51 - I am at 33 degrees south and can see this clearly as it culminates about 9 degrees above the horizon. It appears as a distinct circular nebula, brighter towards the centre. No sign of 5194 in the 106.
2. NGC 4565 - its lenticular shape very apparent. Obscuring band not visible in the 106, but I have seen it clearly in my 130EDT
3. M64 much more distinct than M51 due to higher elevation, oval in shape.
4. M104 Sombrero - easy object, the dust band quite clear at magnification 99x.
5. M 83 in Hydra. This one is almost at the zenith, large and with concentration at centre. I swear I can make out at least one spiral arm.
6. NGC 5128 Cent A- an easy favorite for most of us.
7. NGC 4945 - I love this galaxy and its three framing stars. It seems to be one of the largest edge on galaxies around in apparent view.
Seven bright galaxies all near the 13th hour, and note that I have specifically excluded galaxies definitely associated with the Virgo & Coma clusters. Astounding what can be viewed with a dark sky and a small scope. Monday night I will try for M94 and M63!
Good viewing to all.
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