Galaxy clusters - which target?

[pvelez (Pete)]

I'm looking for suggestions from specialists in faint fuzzies...

For a Uni project, I am required to image a galaxy cluster and to go as deep as I can with my gear. The idea is to reach as far as I can by taking a series of long exposures - up to 5-6 hours.

At the moment I am looking at either the cluster centred on NGC 3311 in Hydra or NGC 3268 in Antlia.

My main constraint is the narrow field I can access overhead. I have a large tree to the north which means I can pick out targets at altitude 30 - 45 degrees and then not again till they are near the zenith. To the south I have my house - not much joy there. Ideally, I'm after a target that rises in the south east and arcs across the zenith - that way I have maximum access at high altitudes. This is why the Leo triplet is a no go.

The project is due late May - but with Sydney weather as it is, I can't wait for Virgo to swing into a favourable position.

FOV - about 30 arcminutes by 25 arcminutes. I use a ST8300M. I can do some RGB but the main focus (pardon the pun) is Luminence.

So - does anyone have any suggestions? I will post the finished product.

Pete

PS Mods, please feel free to move this if I am in the wrong location with this

[Stevec35 (Steve)]

Why not try the Centaurus cluster around NGC 4696?

Cheers

Steve

[SkyViking (Rolf)]

Abell 1060 is currently in a favorable position for you it seems, and is one of the finest galaxy clusters around: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0104...aat116_big.jpg

[pvelez (Pete)]

Thanks for the tips everyone. They are all great targets.

Sadly, the damn tree is too far to the south for most of them. But the missus has ordered a tree lopper to come and trim it back a bit soon

Pete