Category : Science and Education
Archive   : ACE120-2.ZIP
Filename : DEEPCOM.DAT

M1
NGC 1952
"Crab" (Supernova Remnant in Taurus)
NGC Description: Very bright and large, extended along position angle
approximately 135 degrees; very gradually brightening a little toward the
middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: Hand-held 7x50 binoculars show M1 as a dim patch, and it
is easy in the 10x40 finder of a 100-mm refractor. Visually, a haze seems to
surround the brighter middle, and the color appears slightly greenish. On the
best nights, an experienced observer may notice some streaks throughout the
inner portion of the nebula, but they are extremely difficult to see. While
magnifications work well with the Crab Nebula, medium powers are preferred for
a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M2
NGC 7089
NGC Description: Very remarkable globular cluster, bright, very large,
gradually pretty much brighter toward the middle, well resolved into extremely
faint stars.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful object that is easily visible in binoculars.
A 100-mm refractor does not resolve the cluster, except for a few bright
members across the nebulous image. Visually, the most unusual feature is the
dark curving lane that crosses the northeast corner of the cluster. Though
thought to be an illusion in a 100-mm refractor, this feature can also be
detected by photography. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M3
NGC 5272
NGC Description: A very remarkable globular; extremely bright and very
large; toward the middle it brightens suddenly; it contains stars which are
11th magnitude and fainter.
Visual Appearance: A grand sight! In a 100-mm, it consists of two
concentric portions; a compact, very bright central area and a surrounding
glow that fades uniformly outward to the edge. A few outlying stars are
resolved. The very grainly texture of the interior suggests that a larger
aperture should show many stars. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M4
NGC 6121
NGC Description: Cluster, with 8 or 10 bright stars in line . . . readily
resolved.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful object. M4 can be seen with the naked eye
on a clear, dark night. In a 100-mm refractor, this cluster is a well-defined
circular glow with a brighter center. At 214x the outer parts of the globular
are broken up into faint stars, and the mid-portion appears partially resolved.
The interior of this globular presents the visual impression of a stubby band
of stars. Dark areas in the nuclear region and several curving spiral star
chains in the outer portions of the cluster are revealed by photography. These
features are not visible in a 100-mm refractor. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M5
NGC 5904
NGC Description: Very remarkable globular cluster, very bright, large,
extremely compressed in the middle, stars from 11th to 15th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor, M5 suggests a spider. One of its
"legs" extends southward as far as the 5th-magnitude star 5 Serpentis. This
star is double, with a 10th-magnitude comes 11" toward the northeast. The core
of this globular has a triangular shape, with a hint of partial resolution. M5
is a very beautiful sight at low to medium magnifications. Admiral Smyth, who
examined the cluster with a 150-mm refractor in 1838, wrote: "This superb
object is a noble mass, refreshing to the senses after searching for fainter
objects." --Mallas, Kreimer
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M6
NGC 6405
NGC Description: Cluster, large, irregularly round, loosely compressed,
stars from 7th to 10th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A pair of 7x50 binoculars resolves this cluster quite
well, and for very small telescopes it is one of the finest sights in the
heavens. In a 100-mm refractor, it is a grand object with very little bunching
of stars in the middle. The brightest stars delineate a trapezoidal figure.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M7
NGC 6475
NGC Description: Cluster, very bright, pretty rich, loosely compressed,
stars from 7th to 12th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: Almost any optical aid will resolve this beautiful
grouping. Many stars near its center appear yellow or orange. Overall, the
cluster is circular in shape. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M8
NGC 6523
"Lagoon"
NGC Description: A beautiful object, very bright, extremely large and
irregular in shape, with a large cluster. NGC 6530, [a] cluster, bright,
large, pretty rich, follows [lies east of] M8.
Visual Appearance: The Lagoon Nebula is visible to the unaided eye in the
rich Sagittarius Milky Way. The great extent of this nebula is revealed by
7x50 binoculars, and, when the air is not too steady, M8 seems suspended among
the nearby stars. This illusion is not noticeable in a 100-mm. M8 is one of
the finest showpieces in the heavens. It is very complex and spangled with
stars, though some regions are devoid of them. In a 100-mm at 60x, the nebula
appears knotted and steaked by dark patches and rifts. Medium magnification
shows many details. The largest dark lane is an easy feature for very small
telescopes, whereas large apertures reveal irregularities in its shape and
brightness. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M9
NGC 6333
NGC Description: Globular cluster, bright, round, extremely compressed
middle, well-resolved, stars of 14th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: This cluster is impressive in a 100-mm at 120x. The
large, bright central region is oval; the surrounding halo is round. In
surface texture M9 seems to be less grainy than M3 Canum Venaticorum, which
appears much larger. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M10
NGC 6254
NGC Description: Remarkable globular, bright, very large, round; gradually
brightening to a much brighter middle; well-resolved, with stars 10th to 15th
magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful globular, this is one of the best for small
apertures, with many stars visible in a 100-mm refractor. The central region
appears pear-shaped, with grainy texture at moments of steady seeing. At 120x
bright knots are noticed in the outer regions. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M11
NGC 6705
"Wild Duck"
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very bright, large, irregularly round,
rich, one star of 9th magnitude among stars of the 11th magnitude and fainter.
Visual Appearance: One of the finest views in the heavens for small
apertures, and even visible to the naked eye on dark and moonless nights. A
50-mm will show just a few of M11's brighter stars, whereas a 75-mm begins to
resolve many others. Visually, the cluster has a distinct shape, described by
Admiral Smyth as somewhat resembling a flight of wild ducks. This impression
is closely matched in a 100-mm refractor. The image is fan-shaped with a dark
arch. Two 8th-magnitude stars southeast of the cluster are easy in a 100-mm.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M12
NGC 6218
NGC Description: Very remarkable globular, very bright and large,
irregularly round, gradually much brighter toward the middle, well-resolved,
stars of 10th magnitude and fainter.
Visual Appearance: M12 is a fine object, though its stars appear to be very
loosely concentrated. The brighter ones are resolved by a 100-mm at 120x.
Little or no grainy texture is noticed in the central region, where the stars
are much closer together. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M13
NGC 6205
NGC Description: Very remarkable globular cluster of stars, extremely
bright, very rich, very gradually increasing to an extremely compressed middle,
stars from 11th magnitude downward.
Visual Appearance: M13 is a magnificent object in a 100-mm refractor, which
will resolve some of its stars at 120x and 250x. There are three or four
apparently poor areas that can be detected by an experienced observer.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M14
NGC 6402
NGC Description: Remarkable globular, bright, very large, round, extremely
rich, very gradually becoming brighter toward its center, well-resolved, 15th
magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: M12 has a nearly circular form in a 100-mm. The central
two-thirds of the visual image is bright, but toward the outer edges the light
fades rapidly. Some graininess is noticed at moments of steady seeing, giving
the impression that a little more optical power should show some stars.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M15
NGC 7078
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very large and extremely bright,
irregularly round, very suddenly much brighter in the middle, well-resolved
into very small [faint] stars.
Visual Appearance: The slightest optical aid reveals this grand globular.
In a 100-mm M15 appears ciruclar, nestled in a fine star field. The center of
the cluster is very intense, with quick fading toward the edges, but M15 is not
resolved by this aperture. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M16
NGC 6611
"Eagle," "Star Queen," "Horseshoe"
NGC Description: Cluster, at least 100 bright and faint stars.
Visual Appearance: M16 is one of the most unusual objects in the sky and a
fine sight at low power. A 100-mm reveals three nebulous regions and about 20
stars against an uneven background. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M17
NGC 6618
"Omega," "Horseshoe," "Swan"
NGC Description: Magnificent, bright, extremely large, extremely irregular
in shape, hooked like a "2."
Visual Appearance: The Omega Nebula dominates the field of a 100-mm, and
only a few stars are noted in its vicinity. Though the dark areas in and
around the Omega Nebula are easily seen, the faint patches are difficult at
60x. The most conspicuous portion of the nebula is the straight bar, which is
perhaps a contrast effect. M17 will challenge visual observers. Like the
Orion Nebula, it repays careful and repeated study. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M18
NGC 6613
NGC Description: Cluster, poor, very little compressed.
Visual Appearance: Here is a pretty sight for very small telescopes, which
may reveal more than a dozen stars. In a 100-mm refractor the cluster seems to
have a nebulous glow, which does not show in photographs and probably results
from insufficient aperture for adequate resolution. Note how unevenly the
field stars are distributed. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M19
NGC 6273
NGC Description: Globular, very bright, large, round, very compressed in
the middle, well-resolved. It consists of stars of 16th magnitude and fainter.
Visual Appearance: This beautiful cluster appears like a miniature Omega
Centauri in a 100-mm. The central region has a grainy texture, as if it were
on the threshold of resolution. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M20
NGC 6514
"Trifid"
NGC Description: A magnificent object, very large and bright, trifid, a
double star involved.
Visual Appearance: A very interesting nebula, easily visible in 7x50
binoculars in a beautiful Milky Way field. The dark rifts that separate the
lobes are readily seen in a 60-mm refractor, and a 100-mm reveals these lanes
to be non-uniform in brightness. In the latter telescope the northern section
of M20 has a slightly greenish hue. Color pictures show it blue, for it is a
reflection nebula whose dust is lit by neighboring stars. The "double star"
mentioned in the NEW GENERAL CATALOG description lies near the central
junction of the rifts. Actually, this is the multiple system HN 40,
discovered by William Herschel. Its brightest component is the 7th-magnitude
star noted above. A 100-mm shows three more comites. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M21
NGC 6531
NGC Description: Cluster, pretty rich, little compressed, stars from
magnitude 9 to 12.
Visual Appearance: Very fine and impressive. This rather small and compact
cluster has a diamond shape in a 100-mm refractor. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M22
NGC 6656
NGC Description: Very remarkable cluster, very bright and large, round,
very rich and much compressed, stars from 11th to 15th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: Visible to the naked eye, M22 is as impressive as M13.
A 100-mm partially resolves the cluster, but not its center, which remains a
solid glow. The two dark lines are noticed in telescopes with apertures as
small as 50 mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M23
NGC 6494
NGC Description: Cluster, bright, very large, pretty rich, little
compressed, stars of 10th magnitude and fainter.
Visual Appearance: A glorious sight in a 100-mm. The brightest stars in
this irregularly-shaped cluster form a pattern resembling a bat in flight. M23
lies in a grand star field, most pleasing at low power. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M24
NGC 6603
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very rich and very much compressed,
round, stars of [12th] magnitude and fainter, in the Milky Way.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm NGC 6003 is a compact glow, containing stars
forming a "V." There are beautiful star fields in this area. --Mallas,
Kreimer
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M25
IC 4725
IC Description: Cluster, pretty compressed.
Visual Appearance: This is a superb sight for small apertures, with many
colored stars. The brightest stars of M25 form a straight-backed chair. As
seen in a 100-mm, the cluster has about 50 stars. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M26
NGC 6694
NGC Description: Cluster, quite large, pretty rich and compressed, stars
from 12th to 15th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A 100-mm refractor reveals more than 20 stars arranged
roughtly in the shape of a fan. In very clear skies fainter stars are seen on
an uneven background. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M27
NGC 6853
"Dumbbell"
NGC Description: Magnificent object, very bright and large, binuclear,
irregularly extended (Dumbbell).
Visual Appearance: A superb planetary for low to medium magnification with
small apertures; even a 10x finder reveals details. Glowing quite greenish,
M27 is one of the few planetaries to show vivid color in a small telescope. At
low power, when the air is not too steady, the Dumbbell may seem three-
dimensional and suspended in space, but this illusion is rare. Many stars are
seen superimposed on the nebula. It is probably these and nearby field stars
which are responsible for the "hanging in space" effect. Seen as almost
uniform brightness, the disc of M27 is well defined, though the ends of the
major axis are fuzzy and uneven. M27 is not the only dumbbell nebula, for M76,
fainter and smaller, is similar in shape as seen in a 100-mm refractor.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M28
NGC 6626
NGC Description: Remarkable globular, very bright, large, round,
increasingly compressed in the middle, well-resolved, stars from 14th to 16th
magnitude.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm this strangely-shaped globular somewhat
resembles a cucumber. However, only the central portion of the cluster can be
seen in such a refractor, not the faint outlying stars that form a roundish
haze. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M29
NGC 6913
NGC Description: Cluster, poor and little compressed, bright and faint
stars.
Visual Appearance: The brighter members of M29 form a stubby dipper. A
10x40 finder gives an attractive view, but each increase in power reduces the
cluster's beauty. With a 100-mm refractor lowest power is best. --Mallas,
Kreimer
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M30
NGC 7099
NGC Description: Remarkable globular, bright, large, slightly oval. From
its edge it gradually brightens to a much more intense middle. Stars from 12th
to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A splendid object even in small apertures. A 100-mm
refractor shows a bright, fuzzy central core, surrounded by a slightly fainter
region having a sharp, but irregular outline. Outside this is a vague glow
with some individual stars. In all, the visual appearance of M30 is quite
unusual for a globular cluster. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M31
NGC 224
"Andromeda Galaxy"
NGC Description: Magnificent object, extremely bright, extremely large,
very much extended.
Visual Appearance: The Andromeda nebula is impressive in a small telescope,
although the beginner may be disappointed that he cannot see its details. The
best way to detect the faint extensions is to let the galaxy drift through the
field of the telescope. The brighter portions of the arms form a flattened
diamond-shaped figure. The central condensation appears very intense and
starlike at low power. A 100-mm at 25x does not reveal a grainy central
region. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M32
NGC 221
NGC Description: Remarkable, very bright, large, round, suddenly much
brighter in the middle toward the nucleus.
Visual Appearance: This beautiful galaxy is one of the best examples of an
elliptical. Visually, it has an oval form and bears magnification well. In a
100-mm, the brightness of M32 is pretty uniform nearly to the edge; then it
fades rapidly into the sky background. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M33
NGC 598
"Pinwheel," "Triangulum Galaxy"
NGC Description: Remarkable, extremely bright and large, round, very much
brighter in the middle to a nucleus.
Visual Appearance: A pair of 7x50 binoculars shows M33 rather easily, but
it is very faint and difficult in a 100-mm f/15 refractor. Instruments with
smaller focal ratios will do much better, and low powers give best results. In
field glasses or small short-focus instruments, M33 and the surrounding stars
present a three-dimensional effect. It occurs when the air is not steady.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M34
NGC 1039
NGC Description: Bright, very large cluster, little compressed, of
scattered 9th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: A very fine cluster which 7x50 binoculars will resolve
quite well. It is so extended that a 100-mm may give a more attractive view
than a large telescope would. The main stars form a distored "X." The
cluster's second-brightest star, magnitude 7.9, is a close visual double with
somewhat unequal components 1.4" apart. Known as Otto Stuve 44, it was
discovered by him about 1840 with a 380-mm refractor. M34 is somewhat more
than 2.5 degrees due north of the 5th-magnitude star 12 Persei. --Mallas,
Kreimer
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M35
NGC 2168
NGC Description: Cluster, very large, considerably rich, pretty compressed,
stars from 9th to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: M35 is just visible to the naked eye, and even
binoculars will reveal the brightest stars. In a 100-mm refractor at 25x, M35
is a splendid sight. The cluster is nearly circular, and the stars are quite
uniformly distributed, with little concentration toward the center. Some other
visual observers have mentioned patterns of stars in and around M35, but these
are not seen in a 100-mm. M35 lies 0.5 degrees west of the star 5 Geminorum.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M36
NGC 1960
NGC Description: Cluster, bright, very large and rich, little compressed,
with scattered 9th- to 11th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: A grand view at low power, with marvelous color
contrasts among the stars. In a 100-mm refractor there is a concentration
toward the center. Outward streamers of faint stars give a crablike
appearance. The cluster stars have a considerable range in magnitude.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M37
NGC 2099
NGC Description: Cluster, rich, pretty compressed in the middle, with large
and small [bright and faint] stars.
Visual Appearance: This is one of the finest open clusters in the heavens,
lying in a very rich field of faint stars. Visually in a 100-mm at 60x, the
cluster has a very elliptical outline, with bunches of bright stars at the
ends. There appear to be more than 150 stars. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M38
NGC 1912
NGC Description: Cluster, bright, very large and rich, with an irregular
figure, large and small [bright and faint] stars.
Visual Appearance: For small apertures this is a beautiful cluster in a
splendid field. T.W. Webb's classic description of it is a "noble cluster
arranged as an oblique cross: pair of larger stars in each arm." Instead,
a 100-mm refractor shows M38 as square-shaped, with a clump of stars at each
corner. The central star mentioned by Webb is not particularly conspicuous in
a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M39
NGC 7092
NGC Description: Very large, very poor cluster, very little compressed, of
7th- to 10th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: M39 forms an equilateral triangle with a bright star in
each corner, outlining some 25 stars brighter than magnitude 10.5. This
cluster is visible to the naked eye on dark, moonless nights. Resolvable in
7x50 binoculars, it is a pretty sight in very small telescopes. M35 is less
impressive in the limited field of a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M40
W 4
Basic Data: In searching for a nebula said by the 17th-century observer
Johannes Hevelius to exist in this vicinity, Messier could find only a pair of
faint stars, to which he nevertheless gave a number in his catalogue. The
double star Winnecke 4 was noted at the right position. It had been reobserved
at Pulkovo Observatory in 1863. The two components are of visual magnitudes
9.0 and 9.3, and their separation in the sky is seconds of arc. When precessed
to 1950, Messier`s position agrees almost exactly with that of Winnecke 4, but
Hevelius' place shows that actually he observed the 5th-magnitude star 74 Ursae
Majoris, more than a degree away.
Visual Appearance: The double is easy with a 100-mm refractor at 25x. No
nebulosity is noted around the star. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M41
NGC 2287
NGC Description: Cluster, very large, bright, little compressed, stars of
8th magnitude and fainter. [The NEW GENERAL CATALOG, although correctly
stating that this cluster was observed by Flamsteed and Le Gentil before
Messier, incorrectly calls it M14.]
Visual Appearance: A grand view in a 100-mm refractor, and indeed one of
the finest open clusters for very small apertures. The brighter members form a
butterfly pattern, but the cluster as a whole is circular, with little
concentration. A 100-mm shows the Espin star as plainly reddish. --Mallas,
Kreimer
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M42
NGC 1976
"Orion Nebula"
NGC Description: Magnificent, Theta Orionis and the Great Nebula.
Visual Appearance: Here is one of the most remarkable areas in the heavens.
Many details are visible in even a small telescope. There are uneven surface
brightness, fine filaments, and mottling near Theta Orionis. With a 100-mm
refractor 25x to 60x gives the best general views of the nebula, whose glow
fills the entire field. A very conspicuous dark wedge (called the "fish's
mouth" by Admiral Smyth) intrudes from the northeast, with Theta-1 Orionis near
its tip. From both sides of the wedge, great luminous bands curve away,
forming a ring that can be traced through nearly its full circumference under
favorable conditions. Lying on the eastern part of this ring is T Orionis, the
prototype of the nebular variable stars. Do not expect to see all the features
of the Orion nebula on a first inspection. With favorable sky conditions,
growing experience will reveal many delicate contrasts. The Trapezium region
should also be viewed with high powers. With 200x and 250x on a 100-mm, the
wedge appears faintly luminous, and its edge, twisted. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M43
NGC 1982
NGC Description: Remarkable, very bright and large, round with a tail, much
brighter in the middle, contains a star of magnitude 8 or 9.
Visual Appearance: Just north of the wedge in M42 (NGC 1976) is the roughly
triangular detached bright patch designated as M43. It is crossed by a dusky
streak which narrows toward the east. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M44
NGC 2632
"Praesepe," "Beehive"
NGC Description: None.
Visual Appearance: Small binoculars resolve the Praesepe cluster into many
stars for people with good eyesight. Excellent views are provided by 7x50
binoculars and rich-field telescopes. Although M44 is too sprawling a group to
give a good view in a 100-mm even at 25x, such an instrument does show well the
colors of the brighter stars. --Mallas, kreimer
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M45
m 22
"Pleiades"
NGC Description: Curiously, M45 is not listed in the NEW GENERAL CATALOG,
which also omits the Hyades and the Coma Berenices star cluster.
Visual Appearance: A dozen Pleiads might be seen with an unaided eye. The
cluster is glorious in 7x50 binoculars and in a 50-mm refractor at 15x is one
of the finest sights in the heavens. With large telescopes the Pleiades
cluster is less striking, since only part of it can be viewed at once. In a
100-mm refractor at 60x, the sight may be disappointing. The Merope nebula is
exceedingly difficult. In observations of the nebulosity near the stars Maia,
Taygeta, and Caeleno in a 100-mm, fine streaks are seen crossing an
irregularly-shaped haze. Nebulosity is also detected around Alcyone, but it is
separated by about 10 degrees. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M46
NGC 2437
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very rich and large, involving a
planetary nebula.
Visual Appearance: A magnificent cluster at low power. It is circular
without any pronounced bunching of stars near the center, yet the brightest
ones form many geometrical patterns. The planetary nebula is difficult to
locate. It is oval, non-uniform in brightness, and blue-gray in color.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M47
NGC 2422
NGC Description: Cluster, bright, very large, pretty rich, with large and
small [bright and faint] stars.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful, coarse open cluster of bright stars, lying
in the heart of the rich Puppis Milky Way. With a 100-mm many colored stars
are seen at lower powers. M47 contains the fine double star Sigma 1121. The
components are both magnitude 7.9, separated by 7.4" in position angle 305
degrees. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M48
NGC 2548
NGC Description: Cluster, very large, pretty rich, pretty much compressed
toward the middle, 9th- to 13th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: A superb object in a 100-mm refractor and even partly
resolved in binoculars. At 60x M48 is nearly circular, and the brightest
stars appear concentrated toward its center. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M49
NGC 4472
NGC Description: Very bright, large, round, much brighter toward the
middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor, M49 resembles a globular cluster
or the head of a comet, but its bright central region is more sharply defined
than usual among galaxies. There is a broad, faint halo. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M50
NGC 2323
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very large, rich, pretty compressed,
elongated. The stars range from 12th to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: This grand cluster is well defined and circular in a
100-mm refractor; it could be resolved in a 10x40 finder. At low power, which
gives best results, the field is particularly striking. The brightest members
of M50 form a heart-shaped figure. A red star mentioned by Admiral Smyth and
T.W. Webb is presumably the 8th-magnitude object about 7' south of the
cluster's center. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M51
NGC 5194
"Whirlpool Galaxy"
NGC Description: A magnificent object, great spiral nebula.
Visual Appearance: The Whirlpool Galaxy is one of the finest objects in the
heavens. Both M51 and its companion, NGC 5195, can be seen in 7x50 binoculars
and are impressive in a 100-mm at low powers. The central part of M51 gives an
impression of having texture. Under clear desert skies the spiral pattern and
dark rifts can easily be seen with a 300-mm f/4 refractor. As far as visual
detection of spiral arms in M51 is concerned, much depends on an experienced
eye and very favorable viewing conditions. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M52
NGC 7654
NGC Description: Cluster, large, rich, much compressed in the middle,
round, stars from 9th to 13th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful sight in a small telescope. A 100-mm
reveals a great many stars in a distinct pattern: a needle-shaped inner
region inside a half circle. M52 is south of 5th-magnitude 4 Cassiopeiae.
--Mallas, Kreimer
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M53
NGC 5024
NGC Description: Remarkable globular cluster, bright, very compressed,
irregularly round. Very much brighter stars toward the middle; contains
12th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: Here is a superb object. It is slightly oval in shape,
with a large, bright center. At 120x a 100-mm reveals many stars. The central
part looks grainy, as if on the threshold of resolution, but the cluster's
outer fringes elude a 100-mm. The bright central region is relatively larger
than in M3 Canum Venaticorum. This globular is rather easy to find, almost
exactly a degree northeast of 5th-magnitude Alpha Comae Berenices. --Mallas,
Kreimer
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M54
NGC 6715
NGC Description: Globular cluster, very bright, large, and round. Its
brightness increases inward gradually, then suddenly toward the middle;
well-resolved, with 15th-magnitude stars and fainter.
Visual Appearance: This globular is a splendid sight in a 100-mm. Although
it is small in some respects, it gives the visual impression of a compact
galactic cluster rather than a globular. A 100-mm refractor reveals some stars
in the central region. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M55
NGC 6809
NGC Description: Globular, pretty bright, large, round, very rich, very
gradually brighter in the middle, stars from 12th to 15th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor M55 appears as a large and bright
nebulous patch. Its center is more intense than the outer parts and contains a
conspicuous bright star. A 100-mm does not resolve the cluster or reveal a
grainy texture. --Mallas, Kreimer
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M56
NGC 6779
NGC Description: Globular cluster, bright, large, irregularly round,
gradually very much compressed toward the middle, well-resolved, stars of 11th
to 14th magnitudes.
Visual Appearance: An impressive object. In a 100-mm refractor M56 is a
bright, nearly circular glow, in which a few individual stars are seen. Unlike
most other globulars, this one has no bright core. It lies in a grand
low-power field in the Milky-Way field. There is an uneven distribution of
stars in the central region, but a larger aperture than a 100-mm would be
needed to reveal this effect visually. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M57
NGC 6720
"Ring"
NGC Description: The Ring Nebula is a challenge to the observer. This
small object bears magnification well, but the most suitable power depends
strongly on sky conditions. Normally, nothing is gained by the use of more
than 120x. A star is embedded in the brightest part of the nebula, and another
faint star (not the central one) is suspected. When the seeing is steady, many
fine streaks appear. Protracted viewing makes such detail easier. T.W. Webb
long ago noted: "Its light I have often imagined fluctuating and unsteady,
. . . an illusion probably arising from an aperture too small for the object."
In a 100-mm this subjective shimmering occurs for M57 and some other planetary
nebulae. This object appears gray with a slightly greenish tinge. A 150-mm
shows more green. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M58
NGC 4579
NGC Description: Bright, large, irregularly round, very much brighter in
the middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: M58 is visible in a 10x40 finder. The 8th-magnitude
star BD +12.2495 degrees, about 7' to the west, hampers visual examination. In
a 100-mm the central region of M58 appears lustrous and strongly oval,
surrounded by a halo of uneven brightness. M58 is an interesting object for
careful inspection with small apertures. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M59
NGC 4621
NGC Description: Bright, pretty large, little extended, very suddenly very
much brighter in the middle, two stars preceding [westward].
Visual Appearance: This small, hazy, oval patch is difficult to identify
because it can be confused with field stars. M59 is a miniature of M32, the
brighter of the companions to M31. In a 100-mm refractor, NGC 4638 is seen as
a more or less circular gray patch. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M60
NGC 4649
NGC Description: Very bright, pretty large, round, the following [eastern]
member of a double nebula.
Visual Appearance: The light of M60 fades outward from a bright center to a
sharp edge. In the same eyepiece field is NGC 4647, which the catalogues
describe as an 11th-magnitude late-type spiral. A 100-mm refractor shows it as
a faint, fuzzy star. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M61
NGC 4303
NGC Description: Very bright, very large, very suddenly brighter toward the
starlike center, binuclear.
Visual Appearance: A fine object for a 100-mm refractor. Inside a large,
faint, nearly circular area is a bright elongated center, which does not give
the impression of graininess that M81 and some other galaxies do. The starlike
nucleus is not seen in a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M62
NGC 6266
NGC Description: Remarkable globular, very bright, large, gradually much
brighter toward the middle, well-resolved, stars of 14th to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: An impressive object. The central region is very
bright, compact, and also slightly grainy. Surrounding this is a soft,
irregular glow with a few foreground stars.
$
M63
NGC 5055
"Sunflower"
NGC Description: Very bright, large, and pretty much extended in position
angle 120 degrees. Very suddenly much brighter in the middle toward a bright
nucleus.
Visual Appearance: Like several other galaxies in Canes Venatici, M63 is
very impressive in small telescopes. This system has a strange visual
appearance in a 100-mm refractor, with one end more pointed than the other.
From the edge inward, the surface brightens slowly, then more rapidly toward
the oval, grainy-looking central condensation. The central region is uneven in
brightness and texture. The spiral arms appear as an outlying unresolved soft
glow. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M64
NGC 4826
"Blackeye"
NGC Description: Remarkable, very bright and large, greatly elongated in
about position angle 120 degrees. Has a brighter middle with a small, bright
nucleus
Visual Appearance: Because of its details, M64 ranks as one of the finest
Messier objects in a 100-mm. There has been disagreement among visual
observers as to the detectability of the black eye, which has the reputation of
being elusive. The black eye is seen in a 60-mm, but subdued in a 200-mm. A
300-mm shows it at medium, but not at low powers. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M65
NGC 3623
NGC Description: Bright, very large, much extended in position angle 165
degrees, gradually brightening to a bright central nucleus.
Visual Appearance: This remarkable object is beautiful in a 100-mm. The
oval central region is white and has a very granular appearance. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M66
NGC 3627
NGC Description: Bright, very large, much extended in position angle 150
degrees, much brighter in the middle, two stars northwest.
Visual Appearance: This interesting object has a mottled or clumpy
appearance, reminiscent of the Orion Nebula. Many dark areas can be seen
without difficulty in a 100-mm. The central condensation seems soft and
nebulous when well-observed. A 100-mm shows only the bright inner part of this
galaxy. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M67
NGC 2682
NGC Description: Remarkable cluster, very bright and large, extremely
rich, little compressed, stars from 10th to 15th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: An easy cluster to resolve. In a 100-mm the star hues
of M67 are predominantly rust, orange, gold, and yellow. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M68
NGC 4590
NGC Description: Globular cluster of stars, large, extremely rich, very
compressed, irregularly round; well-resolved, stars of magnitude 12 and
fainter.
Visual Appearance: A beauty! With medium magnification on a 100-mm
refractor, M68 is oval, with a bright central region surrounded by a fringe
that fades outward to a ragged edge. The cluster is unresolved apart from a
few of its brightest stars. About one-half degree southwest is a 5th-magnitude
star which looks yellowish in a 100-mm; this is the only bright star near M58.
--Mallas, Kreimer
$
M69
NGC 6637
NGC Description: Globular, bright, large, round, well-resolved, stars of
14th to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: Despite its southerly declination, this is another
impressive object, very compact with an intense core. M69 lies close to an
8th-magnitude star that makes low-power viewing difficult. The visual
impression shows an outer fringe of stars which are clumped unevenly. These
knots may be mistaken for stars in a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M70
NGC 6681
NGC Description: Globular, bright, pretty large, round, gradually
brightening toward the middle, stars from 14th to 17th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A tight cluster, round, but with an irregular outline.
The central region is very bright and grainy in a 100-mm. Here is an easy and
impressive target for telescopes of much less aperture than a 100-mm.
--Mallas, Kreimer
$
M71
NGC 6838
NGC Description: Cluster, very large, very rich, pretty much compressed,
stars from 11th to 16th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful sight even in a 10x40 finder. A 100-mm
refractor does not resolve M71, and only a few foreground stars are seen
projected against its glow. Visually, M71 is an oval with the brighter side
forming a curving "V." --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M72
NGC 6981
NGC Description: Globular, pretty bright and large, round, much compressed
in the middle, well-resolved.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm M72 is a very small and nebulous patch of
light, with the core the most intense part. The graininess suggests that this
cluster is a loose one, like M4. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M73
NGC 6994
NGC Description: Cluster, extremely poor, very little compressed, no
nebulosity.
Visual Appearance: Messier's description matches what is seen in a 100-mm.
Moderate magnification shows the quartet. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M74
NGC 628
NGC Description: Globular cluster, faint, very large, round, pretty
suddenly much brighter toward the middle, some stars seen.
Visual Appearance: This is a difficult galaxy for a 100-mm refractor, but
it is easily seen in a 10x40 finder. A casual observer might miss this object
completely, for the central condensation is starlike, and the outer parts have
very low surface brightness. The most interesting features noted in a 100-mm
are the very faint nodules around the center. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M75
NGC 6864
NGC Description: Globular, bright, pretty large, round, very much brighter
toward the middle to a much brighter nucleus, partially resolved.
Visual Appearance: An intense, nebulous, central region is surrounded by a
glow that fades steadily into the sky background. In a 100-mm the appearance
of M75 is unusual, with neither stars nor grainy texture. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M76
NGC 650, 651
"Little Dumbbell," "Cork," "Barbell"
NGC Description: NGC 650 and 651, both very bright, are the preceding
[western] and following [eastern] components of a double nebula.
Visual Appearance: A rewarding object in a 100-mm refractor. M76 is a
miniature of the Dumbbell Nebula and is more closely described by this name
than is M27 Vulpeculae, when both are seen in a small telescope. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M77
NGC 1068
"Seyfert Galaxy"
NGC Description: Very bright, pretty large, irregularly round, suddenly
brighter toward the middle, some stars seen near the nucleus.
Visual Appearance: One of the best galaxies for viewing in small apertures.
Its irregular shape is beautiful in a 100-mm at low to medium magnifications.
The intense central region does not show the granular texture seen in some
galaxies. Around it is an uneven glow, which in turn is surrounded by a very
feeble haze of light. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M78
NGC 2068
NGC Description: A large, bright wisp, gradually much brighter toward a
nucleus, three stars involved, mottled.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor M78 looks rather like a faint
comet with a compact head and short, broad tail. At 60x NGC 2071 is visible as
a soft glow. The sky surrounding M78 seems to have a misty sheen, and stars
are fewer to the west. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M79
NGC 1904
NGC Description: Globular cluster, pretty large, extremely rich and
compressed, well resolved into stars.
Visual Appearance: An impressive globular in a 100-mm, which shows a bright
glow with a few stars at its edges. Rev. T.W. Webb noted mottling with high
powers. M79 has a compact central region that is surrounded by a straggling
haze of stars which range considerably in apparent brightness. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M80
NGC 6093
NGC Description: Remarkable globular cluster, very bright, large, very much
brighter in the middle, readily resolved, contains stars of the 14th magnitude
and fainter.
Visual Appearance: This splendid object can be detected with only slight
optical aid. A 100-mm shows it as round with a bright center. M80 takes
magnification well. There is a marked contrast in appearance between M80,
with its strong central condensation of stars, and its neighbor M4, which is
little concentrated. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M81
NGC 3031
NGC Description: A remarkable object, extremely bright and extremely large,
extended in position angle 156 degrees. It increases in brightness inward,
first gradually and then suddenly to a very much brighter center. Bright
nucleus.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor a beautiful object! As seen in
such a telescope, M81 has the most strongly granular central region of almost
any galaxy. The outer parts are mottled and uneven in brightness and texture.
Two other visual characteristics are the fairly sharp outer edge and the bright
arcs at the ends of the major axis. These arcs are portions of the spiral
arms. Nearby is R Ursae Majoris, a Mira-type variable with a period of 302
days and a range from 7th to 13th magnitude. Also nearby us VY Ursae Majoris,
a 6th-magnitude irregular variable of small range. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M82
NGC 3034
"Exploding"
NGC Description: Very bright and very large. An extended ray.
Visual Appearance: A gem! In a low-power field it forms a beautiful pair
with M81. In shape and color M82 is a silver sliver, with its brightest part
off-center. The dark absorption band is not detected in a 100-mm. Such a
telescope shows the galaxy to be highly uneven in brightness with little or
none of the grainy texture seen in M81. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M83
NGC 5236
NGC Description: A very remarkable object. William and John Herschel found
it very bright, very large, elongated in position angle 55 degrees, very
suddenly much brighter toward a central nucleus. Seen as a three-branched
spiral by Leavenworth [with the 660-mm refractor of Leander McCormick
Observatory].
Visual Appearance: A 100-mm refractor reveals enough to suggest that M83
must be a magnificent object for Southern Hemisphere observers, who can see it
high in the sky. There is a bright elliptical inner region, which seems to
have some graininess near its extremities, perhaps due to the presence of the
spiral arms. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M84
NGC 4374
NGC Description: This beautiful sight is an easy target for a 100-mm and
is even visible in a 10x40 finder. More conspicuous visually than M86, which
is seen in the same field, M84 has a bright center and fades smoothly to a
diffuse edge. It looks like an unresolved globular cluster. The dark areas
that may appear on the disc of the galaxy are probably illusions caused by eye
strain. M85 has nearly the same right ascension as M84, but lies 5.3 degrees
to the north, at the edge of the Coma-Virgo region of galaxies. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M85
NGC 4382
NGC Description: Very bright, pretty large, round, with a bright middle,
star north preceding [westward].
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor this beautiful galaxy is a
somewhat irregular oval with a smooth texture. The star mentioned in the NGC
actually lies northeast, not northwest, of M85. Perhaps its presence distorts
the visual outline. NGC 4394 is visually a silvery oval. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M86
NGC 4406
NGC Description: Very bright, large, round, gradually brighter in the
middle to a nucleus, mottled.
Visual Appearance: In a small telescope this galaxy is impressive. Its
brightness drops off from the center to a rather sharp edge. North of M86 is
NGC 4402, an 11.5-magnitude spiral with a pronounced dust lane, but this
object is not seen in a 100-mm. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M87
NGC 4486
NGC Description: Very bright and large, round, much brighter in the middle,
3rd of three [easternmost].
Visual Appearance: M87 has the typical characteristics of an elliptical
galaxy. Its image is smooth and featureless, and the brightness diminishes
uniformly from the center into the sky background. The late Otto Stuve told of
having seen the jet with the 2.5-m refractor at Mount Wilson Observatory in
California. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M88
NGC 4501
NGC Description: Bright, very large, very much extended.
Visual Appearance: This object is grand in a 100-mm refractor. The surface
texture is smooth, but the brightness is very uneven. The core appears stellar
and is surrounded by a soft glow. The outer parts of M88 are not visible in
a small telescope, but there is an extensive spiral structure. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M89
NGC 4552
NGC Description: Pretty bright and small, round, gradually much brighter
toward the middle.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm M89 seems slightly oval, somewhat resembling
M87. The brightness increases toward the central core, which does not appear
stellar. Visually, the texture is smooth, and the edges blend into the sky
background. A 10x40 finder shows M89 unmistakably. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M90
NGC 4569
NGC Description: Pretty large, brighter in the middle toward a nucleus.
Visual Appearance: M90 is typical of many galaxies seen on a steady, dark
night. The bright central region does not appear sharp. Also, the texture is
not as smooth as M89, nor do the edges blend gradually into the sky. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M91
NGC 4548
NGC Description: Bright, large, little extended, slightly brighter in the
middle.
Visual Appearance: This galaxy is beautiful even with low power. At medium
magnification its irregularly oval outline and sharp curving extension can be
discerned. This extension may be part of the galaxy's bar. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M92
NGC 6341
NGC Description: Globular cluster of stars, very bright, very large.
Visual Appearance: A grand object, visible with the slightest optical aid.
In a 100-mm M92 is partially resolved at 214x. The visual impression is most
unusual, with many bright stars seen in the bright central region. Surrounding
this is a fainter glow that is also star-studded. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M93
NGC 2447
NGC Description: Cluster, large, pretty rich, little compressed, with
8th-magnitude to 11th-magnitude stars.
Visual Appearance: A glorious view. The cluster is seen as triangular in
shape with many colored stars. In a 100-mm at low and medium power, M93 is a
compact swarm of stellar jewels. The surroundings of this cluster are grand
when swept at low power. For the cluster itself use low to medium power.
--Mallas, Kreimer
$
M94
NGC 4736
NGC Description: Very bright, large irregularly round; very suddenly much
brighter toward the middle to a bright nucleus, mottled.
Visual Appearance: A grand object! There is a rapid brightening toward a
brilliant center, which does not look like a star. An extension is seen with a
100-mm refractor; it is probably a segment of one of the brighter spiral arms.
--Mallas, Kreimer
$
M95
NGC 3351
NGC Description: Bright, large, round, gradually much brighter toward a
nucleus.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor M95 appears as a circular gray
patch of uneven brightness. The bar is not seen in a 100-mm; only the galaxy's
central condensation is visible. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M96
NGC 3368
NGC Description: Very bright and large, little extended, very suddenly much
brighter in the middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: The color of M96 is silver-gray, and the galaxy has an
intense central region. Some grainy texture is seen throughout the oval image,
but M96 is generally smooth with bright and dark lanes. The visual impression
refers only to the central region and not the spiral arms. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M97
NGC 3587
"Owl"
NGC Description: Very remarkable planetary nebula, very bright and large,
round. 150" in diameter. It brightens toward the middle very gradually, then
suddenly.
Visual Appearance: At 120x in a 100-mm refractor, M97 appears as a rather
large gray oval. It is practically featureless, though there is a slight
indication of two dark areas (the Owl's eyes). They are observed, though with
difficulty. (Curiously, the eyes are absent from John Herschel's drawing with
his 480-mm reflector, published in 1833.) --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M98
NGC 4192
NGC Description: Bright, very large, extended along position angle 152
degrees, suddenly very much brighter toward the middle.
Visual Appearance: In a 100-mm refractor M98 is grainy and mottled like a
globular cluster, but with some bright knots superimposed. There are spiral
arms; a 100-mm does not reveal the small, bright core. The 5th-magnitude star
6 Comae Berenices lies only 0.5 degree to the east. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M99
NGC 4254
NGC Description: Very remarkable. William and John Herschel called it
bright, large, round, gradually brighter in the middle, mottled. F.P.
Leavenworth and Lord Rosse saw it as a three-branched spiral.
Visual Appearance: An impressive sight. There is a large central region,
where there are many bright knots. Away from the center these knots become
fewer and suggest parts of the spiral arms. A small increase in aperture
beyond 100 mm shows much more detail. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M100
NGC 4321
NGC Description: Very remarkable. Pretty faint, very large, round, very
gradually, then suddenly brighter, toward the middle and to a mottled nucleus.
With the 660-mm Leander McCormick Refractor, Leavenworth saw M100 as a
two-branched spiral.
Visual Appearance: A very diffuse, curdled patch of light surrounds a
starlike core. It seems like a miniature M33. M100 is usually difficult with
a 100-mm refractor. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M101
NGC 5457
"Pinwheel Galaxy"
NGC Description: Pretty bright, very large, irregularly round. Gradually,
then suddenly, much brighter toward a small, bright central nucleus.
Visual Appearance: A beautiful object. In a 100-mm it appears only about
half as large as on photographs. Low powers are best. The clearly-seen
central region has a fluffy texture and a silvery hue. Surrounding this area
is a soft sheen containing some nebulous patches. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M102
NGC 5866
NGC Description: Very bright, cluster, pretty much extended, gradually
brighter in the middle.
Visual Appearance: Most scholars agree with the Harvard astronomer Owen
Gingerich that M102 is simply a clerical error, corresponding to no real
observations. Still, NGC 5866 would make a respectable addition to the Messier
list, being the brightest member of a small group of galaxies in the area. It
appears as a small, oblong blur of light, with a group of several faint stars
just to the north. --ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE
$
M103
NGC 581
NGC Description: Cluster, pretty large, bright, round, rich, stars of 10th
and 11th magnitude.
Visual Appearance: A grand view! The stars form an arrowhead. A 10x40
finder resolves the cluster, but a 100-mm shows the fainter stars, many of them
colored. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M104
NGC 4594
"Sombrero Galaxy," "Dark Lane"
NGC Description: Remarkable, very bright and large, extremely extended in
position angle 92 degrees, very suddenly much brighter toward a central
nucleus.
Visual Appearance: This is a beautiful object in a 100-mm for the
well-trained eye. Until the observer has gained experience, however, the
Sombrero Galaxy may look as featureless as the great Andromeda Galaxy. The
central bulge seems smooth-textured, with a faintly luminous border around it
and the east-west extensions. Although the "hat brim" is difficult to study
visually, it appears to have a curdled texture. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M105
NGC 3379
NGC Description: Very bright, considerably large, round, suddenly brighter
in the middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: This is the brightest of three galaxies in a low-power
field. M105 has a very soft, nebulous texture, like M32 Andromedae or M87
Virginis, with a slow brightening toward the center. In good seeing, the image
looks like an unresolved globular cluster--an unusual appearance for an
elliptical galaxy. Nearby is NGC 3384, a gray circular patch in a 100-mm
refractor. Also nearby is NGC 3389, the most difficult. During moments of
steady seeing it appears as a small, soft, oval film of light. --Mallas,
Kreimer
$
M106
NGC 4258
NGC Description: Very bright and large, very much extended north-south,
suddenly brighter in the middle to a bright nucleus.
Visual Appearance: This grand object is visible in a 10x40 finder. There
is a fat central knot of fuzzy light. Medium magnifications are helpful for
seeing details. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M107
NGC 6171
NGC Description: Globular, large, very much compressed, round,
well-resolved.
Visual Appearance: Although M107 is rather dim, it is an easy target. It
is impressive in a 100-mm at medium magnification. Some individual stars are
seen around a flattened, unresolved core that is on the threshold of
graininess. The fainter halo region appears granular, suggesting that a
larger aperture would resolve M107 into many more stars. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M108
NGC 3556
NGC Description: Quite bright, very large, very much extended at position
angle 79 degrees, becoming brighter in the middle, mottled.
Visual Appearance: A silver-white beauty for small telescopes,
saucer-shaped and fairly well defined. The central region is quite bright and
irregular, surrounded by light and dark nodules. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M109
NGC 3992
NGC Description: Quite bright, very large, pretty much extended, suddenly
brighter in the middle to a bright mottled nucleus.
Visual Appearance: A splendid galaxy for small apertures, though only the
brighter central region can be seen. It is pear-shaped, with a strong
suspicion of granular texture, and close to a faint star whose glow obliterates
the outer regions. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
M110
NGC 205
NGC Description: Very bright and large, much elongated in position angle
165 degrees, very gradually brightening to a very much brigher middle.
Visual Appearance: An impressive sight in a 100-mm refractor. It is almost
uniform in luster, with a brighter middle. There is a curious soft extension
that is near the limit of perception in a 100-mm. Some observers do not
mention any irregularities in the shape of M110. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
NGC 185
Extremely difficult to locate and observe with an amateur telescope, this
pale little object is a small elliptical galaxy whose true linear size is less
than a tenth of our own galaxy. It has a number of associated globular
clusters and is a satellite of M31. --Teece
$
NGC 246
A distended gaseous envelope surrounding a central, hot, white star, this is
a classic planetary nebula comparable to the better known M57 Lyrae ("Ring")
and NGC 7293 Aquarii ("Helix"). Like those objects, this gas-shell is the
product of some sort of disruptive event in its central star. Visually, it is
an extremely challenging object. Like NGC 7293, this is a very large
planetary, of low general surface brightness. Viewed with a 200-mm, the nebula
appears as a faint, ghostly ring. --Teece
$
NGC 253
Looks somewhat like M31, but smaller. Though large and bright, it needs a
first-class night for a good view because of its southerly declination. Seen
well in a 150-mm. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 278
Appearing circular and almost featureless, this is in fact an exceedingly
compact, tightly-wound spiral, viewed directly face-on. It is a difficult
target for any instrument under about 200-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 404
Intrinsically dim and located immediately adjacent to the glaring brilliance
of 2nd-magnitude Beta Andromedae, this object is an inordinately difficult
challenge to the visual observer. It has a pronounced, arc-shaped dust lane
that outlines one-half of its quite prominent nucleus. It has a rather
elongated form, tilted at some angle away from our line of sight. --Teece
$
NGC 457
A bright, roughly cruciform cluster, very dramatic at 20x. A distinctive
yellow/blue pair of stars lie on the periphery. It is a lovely object for the
small telescope. --Teece
$
NGC 651
"Little Dumbbell," "Cork," "Barbell"
NGC Description: NGC 650 and 651, both very bright, are the preceding
[western] and following [eastern] components of a double nebula.
Visual Appearance: A rewarding object in a 100-mm refractor. NGC 650-651
(M76) is a miniature of the Dumbbell Nebula and is more closely described by
this name than is M27 Vulpeculae, when both are seen in a small telescope.
--Mallas, Kreimer
$
NGC 663
"Letter 'S'"
A subtle patch of 7th-magnitude stars, this little open cluster includes
about 80 members. --Teece
$
NGC 869
"Double," "Sword Handle" (h Persei)
One of the double clusters in Perseus. Together, the custers rate as the
finest open clusters for small telescopes and are superb in any. With larger
instruments only one at a time can be fitted into the field of view. In a
250-mm at 80x, many contrasting star colors are evident, and in a 350-mm,
NGC 869 is more impressive than its companion, NGC 884. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 884
"Double," "Sword Handle" (Chi Persei)
One of the double clusters in Perseus. Together, the clusters rate as the
finest open clusters for small telescopes and are superb in any. With larger
instruments only one at a time can be fitted into the field of view. In a
250-mm at 80x, many contrasting star colors are evident, and in a 350-mm, NGC
884's companion, NGC 869, is more impressive than NGC 884. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 891
Oriented directly edgewise to our line of sight, this object is heavily
masked by its unusually broad equatorial dust lane. Its central lane is
greatly distended north and south of the galactic equator, with numerous peaks
and prominences that spread far beyond the central rotational plane. It is a
relatively complex, loosely-wound spiral, regarded as probably similar in most
aspects to our Milky Way. --Teece
$
NGC 1023
A highly elongated elliptical galaxy whose bright nucleus and tenuous
fringes can be differentiated with a 150-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 1245
A misty patch, 9th-magnitude open cluster of about 100 members. --Teece
$
NGC 1535
A small, pale blue-green disc with a faint central star. This planetary is
difficult in a 75-mm. A 150-mm at 100x shows it, but not the star. A 350-mm
at 190x reveals both. An intersting sight in a 750-mm reflector at 600x.
--Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 1907
Like a smudge of nebulosity. --Teece
$
NGC 1931
A hazy, nebulous patch of illuminated hydrogen gas, this object can be
detected visually with a 200-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 1973
This complex interweaving of bright and dark material surrounds the star 42
Orionis, 0.5 degree north of the Trapezium in M42. Like the several other
nebulae that crowd this part of Orion, this is an outcropping of the same vast
gaseous cloud whose most spectacular lobe is M42. Although neglected by
amateur observers because of the distractions of glorious M42 nearby, it is
worth locating and viewing with a telescope. With a 200- to 250-mm, the
nebulosity is an unmistakable presence, having a pale greenish hue when
observed visually. Some amateurs have detected the brighter parts with
apertures as small as 100 mm. --Teece
$
NGC 1974
This complex interweaving of bright and dark material surrounds the star 42
Orionis, 0.5 degree north of the Trapezium in M42. Like the several other
nebulae that crowd this part of Orion, this is an outcropping of the same vast
gaseous cloud whose most spectacular lobe is M42. Although neglected by
amateur observers because of the distractions of glorious M42 nearby, it is
worth locating and viewing with a telescope. With a 200- to 250-mm, the
nebulosity is an unmistakable presence, having a pale greenish hue when
observed visually. Some amateurs have detected the brighter parts with
apertures as small as 100 mm. --Teece
$
NGC 1975
This complex interweaving of bright and dark material surrounds the star 42
Orionis, 0.5 degree north of the Trapezium in M42. Like the several other
nebulae that crowd this part of Orion, this is an outcropping of the same vast
gaseous cloud whose most spectacular lobe is M42. Although neglected by
amateur observers because of the distractions of glorious M42 nearby, it is
worth locating and viewing with a telescope. With a 200- to 250-mm, the
nebulosity is an unmistakable presence, having a pale greenish hue when
observed visually. Some amateurs have detected the brighter parts with
apertures as small as 100 mm. --Teece
$
NGC 1977
This complex interweaving of bright and dark material surrounds the star 42
Orionis, 0.5 degree north of the Trapezium in M42. Like the several other
nebulae that crowd this part of Orion, this is an outcropping of the same vast
gaseous cloud whose most spectacular lobe is M42. Although neglected by
amateur observers because of the distractions of glorious M42 nearby, it is
worth locating and viewing with a telescope. With a 200- to 250-mm, the
nebulosity is an unmistakable presence, having a pale greenish hue when
observed visually. Some amateurs have detected the brighter parts with
apertures as small as 100 mm. --Teece
$
NGC 2158
A much fainter companion-object to M35. This vastly remote object,
situated out near the galactic rim, is a puzzling cluster than perhaps
represents a transitional phase between the open and the globular types.
--Teece
$
NGC 2237
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2238
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2239
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2240
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2241
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2242
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2243
"Rosette"
Here is a combination object: the large, though very faint NGC 2237-2243
nebula ("Rosette") and its sparse cluster, NGC 2244. Though the cluster can be
seen with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster. It is
easy in a 400-mm f/5. At 50x the nebula looked double, and at 130x a bridge of
light connected the two parts. The Rosette is much fainter than NGC 7293
Aquarii ("Helix"). --Houston
$
NGC 2244
Here is a combination object: this sparse cluster and the large, though
very faint NGC 2237-2243 nebula ("Rosette"). Though the cluster can be seen
with the naked eye under good conditions, the nebula presents a challenge.
Good binoculars reveal a formless glow of light surrounding the cluster.
--Houston
$
NGC 2245
This object, together with NGC 2247--two small, luminous spots of diffuse
nebulosity--are bright lobes of the same great hydrogen cloud that includes
both NGC 2261 ("Hubble's Variable Nebula") and NGC 2264 ("Conus"). It can be
detected with a 200-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 2247
This object, together with NGC 2245--two small, luminous spots of diffuse
nebulosity--are bright lobes of the same great hydrogen cloud that includes
both NGC 2261 ("Hubble's Variable Nebula") and NGC 2264 ("Conus"). It can be
detected with a 200-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 2261
"Hubble's Variable Nebula"
The visual appearance of this little nebula--a ghostly little wisp of light
with slightly brighter apex--is almost exactly like that of a faint telescopic
comet. It is one of the most peculiar nebulae in the heavens. Not only has
the embedded variable star, R Monocerotis, altered in brightness but details of
the gaseous clous have alternately appeared and vanished. The dramatic effects
seem to result from a combination of the erratic illumination provided by R
Monocerotis and from changes of lighting-angles caused by actual movement of
gas- and dust-filaments lying immediately adjacent to that star. The nebula is
believed to be part of the same vast, general region of nebulosity that
includes NGC 2264 ("Conus"). --Teece
$
NGC 2264
"Conus," "Cone," "Christmas Tree"
For an aesthetic appreciation of this unusual cluster, one must use a rich-
field telescope with a field of at least 2 full degrees. A 120-mm at only 30x
shows a sprawling triangle of 40 dazzling stars. This 2-parsec tower of
opaque, obscuring dust is oddly similar to the central "turret" in the nebula
M16 Serpentis ("Eagle"). Like that region, the huge interstellar cloud that
includes this nebula is a stellar nursery, where condensation of nebulous
material continues to give rise to newly luminous young stars. The nebula is
typical of its class in that it is virtually impossible to detect visually.
--Teece
$
NGC 2392
"Eskimo," "Clown Face"
A vivid, blue planetary nebula with a bright central star. It is easy with
a 75-mm at 100x, and a 350-mm at 600x permits dark structures in the disc to be
glipmsed with averted vision. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 2438
Though conveniently located on the northeastern edge of the open cluster
M46, this planetary is difficult to see in small telescopes. In 200- to 250-mm
instruments, however, its pale disc makes a pleasing contrast with the cluster
stars. --Houston
$
NGC 2440
Because of the lack of nearby stars, this planetary is difficult to find.
At least a 200-mm aperture is recommented; a 300-mm will give better results.
However, on a superb night this object can be picked up in a 100-mm refractor.
--Houston
$
NGC 2903
A 10th-magnitude spiral system viewed in the vace-on orientation. It is a
complex, multi-armed galaxy whose bright nucleus can be spotted with a 150-mm
telescope. --Teece
$
NGC 3185
A barred spiral, one of a compact group with NGC 3187, NGC 3190, and NGC
3193. --Teece
$
NGC 3187
An edgewise spiral, one of a compact group with NGC 3185, NGC 3190, and NGC
3193. --Teece
$
NGC 3190
An edgewise spiral, one of a compact group with NGC 3185, NGC 3187, and NGC
3193. --Teece
$
NGC 3193
An elliptical galaxy, one of a compact group with NGC 3185, NGC 3187, and
NGC 3190. --Teece
$
NGC 3227
This peculiar spiral galaxy is easily located, for it lies only 50' east of
Gamma Leonis and is within easy reach of a 100-mm refractor at 95x. Almost
touching its disc is an elliptical galaxy, NGC 3226, which is about 1' in
diameter and of visual magnitude 11. --Houston
$
NGC 3242
"Eye," "Ghost," "Ghost of Jupiter," "Jupiter"
One of the brightest and easiest of all planetary nebulae. Its pale blue
disc appears small in a 150-mm at 90x, but is fine in a 200-mm at 140x. Some
previous observers have mentioned stars embedded in the nebulosity, but none
can be seen in a 350-mm at 290x. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 3628
This large, edge-on galaxy appears in the same field, at low magnification,
as the better-known pair M65 and M66 and is closely associated in space with
those galaxies. --Teece
$
NGC 4217
An edge-on spiral galaxy, whose subtle spindle-shape can be glipsed with a
200-mm and which lies only 0.5 degree southwest of M106. --Teece
$
NGC 4388
A slender, edge-on spiral in the same field as M84 and M86. --Teece
$
NGC 4394
A little spiral just to the east of M85. --Teece
$
NGC 4395
This loosely-structured spiral is a much more difficult object than M90
Virginis. Although of nominally similar magnitude, it is a large system having
a low general surface brightness; visually, it is barely perceptible with even
a 400-mm. --Teece
$
NGC 4402
A slender, edge-on spiral in the same field as M84 and M86. --Teece
$
NGC 4435
An elliptical galaxy in a very closely-spaced pair with NGC 4438, lying
directly east of M84 and M86. It is more easily seen than NGC 4388 and NGC
4402 in the same field. --Teece
$
NGC 4438
A spiral galaxy in a very closely-spaced pair with NGC 4435, lying directly
east of M84 and M86. It is more easily seen than NGC 4388 and NGC 4402.
--Teece
$
NGC 4449
This irregular galaxy has a characteristic armless, rather angular sprawl of
stars and gas. It is typical of its class in the discrete patches of dust that
cluster near the galactic core. --Teece
$
NGC 4485
A galaxy immediately adjacent (northwest) to and believed to be a near
companion of NGC 4490. --Teece
$
NGC 4490
This bright galaxy can be glimpsed with a 100-mm and begins to show some
hint of structure when observed with 200-mm and larger instruments. It is a
loose spiral, a classic of the twin-armed, S-shaped type. --Teece
$
NGC 4519
A faint spiral galaxy, 0.5 degree to the north of NGC 4535. --Teece
$
NGC 4526
A moderately bright elliptical galaxy. The amateur astronomer, sweeping
eastward from M49 with a rich-field telescope, may easily confuse the dim
spiral, NGC 4535, with this galaxy, its close neighbor. --Teece
$
NGC 4535
"Lost Galaxy"
Located just one degree east of the brighter and much better-known M49, this
rather pale spiral galaxy is actually associated with the giant elliptical in
space, as a member of the Virgo cluster. Oriented at an angle that is not far
from directly face-on, it displays a symmetrical S-shaped pattern very similar
to that of the classic barred spiral NGC 7479 Pegasi. The Virgo spiral is, in
fact, classed as a barred galaxy in most catalogues. It is structurally quite
distinctive, with a small, bright nucleus and sparse, spidery arms. Visually,
it is an elusive object. Because of its low overall surface brightness, it has
been called the "Lost Galaxy" in observing lists. --Teece
$
NGC 4559
Located due north of M89, this multi-armed spiral is a considerably more
challenging target for small telescopes. --Teece
$
NGC 4564
An elliptical galaxy visible in a low-power field with NGC 4567 and NGC
4568. --Teece
$
NGC 4565
This edge-on spiral is one of the most striking objects in the sky, and its
appearance reminds one of M82. Just perceptible in a 75-mm, the galaxy can be
traced out to 15' with a 250-mm or larger instrument, which will also show the
central bulge. --Houston
$
NGC 4567
"Colliding," "Siamese Twins"
Located only about 2 degrees west of the fairly prominent Virgo galaxy M60,
this galaxy, paired with NGC 4568, can be glimpsed visually with a moderate- to
large-sized amateur telescope. Both of these spiral systems are, like M60 and
other Messier galaxies in this part of the sky, members of the great Virgo
Cluster. At first glance, the pair have the appearance of galaxies in
collision or grazing interaction. Massive distortion of spiral arms and the
more subtle phenomenon of filamentary bridges--the usual indications of tidal
interaction between two galaxies--are absent in this pair. Very probably one
is passing behind the other with a safe margin of space lying between. --Teece
$
NGC 4568
"Colliding," "Siamese Twins"
Located only about 2 degrees west of the fairly prominent Virgo galaxy M60,
this galaxy, paired with NGC 4567, can be glimpsed visually with a moderate- to
large-sized amateur telescope. Both of these spiral systems are, like M60 and
other Messier galaxies in this part of the sky, members of the great Virgo
Cluster. At first glance, the pair have the appearance of galaxies in
collision or grazing interaction. Massive distortion of spiral arms and the
more subtle phenomenon of filamentary bridges--the usual indications of tidal
interaction between two galaxies--are absent in this pair. Very probably one
is passing behind the other with a safe margin of space lying between. --Teece
$
NGC 4627
A small object immediately adjacent (northwest) of the central bulge of NGC
4631. This dwarf elliptical system is believed to form an dynamic unit with
its huge neighbor. --Teece
$
NGC 4631
Oriented so precisely edgewise that identification of its structural pattern
is unclear, this galaxy is reagarded as probably a loosely-wound spiral whose
appearance, if it could be viewed in full face, would not be unlike that of M74
Piscium. This galaxy has an unusual lack of the heavy, continuous dust lane
that often bisects spiral galaxies viewed in this orientation. For small-
telescope observation, the great edge-on spiral is not a difficult object,
appearing as a slender streak of light in which, with a 200-mm, some
condensations and mottling may be seen. --Teece
$
NGC 4638
A tiny elliptical galaxy, star-like in a small-aperture telescope. --Teece
$
NGC 4647
A faint galaxy that appears immediately northwest of M60. It is not a
background object, but actually a companion of the great elliptical, a rather
ill-matched pair. It is a small, loosely-wound spiral galaxy. --Teece
$
NGC 4656
An irregular galaxy lying 0.5 degree southeast of NGC 4631. --Teece
$
NGC 5139
"Omega Centauri"
The great southern-hemisphere globular cluster Omega Centauri surpasses any
other. From mid-northern latitudes it just skirts the southern horizon. Even
so, observers have regarded it as the best of its class. As seen from
Guatemala, it is an inspiring sight and obviously a cluster even to the naked
eye. In the 150-mm refractor of Oaxaca Observatory in Southern Mexico, Omega
Centauri is the most amazing ball of stars one could dream of. --Houston
$
NGC 5907
"Splinter"
Few spirals are as elongated as the "Splinter Galaxy," which is almost
exactly edge on. To appreciate this sight, use a 250-mm or larger, and be sure
to plot the galaxy's position on a detailed star atlas, for it is easily missed
in sweeping. Good results may be had with 100x to 150x. --Houston
$
NGC 6210
A small, but bright, planetary nebula showing a featureless blue disc. In
a 75-mm at 45x, it looks like a star. A 750-mm refractor at 550x shows faint
outer nebulosity. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 6543
A planetary nebula, it lies midway between Delta and Zeta Draconis. This
bright blue-green ring has an 11th-magnitude central star. Just visible in a
75 mm, the nebula is fine with high power on a 200-mm or larger. --Mullaney,
McCall
$
NGC 6572
A small, bright, blue planetary nebula, resembling NGC 6210 Herculis. Looks
like a star in a 100-mm at 40x; color intense in a 350-mm at 190x. Beautiful
sight in a 750-mm refractor at 550x. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 6611
"Eagle," "Star Queen"
NGC Description: Cluster, at least 100 bright and faint stars.
Visual Appearance: M16 is one of the most unusual objects in the sky and a
fine sight at low power. A 100-mm reveals three nebulous regions and about 20
stars against an uneven background. --Mallas, Kreimer
$
NGC 6781
This ring nebula is of slightly larger apparent size than M57 Lyrae
("Ring"), but three magnitudes fainter. Of the several stars that can be
resolved within the periphery of the gaseous shell, one--a 15th-magnitude
dwarf--has been identified as the collapsed remnant of the star that ejected
the material the forms the surrounding envelope. For the visual observer, this
neat little planetary is a subtle target, requiring a dark, transparent sky and
at least a moderate aperture. Only through a telescope considerably larger
than 200 mm does the vague disc clearly resolve itself into its annular form.
--Teece
$
NGC 6802
"Brocchi's Cluster," "Coathanger," "Flying Wedge"
This large, sparse naked-eye cluster with a curious coat-hanger shape was
not officially recognized until 1931. Yet even in the 1920's it was know as
"Brocchi's Cluster," after the American amateur who drew up most of the AAVSO
star charts. Several times each year this cluster is rediscovered by amateurs,
especially the younger ones, but few of them notice another, much smaller open
cluster on its eastern edge. Though its total light is equivalent only to an
11th-magnitude star, NGC 6801 appears as a delightful swarm of silver bees some
3.5' in diameter. In a 75-mm it can be mistaken for a small comet.
--Houston
$
NGC 6804
Comparable with the famous M57 Lyrae ("Ring"), this dim planetary nebula is
the small, spherical shell of material ejected from a collapsing central star.
--Teece
$
NGC 6818
"Little Gem"
Appears in a 350-mm as a bright, uniform, blue disc. In common with many
other planetaries. it is star-like in a 7.5- or 100-mm with low power, but
shows a minute disc when highly magnified. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 6822
"Barnard's Galaxy"
In 1884 E.E. Barnard discovered this irregular dwarf galaxy with a 130-mm
refractor. This member of the local group is the only drawf that amateurs
have much chance of seeing. Nevertheless, it is a rather difficult object,
for its substantial total light is spread out over a large area. --Houston
$
NGC 6826
"Blinking"
This planetary consists of a pale blue disc with an 11th-magnitude star. If
the observer looks EXACTLY at the star, the nebula is completely invisible. If
he looks by averted vision, the star is drowned out by the bright nebulosity.
Alternating rapidly between direct and averted vision gives a blinking effect.
This phenomenon can be seen in a 150-mm at 150x and is very striking in a
350-mm at 190x. Although NGC 6826 is visible in a 75-mm, blinking is barely
noticeable. A few other planetaries show this peculiarity, but to a lesser
degree. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 6946
A very loosely-wound spiral galaxy, viewed almost directly face-on.
Although visually not a prominent object (its general surface brightness is
extremely low), it seems to be a relatively nearby neighbor to our own galaxy,
lying not far beyond the compass of our Local Galaxy. In the long, complex
spiral arms, major knots of luminous hydrogen gas are resolved and, on several
occasions in the past century, supernovae have been identified. It is a star-
system characterized by a small, bright, compressed nucleus and rather diffuse
arms. A 200-mm gives an elusive glimpse of only the galaxy's central region.
Apertures up to 400 mm reveal little more detal in this dim, although very
large object. --Teece
$
NGC 6960
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (W. Component, Cygnus Loop)
For amateurs, the Veil Nebula has caused both despair and rejoicing. Its
two long arcs of faint nebulosity, marking the edge of an old supernova bubble,
are very difficult to pick up in a 150-mm f/4, but a 300-mm of the same focal
ratio will show them easily during casual sweeping. Of the two arcs, the
western one is the easiest to find, as it is involved with the double star 52
Cygni. On an exceptional night some patches can be glimpsed between the arcs.
--Houston
$
NGC 6961
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (W. Component, Cygnus Loop)
For amateurs, the Veil Nebula has caused both despair and rejoicing. Its
two long arcs of faint nebulosity, marking the edge of an old supernova bubble,
are very difficult to pick up in a 150-mm f/4, but a 300-mm of the same focal
ratio will show them easily during casual sweeping. Of the two arcs, the
western one is the easiest to find, as it is involved with the double star 52
Cygni. On an exceptional night some patches can be glimpsed between the arcs.
--Houston
$
NGC 6962
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (W. Component, Cygnus Loop)
For amateurs, the Veil Nebula has caused both despair and rejoicing. Its
two long arcs of faint nebulosity, marking the edge of an old supernova bubble,
are very difficult to pick up in a 150-mm f/4, but a 300-mm of the same focal
ratio will show them easily during casual sweeping. Of the two arcs, the
western one is the easiest to find, as it is involved with the double star 52
Cygni. On an exceptional night some patches can be glimpsed between the arcs.
--Houston
$
NGC 6992
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (E. Component, Cygnus Loop)
Visually, this object is a difficult test of the observer's skills. On a
night of superlatively dark, transparent skies, a moderate telescope (even as
small as 90 mm) reveals its delicate curve with little difficulty. --Teece
$
NGC 6993
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (E. Component, Cygnus Loop)
Visually, this object is a difficult test of the observer's skills. On a
night of superlatively dark, transparent skies, a moderate telescope (even as
small as 90 mm) reveals its delicate curve with little difficulty. --Teece
$
NGC 6994
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (E. Component, Cygnus Loop)
Visually, this object is a difficult test of the observer's skills. On a
night of superlatively dark, transparent skies, a moderate telescope (even as
small as 90 mm) reveals its delicate curve with little difficulty. --Teece
$
NGC 6995
"(Bridal) Veil," "Cirrus," "Filamentary," "Network" (E. Component, Cygnus Loop)
Visually, this object is a difficult test of the observer's skills. On a
night of superlatively dark, transparent skies, a moderate telescope (even as
small as 90 mm) reveals its delicate curve with little difficulty. --Teece
$
NGC 7006
Invisible to small amateur instruments, this faint object is worth searching
out with a 200- or 250-mm, after M13 Herculis or M15 Pegasi has first been
observed with the same telescope. Like those glorious blazes of stars, this
minuscule patch of light is a globular cluster. Whereas the impressive
0.5-degree diameter of M13 fills the telescopic field of view, the same
magnification shows this object as an almost star-like spot in an expanse of
empty space. The difference in appearance is the result of an almost
staggering difference in the two clusters' intrinsic distances from us.
--Teece
$
NGC 7009
"Saturn"
This nebula presents a very bright, blue-green, featureless elliptical disc.
A 150-mm shows it well, but nothing of the appendages that give rise to the
name, even in a 350-mm refractor or a 750-mm reflector, both at 600x.
--Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 7217
This galaxy is not an easy target for small telescopes. It is a rather odd
spiral with one long, tightly-wound arm that totally encircles the galactic
core. --Teece
$
NGC 7293
"Helix," "Giant"
This very large planetary nebula appears as a featureless disc when observed
visually. The large apparent size of the nebula is an effect of its location
in space. The nebula is the most nearby of all known planetaries. Because of
its broad extent and rather low surface brightness, this object is best
observed with the telescope at lowest magnification. Large-aperture binoculars
show the dim, sprawling planetary well, in the context of a wide star-field.
--Teece
$
NGC 7317
"Stephan's Quintet"
The quintet of rather distant galaxies--NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, NGC
7319, NGC 7320--is an enigma that has been the subject of considerable
speculation and controversy. There are strong indications that all five are
physically associated in space as a tightly-knit cluster. --Teece
$
NGC 7318A
"Stephan's Quintet"
The quintet of rather distant galaxies--NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, NGC
7319, NGC 7320--is an enigma that has been the subject of considerable
speculation and controversy. There are strong indications that all five are
physically associated in space as a tightly-knit cluster. --Teece
$
NGC 7318B
"Stephan's Quintet"
The quintet of rather distant galaxies--NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, NGC
7319, NGC 7320--is an enigma that has been the subject of considerable
speculation and controversy. There are strong indications that all five are
physically associated in space as a tightly-knit cluster. --Teece
$
NGC 7319
"Stephan's Quintet"
The quintet of rather distant galaxies--NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, NGC
7319, NGC 7320--is an enigma that has been the subject of considerable
speculation and controversy. There are strong indications that all five are
physically associated in space as a tightly-knit cluster. --Teece
$
NGC 7320
"Stephan's Quintet"
The quintet of rather distant galaxies--NGC 7317, NGC 7318A, NGC 7318B, NGC
7319, NGC 7320--is an enigma that has been the subject of considerable
speculation and controversy. There are strong indications that all five are
physically associated in space as a tightly-knit cluster. --Teece
$
NGC 7331
This object can be seen visually with a 15- to 200-mm as a pale, oval smudge
of light. It is a galaxy structured on the same plan as our own Milky Way or
M31 Andromedae, with a dense nucleus and moderately loose arms whose curving
lines are marked by absorbing dust lanes and chains of luminous nebulae.
--Teece
$
NGC 7332
The visual impression of this system is not unlike that of the other
notable Pegasus galaxy, NGC 7331. This object is much fainter, however, and
requires at least a 200-mm for a nominally satisfactory view. It has the
combination of flattened disc and lack of recognizable spiral structure. Its
galactic core is not the usual smooth, convex nuclear bulge; it appears
irregular and rather angular in form, with a hint of indentation at the ends of
the rotational axis. --Teece
$
NGC 7339
An edgewise galaxy. It is a faint background object lying adjacent to NGC
7332 in the telescopic field. --Teece
$
NGC 7479
A classic of the S-shaped barred spiral type; it is characterized by a very
small condensed core, a pronounced traverse bar and thin, loosely-wound spiral
arms. A notable feature of this galaxy is its obvious asymmetry. Whereas the
southern half of the central bar graduates smoothly into a single, powerfully-
curving arm, the northern projection dissolves into a series of weak branches.
The most prominent concentration of dust in this oddly-lopsided star system
appears among the complexities of the divided northern arm. At least a 200-mm
is required for a satisfactory glimpse of this rather dim object. With a
400-mm one may begin to detect the general north-south elongation of the
galaxy's transverse bar. --Teece
$
NGC 7635
"Bubble"
This small, faint object described as a wisp of material "like a soap bubble
in a steam cloud," is not easily observed visually. The precise nature of the
object has been a subject of divergent opinions. Several writers have listed
it as a planetary nebula; others conclude that it is a diffuse cloud, with the
bright star within the nebula as its source of illumination. --Teece
$
NGC 7662
"Blue Snowball"
A small, blue dot in a 150-mm, a bright blue perforated disc with a 350-mm
at 290x, and a fine object in a 750-mm. It has a 12th-magnitude central star,
whose seeming variability has been explained as a seeing effect. Observers
have sometimes recognized the star in a 350-mm. --Mullaney, McCall
$
NGC 7814
This spiral galaxy is viewed edgewise, displaying an equatorial lane of
obscuring dust. --Teece
$
A 2151
This highly concentrated aggregation of galaxies is a small part of the vast
Hercules Supercluster--actually a cluster of galaxy-clusters--that has been
called "the classical Hercules cluster. --Teece
$
B 33
"Horsehead"
This faint nebula stretches south of Zeta Orionis for almost a degree. At
its midpoint lies the famous "Horsehead Nebula," a patch of dark obscuring
matter seen in silhouette. Remember, the Horsehead is small, only 4' or so
across. Many amateurs fail to find it because they are looking for something
too big. Leslie Peltier saw it with a 150-mm refractor, and a 250-mm will
usually suffice. However, a 300-mm or 400-mm is needed for a superior
view. Use medium power. --Houston
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IC 405
"Flaming (Star)"
This object shows a strikingly filamentary structure, with bright lobes of
glowing hydrogen gas bordered by clouds of obscuring dust. The bright star on
the nebula's edge is not a foreground object, but is actually embedded in the
dusty, gaseous fold of the nebula and appears to be the nebula's source of
illumination. Designated AE Aurigae, this star is an erratic variable, subject
to intermittent surges and diminutions of brightness; the star ranges between
5th and 6th magnitude. This is one of those regions of nebulosity that elude
visual detection with small telescopes. --Teece
$
IC 5146
"Cocoon"
As an object for the visual observer, the "Cocoon" is unexciting. A
moderately large amateur instrument (250 or 300 mm) shows it as a sparse
cluster of 12th magnitude stars within which there is a ghostly hint of
nebulosity. The Cocoon Nebula is aptly named, for within its complex folds of
gas and dust, protostellar globules undergo the transformation that gives birth
to new stars. The luminous central star itself is a comparatively newly-
hatched object; it is believed to be considerably less than 500,000 years old.
--Teece
$
m 25
"Hyades"
The brightest members of this open cluster form the familiar V-shaped head
of Taurus (the 1st-magnitude star Aldebaran, however, is not a cluster
member). For best viewing, use a good pair of binoculars, which will also
separate nicely the wide double stars Theta and Sigma Tauri. --Houston
@
Copyright 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 AstroSoft, Inc. Excerpts from copyrighted
material are included by permission of Sky Publishing Corporation and Cambridge
University Press.