Impressive Galaxies

[Solanum]

I've spent some time having a look at M104 and M83 this week. Whilst it was exciting to actually find and view them, I have to say that, even though I was aware that seeing the structure requires photography and that the given magnitude is not for a point source I was still rather disappointed in what I could actually see: the nucleus being like a diffuse high magnitude star surrounded by very faint nebulosity giving the shape.

Excluding M31 I haven't seen any lists with significantly brighter galaxies than these (including Glens recent and very comprehensive lists).

So 1) are there any galaxies that would be more impressive in my scope than M104?
and 2) does anyone have tips for maximising what one can see of a galaxy through the eyepiece.

Thanks!

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Everard.

M104 is very spectacular, it will be hard to bear.

Centaurus A is always stunning, as with M83.
NGC4945 and NGC1566 are also well worth a look, still looking great in a 10" dob but absolutely mind blowing in a large scope.

For question 2, it really comes down to:
1) Dark skies
2) Dark adaptation
3) Quality eyepieces
4) Good collimation
5) Averted vision can help squeeze out more detail.

[astro_nutt]

Try a peek at Leo Major..M65, 66, 95, 96 and 105..Coma Berenices Galaxy Cluster plus M64..try using a large piece of dark cloth to cover your head and focuser whilst observing faint objects..this will help with any stray light.
Cheers!