NGC 3001 = ESO 434-038 = MCG -05-23-014 = UGCA 183 = PGC 28027

09 46 18.6 -30 26 12; Ant

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 6°

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration, diffuse.  An 11th magnitude star at the NW edge interferes with viewing.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3001 = h3190 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; 30"; attached or contiguous to a * 12; pos = 320° +/- by estimation from diagram."  His position and description is accurate.

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NGC 3002

09 48 57.4 +44 03 26; UMa

V = 16.5

 

48" (5/14/12): near the position of NGC 3002 is a faint trio of stars, mag 16.5/16.5/16.9 as well as MCG +07-20-052, an extremely faint interacting pair of galaxies.  One of the two brighter stars is likely the object sketched by Bindon Stoney at Birr Castle in 1851.  At 488x, the two brighter stars were very comparable in magnitude.  The star identified by Corwin (southwest vertex of the triangle) was possibly marginally brighter, though the other mag 16.5 star at the east vertex of the triangle (09 49 01.4 +44 03 37) is a better match with Stoney's sketch.  MCG +07-20-052, the galaxy misidentified in most catalogues as NGC 3002, is just visible as a very low surface brightness patch ~1.5' SE of the trio of stars.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3002 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Epsilon.  The MCG, along with the RNGC, PGC, HyperLeda and other sources, misidentify PGC 28208 as NGC 3002.  Although this galaxy (double) is close to the position on the sketch, the surface brightness is probably too low to have been picked up by Stoney.  In fact, Dreyer reported not seeing Epsilon in his 1 Apr 1878 observation.

 

More likely, Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3002 applies to one of two nearby mag 16.5 stars (the third is mag 17.0) with the more likely star at 09 48 57.3 +44 03 26 (2000).

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NGC 3003 = UGC 5251 = MCG +06-22-013 = CGCG 182-021 = KTG 26A = PGC 28186

09 48 36.0 +33 25 17; LMi

V = 11.9;  Size 5.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 79°

 

24" (4/20/14): bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.0', mottled appearance, slightly bulging brighter core and nucleus, brighter and patchy along the major axis with a couple of very small knots.  Nearly detached at the west end is a very low surface brightness patch that seems angled or extends beyond the major axis.  A mag 15.7 star is ~1' N of center.  NGC 3003 and NGC 3021, located 30' ENE, are the two brightest members in the USGC U268 group (z ~.005).

 

13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x1.0', almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3003 = H. V-26 = h639 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, mE nearly in the parallel, 8' long, 3' broad."  John Herschel described this galaxy on 22 Jan 1828 (sweep 51) as "a singular curved wisp of nebula, It curls up and tapers off at the s p side, and is clubbed at the n f extremity."

 

Lord Rosse's assistants made a total of 13 observations at Birr Castle.  On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell commented "of unequal brightness throughout its length, p part is F but contains a B patch with a star in it; the foll part is comparatively much brighter and is mottled."

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NGC 3004

09 49 02.4 +44 06 40; UMa

V = 16.7

 

= *, Corwin.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3004 on 25 Jan 1851. It was placed on the diagram of the NGC 2998 field about midway between NGC 2998 and NGC 3005 and mentioned as "suspected".  Dreyer missed it on his 1 April 1878 observation, though he later added "the place for 1926 [NGC 3004] is evidently wrong, it must be about 9 40 15 +45 14 [based on the sketch]."

 

The closest object to the position on the sketch is an extremely faint star with SDSS mag(V) = 16.7.  Reinmuth calls it nonstellar (based on a Heidelberg plate):"vF, vS, R, bM, N3000 np 2.4', N3005 nf 2.7'."  Dorothy Carlson identifies it as a double star (based on Mount Wilson photograph) and this is repeated in RNGC, though it is clearly a single star on the SDSS.

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NGC 3005 = MCG +07-20-054 = Holm 144c = PGC 28232

09 49 14.9 +44 07 53; UMa

V = 15.0;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 150°

 

48" (5/14/12): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.2', broad concentration.  Forms the north vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3006 and 3008.  Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.9 HD 84830, so I kept the bright star outside the field.  The nearest galaxy is NGC 3008, situated 3.9' SE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round.  Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.4 SAO 43053.  This member of the NGC 2998 group lies just north of a line connecting NGC 2998 6.4' SW and NGC 3008.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3005 on 25 Jan 1851.  He labeled it "Gamma" on a sketch of the NGC 2998 group.  Dreyer gave a more complete description on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, pS, E nnp ssf."  His offset from NGC 2998 (388.5" in PA 62.5°) points exactly to MCG +07-20-054 = PGC 28232, although the RA in the NGC is 10 sec too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3006 = MCG +07-20-055 = CGCG 210-037 = Holm 144d = PGC 28235

09 49 17.3 +44 01 33; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 82°

 

48" (5/14/12): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 E-W, ~40"x12", broad concentration with a brighter core.  Forms the south vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3005 and 3008.  MCG +07-20-052, a very low surface brightness interacting pair (misidentified as NGC 3002 in most catalogues), lies 2.2' NW.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, very low surface brightness.  Located 6.9' SE of NGC 2298 and 6.3' S of NGC 3005.  MCG +07-20-052 (misidentified as NGC 3002) 3' NW was not seen.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3006 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Delta. Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, S, stellar."  His offset from NGC 2998 (417.9" in PA 117.2°) points exactly to CGCG 210-037 = PGC 28235, although the RA in the NGC is 12 sec too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3007 = MCG -01-25-038 = PGC 28150

09 47 45.5 -06 26 22; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', just a weak broad central brightening.  A mag 13 star lies 1.0' S.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3007 = St. 13-52 = LM 1-158 on 14 Feb 1877.  His published position in his 13th discovery list was made on 16 Mar 1885 and is the last object (by date) that he reduced.  Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 23 Feb 1886, though his rough position (nearest min of RA) in the first discovery paper of the Leander McCormick Observatory (#158) was 11' too far east-southeast.

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NGC 3008 = MCG +07-20-059 = CGCG 210-039 = Holm 144b = PGC 28252

09 49 34.3 +44 06 10; UMa

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135°

 

48" (5/14/12): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  A mag 16.7 star is at the east edge.  Forms the east vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998 (brightest), NGC 3005 and NGC 3006.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated.  A mag 15 star is 45" off the west edge and 1.1' from center.  Located 9.2' E of NGC 2998 in a group.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3008 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Eta.  Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr 1878 as "pF, S, E, *13-14 1' p[receding]."  His offset from NGC 2998 (552" in PA 88°) is close to CGCG 210-039 = PGC 28252, although the RA in the NGC is 12 seconds too large (error carried over from NGC 2998).

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NGC 3009 = UGC 5264 = MCG +07-20-062 = CGCG 239-033 = Holm 146b = PGC 28303

09 50 11.1 +44 17 41; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (3/21/20): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, ~40" along major axis, broad weak concentration.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3010 5' ENE.

 

Alternative identification: NGC 3009 = NGC 3010sw = MCG +07-20-065

17.5" (2/8/91): this is the southwest member of the NGC 3010 triple system and noted as very faint, small, round.  UGC 5273b = MCG +07-20-066 is just 40" NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3009 = h640, along with NGC 3010, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138). He described it as "Not vF; R; bM; r.  The first of 2 [with NGC 3010]."  His position was 17 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of UGC 5264 = PGC 28303, a fairly large error of 3.4'.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for this galaxy in 1896.  But the identification is very uncertain and it's possible that NGC 3009 applies to the southwest component of the NGC 3010 triplet (NGC 3010B).  See Corwin's notes on NGC 3010 for the quite involved story.

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NGC 3010 = UGC 5273 NED1 = MCG +07-20-065 = CGCG 239-035 NED1 = Holm 146A = PGC 28335

09 50 33.2 +44 18 52; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 0.8'x0.45';  PA = 45°

 

24" (3/21/20): at 375x; triple system oriented SW to NE, with the NE member (NGC 3010C) the faintest.  It appeared extremely faint, slightly elongated, very low surface brightness, 15"x10".  The SW member was fairly faint, fairly small, ~24"x18" SW-NE, very small brighter nucleus and the middle galaxy was fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~20"x14", very small brighter nucleus.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): triple system consisting of two very faint, small, round "knots" (identified as UGC 5273a and 5273b in the UGC) with a separation of 40" oriented SW-NE.  The third component (UGC 5273c) is 1' NE and appeared as a mag 15.5 "star".  NGC 3009 lies 5' WSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3010 = h641, along with NGC 3009, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138).  He reported it as "F; pretty suddenly brighter middle; r; stars seen.  The second of 2 [with NGC 3009]."  There is nothing at his position, but 35 sec of RA east and 1.4' south is UGC 5273.  His RA for NGC 3009 is also off (to the west), but by only 16 sec, which is strange.  Another possibility is that h640 refers to the southwest component of NGC 3010 (MCG +07-20-065 = PGC 28330).  If that's the case, the relative offsets would be more in line but still not accurate.  Corwin notes that JH's descriptions are generic enough they don’t assist in choosing between these two alternatives.  So, he favors leaving the "traditional" identification as is.

 

The observations at Birr Castle are interesting.  The 1861 publication only includes the note "Several knots near [NGC 3009 and 3010].  The full account is given in the 1880 monograph.  On 1 Mar 1854 R.J. Mitchell recorded, "one pB [NGC 3009], 6' f and a little n are two others vF, about 3' apart pf; several others round about".  His separations are poor but probably the second part refers to NGC 3010 and one of its companions.  Thirty-five years later in 1878, Dreyer made another observation and wrote, "the f one [NGC 3010] is smaller and in a rectangular triangle of 3 stars."  At least one of these "stars" is likely a galaxy.  Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions of the two southern components of NGC 3010 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 3011 = UGC 5259 = MCG +05-23-038 = CGCG 152-069 = Mrk 409 = PGC 28259

09 49 41.2 +32 13 16; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, 0.8' diameter.  Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10 star.  A nice 10' string of 8 mag 10-12 stars oriented N-S is just a few arcminutes preceding.  Picked up at 100x and observation at 220x.  Member of the USGC U268 group (z ~.005) with brightest member NGC 3003 1.2° N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3011 = Sw. 3-47 on 21 Apr 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and remarked "eeF; eS; stel; a row of 8 or 10 pB stars nr preceding."  His position is 9 sec of RA west and 1' south of UGC 5259 and the row of stars is just as he described (north-south).

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NGC 3012 = UGC 5262 = MCG +06-22-017 = CGCG 182-023 = PGC 28270

09 49 52.1 +34 42 51; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, small, round, weak concentration, 0.6' diameter.  A mag 15 star is 1.5' W and a mag 12 star 3.5' SSE.  Picked up at 100x and views at 220x and 280x.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3012 on 30 Apr 1862 and described "vF, pL, R, Cometary.  A mag 11 star is 3 1/2' south-southeast."  His single position and description matches UGC 5262.

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NGC 3013 = MCG +06-22-018 = CGCG 182-024 = PGC 28300

09 50 09.4 +33 34 09; LMi

V = 14.6;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 64°

 

24" (4/20/14): faint, small, slightly elongated, 18"x15".  Situated 2.7' SE of mag 7.9 HD 85030.  A mag 15 star is 0.6' NE.  Located 10' WNW of NGC 3021.

 

17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 3' SE of mag 7.9 SAO 61706 which detracts from viewing.  Also a mag 14.5-15 star is 38" NE of center and confuses the observation.  Situated between fairly bright galaxies NGC 3021 10' E and NGC 3003 21' WSW.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3013 on 18 Mar 1874.  While viewing the field of NGC 3021 he found a nebula at 164.8" in PA 137.2° from a mag 8 star.  His offsets point directly to CGCG 182-024 = PGC 28300.  Due to a misprint in the NGC the declination was reported 40' too far north, although the earlier GC Supplement gave the correct position. As a result when Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 12 May 1896 he catalogued it as new in his 3rd discovery list (#1127).  In addition, the galaxy was found by Keeler on a Crossley plate taken between 1898-1900 and included in a catalogue of new nebulae (#188) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol. VIII.  Dreyer realized the NGC error and corrected the misprint in the IC 2 notes.

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NGC 3014 = MCG -01-25-043 = PGC 28222

09 49 07.7 -04 44 35; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (4/14/18): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~32"x24", broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, no nucleus.  A mag 14.7 star is close off the W side [0.7' WSW of center].  A pair of mag 13.5/14 stars at ~20" separation lies 2.5' N.  Two mag 8 and 9 stars lie 8' S and 9.5' SSE, respectively.  The 8th mag star (HD 85032) has an obvious orange tint (M1-type).  NGC 3014 is a member of the USGC S144 group with brightest member NGC 3022 27' SSE.

 

MCG -01-25-045, located 14.5' SE, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, very small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1' S.

 

17.5" (3/29/97): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness.  A mag 15 star is very close WSW [38" from the center].  A pair of mag 14 stars [19" separation] lie 3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3014 = h644 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234) and noted "eF; L; 60".  The preceding of two [with NGC 3022].  There is nothing at his position (the dec is marked as uncertain or approximate) though the NGC position is 30' further north (no reason given in the notes) and 2' south of this corrected position is MCG -01-25-043 = PGC 28222.

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NGC 3015 = UGC 5261 = MCG +00-25-020 = CGCG 007-041 = PGC 28240

09 49 22.9 +01 08 43; Sex

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  No brighter stars in field.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3015 = m 183 on 23 Apr 1864.  His position is just 1' north of UGC 5261 = PGC 28240.

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NGC 3016 = UGC 5266 = MCG +02-25-040 = CGCG 063-077 = Holm 147c = KTG 27A = PGC 28269

09 49 50.6 +12 41 43; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 70°

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately to fairly bright, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6', contains a relatively large, very bright core that increases to the center.  NGC 3019 lies 5.0' NE and CGCG 063-075 is 3.2' SW.  The latter galaxy appeared very faint and small, round, 12", low even surface brightness.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Second brightest of five in the NGC 3020 group.  NGC 3019 lies 5.4' NE and NGC 3020 is 8.2' NNE.

 

13.1" (4/28/84): fairly faint, small, round, almost even surface brightness.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3016, along with NGC 3019, on 21 Mar 1854.  There was no sketch or positions taken but the description reads "4 neb.  Two p and f [NGC 3016 and 3019] about 4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [NGC 3024] forming the vertex of an obtuse triangle, the 4th is about 4' further north and lenticular [NGC 3020]."  Only NGC 3019, NGC 3020 and NGC 3024 received GC numbers as John Herschel incorrectly assumed that h642 referred to the 4th galaxy (see NGC 3020 for the story).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 31 Dec 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhangen.  His position, measured on 4 nights, matches UGC 5266.  Dryer included it in the GC Supplement and credited d'Arrest.  Finally, Dreyer realized the equivalence and both LdR and d'Arrest are credited in the NGC

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NGC 3017 = MCG +00-25-019 = CGCG 007-040 = PGC 28220

09 49 03.0 -02 49 19; Sex

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.  Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 12.5 and 14.5 stars 2.4' NW and 2.7' SW, respectively.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3017 = LM 2-416 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His position is 20 sec of RA east and 2' south of MCG +00-25-019 and his note of "*11 at 3' in PA 300°" clinches this identification.

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NGC 3018 = UGC 5265 = MCG +00-25-021 = CGCG 007-042 = PGC 28258

09 49 41.5 +00 37 20; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 27°

 

48" (4/7/13): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.3', small bright core.  A mag 9.7 star is just 0.8' NW of center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3023 2.7' E.

 

48" (4/2/11): bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, fairly large, ~60"x15", very small bright core.  Located just 50" SE of mag 9.7 HD 85095 and 2.8' W of the fascinating galaxy NGC 3023 and Mrk 1236. 

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Dominated by a mag 10 star 48" NW of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3023 3' E.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3018 = St. 10-21 = Sw. 3-48 on 10 Mar 1880, along with NGC 3023 = St. 10-22.  His position is accurate.  Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later.  The RA in his 3rd discovery list was 0.4 minutes too small but his comment "* near north, preceding of 2 [with NGC 3023]" clinches the equivalence.

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NGC 3019 = MCG +02-25-044 = CGCG 063-081 = Holm 147d = PGC 28295

09 50 07.2 +12 44 46; Leo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30°

 

24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2'.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' NE.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small, almost round.  A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 48" from the center.  Fourth brightest of five in the NGC 3020.  Located 3.0' S of NGC 3020.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3019 on 21 Mar 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72", along with NGC 3016.  There is no published sketch but the description reads "4 neb.  Two p and f [NGC 3016 and 3019] about 4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [NGC 3024] forming the vertex of an obtuse triangle, the 4th is about 4' further north and lenticular [NGC 3020]."  The described orientations are poor and no positions were given, but they certainly refer to the four brightest galaxies.  Only a rough position is given in the GC and the NGC position is 3' south of CGCG 063-081 = PGC 28295.

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NGC 3020 = UGC 5271 = MCG +02-25-045 = CGCG 063-082 = Holm 147a = KTG 27B = PGC 28296

09 50 06.6 +12 48 49; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105°

 

24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.7'x1.0', large elongated core appears to be a bar, mottled appearance. Spiral structure was highly suspected in the halo. Largest and brightest in a quintet with NGC 3019 4' S, NGC 3024 5.5' SE, NGC 3016 8' SSW and CGCG 063-075 11' SW.  NGC 3020 and 3024 are a physical pair (z = .004), while the other three galaxies are in the backgroud at z = .03.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): brightest and largest in the NGC 3020 group, elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core but no nucleus, diffuse halo.  Nearby are NGC 3019 4.0' S, NGC 3024 5.4' SE.

 

13.1" (4/28/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated ~E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3020 = H. III-51 = h646 = h642, along with NGC 3024, on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177).  He described both as "Two [along with NGC 3024], both resolvable and eF. The preceding is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other.  Position about 20° np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157.  They require some attention before they are well seen." His single position is ~1.0 minute of RA too far east.

 

John Herschel made three observations under h646 and measured an accurate position, but on a 4th sweep he made an error recording the RA 1.0 minute too small and claimed a "nova" under h642.  Dreyer correctly equated the WH and JH designations in the NGC.

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NGC 3021 = UGC 5280 = MCG +06-22-019 = CGCG 182-025 = KTG 26B = PGC 28357

09 50 57.1 +33 33 13; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 110°

 

24" (4/20/14): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus, the halo has an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1' SE and a mag 14 star is at the north edge.  NGC 3013 lies 10' W and NGC 3003 is 20' WSW.  Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

13.1" (3/3/84): fairly bright, elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 10 star is 1.1' SE of center.  Located 30' NE of NGC 3003.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3021 = H. I-115 = h645 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, pL, lE, iF, mbM."  On 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51). John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; has a * 10m 20° sf, dist 30"."  Samuel Hunter's (Lord Rosse's assistant) sketch in 1863 shows a spiral arm of the east side, curling around towards the west.

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NGC 3022 = MCG -01-25-046 = PGC 28257

09 49 39.2 -05 09 59; Sex

V = 12.2;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 5.2' SW of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with MCG -01-25-044 3' WSW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3022 = h647 on 19 Feb 1830 (swweep 234) and recorded "F; R; very gradually little brighter middle; r. The following of 2 [with NGC 3014]."  His position matches MCG -01-25-046 = PGC 28257.

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NGC 3023 = UGC 5269 = MCG +00-25-022 = CGCG 007-043 = VV 620 = LGG 182-006 = PGC 28272

09 49 52.5 +00 37 07; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 2.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 70°

 

48" (4/7/13): at 375x; very bright, large, irregular, asymmetric with a bright, slightly elongated central region, ~40"x30".  Extending to the west of the core is large, faint halo or loop, most evident on the north side of the loop (spiral arm), which is brighter and more sharply defined as it sweeps to the west towards companion NGC 3018.  The loop extends the diameter to ~1.7'.  Mrk 1236 (likely an HII/star-forming region) is a very small, but very high surface brightness knot attached on the east side of the core.

 

LEDA 1170217 = MAC 0950+0035 was picked up in the field, 4.4' ESE.  It appeared faint (V = 16.6), small, slightly elongated, 15"x10", low even surface brightness.

 

48" (4/2/11): at 375x this bright, interacting galaxy has a very unusual, asymmetric appearance.  The central region is bright, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 40"x30", increases evenly to a very small, very bright nucleus.  A larger, outer halo extends mainly to the west.  The halo extends from the central region ~1' in a loop and is brightest along the rim, particularly looping from the north side of the core counterclockwise to the west [the DSS reveals this feature is a spiral arm].  This arm gives the visual impression of a partial ring extending the west of the core.

 

Mrk 1236, a bright HII knot (often classified as a Wolf-Rayet galaxy) is attached within the small halo on the east side of the core, just 25" ESE of center.  It appeared moderately bright, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~16"x8", very high surface brightness.  On the SDSS image this object is resolved into several clumps or knots.  NGC 3018 lies 2.8' W of center.  Located 3.4' ESE of mag 9.7 HD 85095.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3, broad concentration in halo but no nucleus.  A faint star or knot is visible on the east end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3018 3' W and also 3.4' ESE of a mag 10 star.  This is a double system which was probably recorded in the observation as a faint star/knot (Mrk 1236)!

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3023 = St. 10-20 = Sw. 3-49, along with NGC 3018 on 25 Mar 1879.  His published position was reduced on 10 Mar 1880 and included in his 10th discovery list.  Lewis Swift rediscovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later and included it in his 3rd discovery list (#49).  Both Stephan (1) and Swift (2) were credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3024 = UGC 5275 = MCG +02-25-046 = CGCG 063-084 = Holm 147b = KTG 27C = PGC 28324

09 50 27.4 +12 45 56; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 125°

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright very elongated core, 1.3'x0.3'.  A mag 14 star is off the SE end (aligned with the major axis).

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, thin edge-on NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3', brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 1.4' from center.  This galaxy is the third brightest of five in the NGC 3020 group.  NGC 3020 lies 5.7' NW and NGC 3019 is 5' ESE.

 

13.1" (4/28/84): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE.  A mag 13.5 star is off the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3024 = H. III-52 = h648, along with NGC 3020, on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). He described the together as "Two, both resolvable and eF. The preceding [NGC 3020] is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other.  Position about 20° np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157.  They require some attention before they are well seen."  His single position was ~1.0 minute of RA too large.

 

John Herschel made a single observation on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242): "vF; pL; E.  PD estimated from III.51 [NGC 3020] which precedes."  His "estimated polar distance" was 1.2' too far south.

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NGC 3025 = ESO 566-015 = MCG -04-23-018 = PGC 28249

09 49 29.1 -21 44 32; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration, halo fades into background.  With averted vision, the halo increases to over 1' in diameter.  Located 2.6' NW of mag 9.3 SAO 178051.  A distinctive grouping of four mag 13-14 stars lies ~4' NW.  ESO 566-018 lies 14' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3025 = h3192 on 21 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF, vS, R, north of a * 9 m."  His position and description is an exact match with ESO 566-015.

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NGC 3026 = UGC 5279 = MCG +05-23-043 = CGCG 152-074 = PGC 28351

09 50 55.4 +28 33 05; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 82°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, even fairly low surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3026 = Sw. 3-50 on 22 May 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff; in vacancy, found searching for Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]."  His position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 5279 = PGC 28351.

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NGC 3027 = UGC 5316 = VV 358 = MCG +12-10-009 = CGCG 332-068 = CGCG 333-006 = PGC 28636

09 55 40.5 +72 12 13; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 4.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 130°

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, 3'x2', weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Two mag 15 stars are superimposed at the NW end of the major axis and at the south edge.  NGC 2985 lies 25' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3027 = H. V-23 = h643 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390). He logged "faint, large, little extended, resolvable, 6' or 7' long, 5' or 6' broad."  His position was just off the east side of UGC 5316.  He also observed it on his last sweep 1112, conducted under the pole on 30 Sep 1802.  John Herschel recorded this object on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382) as "eF; vL; very gradually little brighter middle; 3' l; 2.5' br."

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NGC 3028 = ESO 566-016 = PGC 28276

09 49 54.1 -19 11 05; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 48°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, round, 35" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star lies 3.2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3028 = h3193 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; little brighter middle; 15"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 566-016 = PGC 28276.

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NGC 3029 = MCG -01-25-047 = PGC 28206

09 48 54.0 -08 03 04; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 46°

 

17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very low surface brightness.  Located 4.5' E of a mag 11 star.  Collinear with two mag 13 star to the NE.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3029 = Sw. 3-51 on 8 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.  His description simply reads "pF; pS; R."  His position is 1.5 tmin E and 6.5' N of MCG -01-25-047, so this identification seems very uncertain.  RNGC and RC3 identify this object as MCG -01-25-047 (not MCG, though).  The MCG RA is +1 tmin too far E.

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NGC 3030 = MCG -02-25-021 = PGC 28302

09 50 10.5 -12 13 35; Hya

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1' NNW.  Located 2.5' NNW of mag 8.5 SAO 155521.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3030 = LM 2-417 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.2' dia, R, gradually brighter then suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus."  His position is only 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of MCG -02-25-021 = PGC 28302.  Herbert Howe's corrected position made with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory (published in Monthly Notices 1899) is accurate.

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NGC 3031 = M81 = UGC 5318 = MCG +12-10-010 = CGCG 333-007 = PGC 28630 = Bode's Nebula

09 55 33.2 +69 03 55; UMa

V = 6.9;  Size 26.9'x14.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 157°

 

48" (4/15/10): dazzling view of M81 at 267x (21mm Ethos) and 330x (17mm Nagler).  The  galaxy is elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE and extends at least 20'x10'.  The brightness level increases gradually to the center from the large, very bright oval core but is punctuated at the center by an extremely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  A bright spiral arm attaches to the galaxy on the northwest end and bends abruptly to the south, passing across a mag 12 star located 5' NW of center.  As it heads southeast, the arm separates from the main glow of the galaxy and can be traced as it passes just north of double star STF 1387 = 10.8/10.8 at 9", ending to the northeast of the striking double star STF 1386 = 9.3/9.3 at 2.1".  The total length of this arm is ~15'.  The second main arm is more prominent, attaching to the main body on the south end.  This arm is much brighter in a narrow arc as it curves around at its south end.  The southern arm is still relatively narrow with a very well defined edge as it sweeps NNW and gradually separates from the main body.

 

Holmberg IX was visible 10.5' E of the center of M81. With this dwarf galaxy centered in the eyepiece, the outer halo of M81 was visible near the edge of the field.  At 330x it appeared very faint, fairly large, 2' diameter, round, low even surface brightness with no noticeable concentration.  The galaxy is nestled within a kite asterism including a mag 13 star 1.3' S.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): Type II SN 1993J was very prominent at 11th magnitude (2.8' SSW of nucleus).  This supernova was followed for a number of nights, even in light-polluted skies in my 10" at home.  This supernova was one the brightest SNe of the 20th century, reaching mag 10.7-10.8.

 

17.5" (many dates starting 3/23/85): very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, about 16'x8', large oval bright middle, bright core, nearly stellar nucleus.  Two mag 11.5 and 11.9 stars are superimposed in the halo at the south edge of the core.  An easily visible spiral arm is attached near these two stars at the south end of the core.  This arm curves due north along the east side and is well separated from the main body.  A second arm was suspected on 10/12/85 as a short extension curving around the NNW end towards a mag 12 star at the WNW edge of the halo and was described as "shorter and much less prominent.  The second arm was definitely seen on 1/31/87.  Mag 8.7 SAO 15020 (STF 1386 = 9.3/9.3 at 2") lies 10' SSW and the striking double star STF 1387 = 10.7/10.7 at 9" is 8' SSW.  Forms a very striking pair at low power with M82 37' N.  The bright supernova 1993j was located 3' SSW of the core and formed a right triangle with the two mag 11.5/11.9 stars south of the core.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): extremely faint arm attached at the southeast end near two stars and curves to the east.

 

8": very bright, bright core, large oval halo, elongated NW-SE, two faint stars involved.

 

Johann Bode discovered M81 = NGC 3031 = h649, along with M82, on 31 Dec 1774.  Pierre Méchain independently discovered M81 in Aug 1779.

 

William Herschel's first observation of M81 and M82 was on 6 Aug 1783 with his 12-inch (called the small 20-ft), according to Wolfgang Steinicke.  He next observed the pair on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100, under the pole) and described M81 as "extremely bright, the bright part [core] confined to a very small place; very much elongated fron north preceding to south following; the nebulosity is of the milky kind; it exceeds the limits of the field."  On his last recorded sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802, he wrote "very bright, extremely large; it very nearly fills all the field, it loses itself imperceptibly, much elongated np sf; I can trace it nearly 1/2° in extent beyond the brightest part."  Due to an issue with the ropes and the polar distances, Caroline assumed M81 was M82!   M82, itself, was catalogued as a new object (IV. 79) by John Herschel in his Cape Catalogue of 1847 (see NGC 3034).

 

On 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) John Herschel described h649 as "extremely bright; extremely large; elongated, position angle = 156°, gradually brighter and then suddenly very much brighter middle, with faint rays of light nearly to extremities of field (15').  The most condensed part is 4' long and 3' broad."  He mistakenly identified the galaxy as M82, though, probably due to the mix-up by his aunt.  It wasn't until the NGC in 1888 that the various catalogue entries for M81 and M82 were correctly sorted out!

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NGC 3032 = UGC 5292 = MCG +05-23-046 = CGCG 152-077 = PGC 28424

09 52 08.2 +29 14 10; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, very small, almost round, very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus, surrounded by small very faint halo.  Located midway between mag 8.6 SAO 81056 1.7' N and a mag 10 star 1.9' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3032 = h650 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "a *12 with an eF atmos about 10-12".  It is between a *8-9m n p and one = 10m, s f, neither of which are so affected. A curious object." His position and description applies, although the two stars are more nearly north and south.

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NGC 3033 = Cr 212 = ESO 167-006

09 48 39 -56 24 42; Vel

V = 8.8;  Size 5'

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this is a small 4' group of ~30 stars situated just SW of mag 6.1 HD 85250.  Many of the stars are arranged in a loop or oval on the SW side of the star, so the combination with the bright star appears similar to a diamond ring.  The cluster members are fairly uniform in brightness with a number of mag 11 stars.  A wide double star 5' SE (9.5/11.5 at 26") is collinear with HD 85250.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3033 = h3194 on 27 Feb 1835 and logged "irregularly round cluster, 8' diameter, of 50 or 60 stars, 11 and 12 mag. In the milky way, but sufficiently rich and distinct to be registered as a cluster."

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NGC 3034 = M82 = Arp 337 = UGC 5322 = MCG +12-10-011 = CGCG 333-008 = UMa A = PGC 28655 = Cigar Galaxy

09 55 52.7 +69 40 46; UMa

V = 8.4;  Size 11.2'x4.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 65°

 

48" (4/15/10): stunning view at 330x with numerous irregular dark rifts slicing up the mottled, clumpy surface.  Several very small, bright knots or condensations (Super Star Clusters - SSCs) are just west of a dark wedge that pierces the galaxy on the south side and tapers as it cuts across the center at an oblique angle.  The very bright section of the galaxy to the northeast of the dark absorption wedge also displays mottled structure.  Another prominent dark inclusion cuts into the galaxy from the north on the northeast side of the galaxy.  A very faint extension of low surface brightness haze (the superwind outflow) bulges out from the main portion of the galaxy on the south side.  This glow is west of the dark wedge and east of a mag 10.5 star located 5.8' SW of center. On images this large bulge appears to explode out from the galaxy with filamentary structure.  Overall, there was too much visible structure to describe from a couple of minutes at the eyepiece.

 

24" (1/25/14): viewed type-Ia SN 2014J (discovered 4 days earlier), which was close to 11th magnitude and apparently still brightening. It appeared a pale orange or red color!  I don't know if this was due to intervening dust in M82, but I hadn't seen this effect before in a supernova.  This is the closest type-Ia discovered in the past 42 years.

 

17.5" (10/12/85): very bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 10' x 2.5', large bright irregular core.  Very mottled with an unusually high surface brightness.  Unique appearance with several dark cuts oblique to the major axis including a prominent wedge or cut nearly through the center.  A mag 10 star is just south of the SW end 5.8' from the center

 

13.1" (4/24/82 and 11/5/83): highly mottled with two obvious dark lanes.

 

8": bright, spindle, mottled.  A dark wedge cuts into the galaxy near the center from the south side.

 

10x50 binoculars: faintly visible though easier in 15x50's.

 

Johann Bode discovered M82 = NGC 3034 = H. IV-79, along with M81, on 31 Dec 1774.  Pierre Méchain independently discovered M82 in Aug 1779.

 

William Herschel observed M82 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100).  His description reads "extremely bright, much extended south preceding north following, about 10' long."  He also observed in on his final sweep 1112, conducted on 30 Sep 1802 (sweep 1112): "a very bright, beautiful ray of light, brightest in the middle of all the length, about 8' long and 2 or 3' broad."  Due to an issue with the ropes and the polar distances, Caroline assumed M81 (observed immediately after) was M82 and she recorded M82 as new!  William viewed M82 again on 23 Dec 1805 with the X-ft telescope (24-inch f/5) and noted "It seems to be mottled in the length containing brightish places like stars."

 

Due to his aunt's error, John Herschel added M82 as one of 8 new "HON" objects ("Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Catalogue of 1847, with Herschel designator IV. 79.  This list was meant to include new discoveries found after observations for the third catalogue of 500 objects were completed.  In the General Catalogue (GC), John realized the error and correctly associated M82 = HON 4 = IV. 79, though M81 has two entries (GC 1949 and GC 1953), the second from his father's observation on sweep 1112.  It wasn't until the NGC in 1888 that the various catalogue entries for M81 and M82 were correctly sorted out!

 

Ralph Copeland made the first published comment about dark lanes on 21 May 1871 as the observing assistant on the 72".  He noted "A most extraordinary object, at least 10' in length, and crossed by several dark bands."

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NGC 3035 = MCG -01-25-052 = PGC 28415

09 51 55.0 -06 49 23; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3035 = St. 10-23 on 25 Mar 1879.  His published position was reduced on 5 Mar 1880 and is an exact match with MCG -01-25-052.

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NGC 3036 = ESO 126-027

09 49 20 -62 40 30; Car

Size 10'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): nice cluster consisting of two main groups with offshoots.  Overall fairly rich with roughly 30 stars in the southern group and 15 in the northern.  The larger southern group forms an elongated looping chain and extends ~6'x1.5'.  It includes a mag 9.9 star near the west end and a 11.5/12.5 pair at 15" on the southwest end.  Two mag 10 stars are at the east end.  The distinct northern chain also includes a 14" pair.  This cluster is situated 12' WNW of mag 5.6 HD 85656.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3036 = h3197 on 7 Mar and recorded "The chief star 10m of a cluster class VIII of sc st 10' dia.  It is one the borders of the milky way."  His position corresponds with a mag 10 star on the west side of a scattered group that is well-defined on the DSS.  JH's original Cape position was 20' too far north but he corrected it on the errata page, so the GC and NGC position is accurate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 3037 = ESO 499-010 = MCG -04-24-002 = PGC 28381

09 51 24.2 -27 00 40; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 1.0' diameter, very little concentration.  A 30" pair of mag 14 stars close SE (~1.5') is collinear with the center of the galaxy.  Located 5.4' SSW of mag 9.7 SAO 178100.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3037 = h3195 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; little brighter middle; 30"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 499-010 = PGC 28381.

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NGC 3038 = ESO 374-002 = MCG -05-24-001 = AM 0949-323 = LGG 184-002 = PGC 28376

09 51 15.4 -32 45 09; Ant

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 130°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.2', large bright core, very faint halo, brighter quasi-stellar nucleus.  Three IC galaxies lie to the west with IC 2513 the closest at 17' SW.  Member of a poor group (LGG 184)

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, slightly elongated oval WSW-ENE, fairly small, bright core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3038 = Sw. 3-52 on 27 Feb 1886 and noted "pB; pS; R."  His position is just 40" north of ESO 374-002.

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NGC 3039 = UGC 5297 = MCG +00-25-027 = CGCG 007-051 = PGC 28452

09 52 29.6 +02 09 15; Sex

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 12°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 3.9' WSW and two mag 12.5 stars lie 3.0' W and 1.5' N.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3039 = m 184 on 22 Jan 1865 and logged "vF, S, iR."  His position matches UGC 5297.

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NGC 3040 = UGC 5300 = MCG +03-25-037 = CGCG 092-067 = Holm 148a = PGC 28479

09 53 05.1 +19 25 56; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 170°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'.  Fairly well concentrated with a bright, round 20" core and faint extensions.  A mag 14 star lies 1.8' SSE.  Brightest in a triple system, including Ho 148b at the northeast edge (companions not seen).

 

CGCG 92-065, located 12' N, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Contained a stellar nucleus in moments of steady seeing.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3040 = St. 13-53 on 16 Mar 1882.  His published position in list 13 was reduced on 25 Mar 1884 and matches UGC 5300.

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NGC 3041 = UGC 5303 = MCG +03-25-039 = CGCG 092-068 = PGC 28485

09 53 07.2 +16 40 40; Leo

V = 11.5;  Size 3.7'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, large, diffuse, slightly elongated.  A mag 13 is just off the SW end 1.5' from the center and two mag 14.5 stars are at the NW edge 1.2' from center and at the north edge 1' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3041 = H. II-98 = h3196 on 23 Mar 1784 (sweep 184).  His description reads, "L, not vF, resolvable, R, not much bM.  North following the most south of 2 bright stars and not far from it; the nebulosity reaches up the bright star."  Interestingly, John Herschel called this galaxy a globular cluster and noted "F; L; R; very gradually little brighter in the middle; 2.5' dia; resolved with left eye."  Dreyer noted it was not a globular in 1876 observation at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3042 = UGC 5307 = MCG +00-25-030 = CGCG 007-054 = PGC 28498

09 53 20.1 +00 41 51; Sex

V = 12.9;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 111°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, very small bright core, very faint extensions from core.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' SW of core.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3042 = m 185 on 30 Apr 1864 and recorded "pB, S, vlE, gradually brighter in the middle."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3043 = UGC 5327 = MCG +10-14-052 = CGCG 289-023 = PGC 28672

09 56 14.6 +59 18 25; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 84°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.5', small bright core.  Located 8' S of mag 7.9 SAO 27433.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3043 = H. II-835 = h651 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and noted "cF; S; E."  His position is within 1' of UGC 5327.  John Herschel described it on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) as "eF; pL; 35"; very gradually brighter middle; has a *10 m 7' n."

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NGC 3044 = UGC 5311 = MCG +00-25-031 = CGCG 007-056 = FGC 965 = PGC 28517

09 53 40.8 +01 34 46; Sex

V = 11.9;  Size 4.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 113°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE, dimensions 3.5'x0.5', broadly concentration but does not contain a well-defined core.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very pretty, very thin edge-on streak at 166x-214x, moderately large, brighter middle.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3044 = H. III-254 = h652 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and recorded "eF, mE, 3 or 5' long and near 1' br from np to sf; but not far from the parallel."  One week later on 20 Dec (sweep 348) he logged "very faint; about 5' long but extremely narrow, less than 1/4' broad; from np to sf."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 7) as an example of "very narrow long nebulae."  John Herschel measured an accurate position on 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) and recorded, "vF; mE, pos = 111.5°; 80" l, 15" br.  Aurora in sky, even at this polar distance."  The UGC, RC3 list the PA = 13°, but it should read 113°.

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NGC 3045 = ESO 566-22 = MCG -03-25-028 = PGC 28492

09 53 17.7 -18 38 43; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 110°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, no details.  Located 17' W of NGC 3052.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3045 = h3198 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; little brighter middle; 30"."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3046 = ESO 499-015

09 53 22.0 -27 19 19; Ant

 

= *?, RNGC and ESO.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3046 = h3199 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "pF; R.  RA precarious; a hurried observation." His position is 30" south of a mag 14.6 star and RNGC and ESO identify NGC 3046 as a star.  I would think it likely this was a duplicate observation of NGC 3051 except that both were recorded on the same sweep!  Still, Harold Corwin suggests this may be a case (there are two others) where he accidentally recorded the same object twice in the sweep.

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NGC 3047 = UGC 5323se = MCG +00-25-033 = (CGCG 007-059) = PGC 28577

09 54 32.0 -01 17 27; Sex

V = 13.6;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.3' SSE of mag 8.6 SAO 137215.  Forms a double system with a very faint stellar companion (NGC 3047A) just 40" WNW of center.

 

George Hough discovered NGC 3047 on 24 Apr 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described as "small and round, very faint."  Both Hough and Sherburne Burnham reobserved the galaxy on 5 May and Dreyer credited the pair.  The discovery position in AN 2524 is 8 tsec W (only given to the nearest tenth of a tmin) of UGC 5323.

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NGC 3048 = CGCG 092-071 = PGC 28595

09 54 56.5 +16 27 23; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' SE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3053 8.7' ESE.  A very faint galaxy (LEDA 1509261) off the NE side was not noticed.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3048 = m186 on 27 Apr 1864 and simply noted "eF".  His position matches CGCG 092-071.  Two extremely faint galaxies are close to the east (slightly larger redshifts).

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NGC 3049 = UGC 5325 = MCG +02-25-055 = CGCG 063-103 = Mrk 710 = PGC 28590

09 54 49.6 +09 16 17; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.4' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.9' SW of center.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3049 = St. 12-37 on 13 Mar 1874 and described it as "very faint, very small, faint star very near.".  His published position (list 12, #37) was measured 8 years later on 20 Mar 1882

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NGC 3050 = NGC 2979 = MCG -02-25-012

09 43 08.6 -10 23 01; Sex

 

See observing notes for NGC 2979.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3050 = LM 2-418 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His notes inlcude "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE 200°, gradually brighter middle to a nucleus."  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of time).

 

Harold Corwin suggests, NGC 3050 is a duplicate of NGC 2979 (discovered by WH), which is located is over 11 tmin of RA west of Muller's position!  But the declination matches and the description and position angle is a good fit, so if a 10 min recording error in RA was made, this identification is likely.

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NGC 3051 = NGC 3046: = ESO 499-016 = MCG -04-24-004 = LGG 185-001 = PGC 28536

09 53 58.6 -27 17 11; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Broadly concentrated halo containing a very small bright core.  Located 14' ENE of mag 6.4 SAO 178130.  NGC 3037 lies 38' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3051 = h3201 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded ""pF, S, R, gradually brighter in the middle; 20 arcseconds."  His position matches ESO 499-016.  NGC 3046 may be a duplicate observation.  See notes on that number.

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NGC 3052 = ESO 566-026 = MCG -03-25-030 = PGC 28570

09 54 28.0 -18 38 21; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 102°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated, diffuse, weak concentration.  Located 23' NNW of mag 4.9 SAO 155588.  NGC 3045 lies 17' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3052 = H. III-272 = h3202 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pS, irr.  A lttle brighter towards the middle."  Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' southeast of ESO 566-026 = PGC 28570.  John Herschel logged "pF; L; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 50" and measured an accurate position (in the NGC).

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NGC 3053 = UGC 5329 = MCG +03-25-040 = CGCG 092-074 = CGCG 093-001 = PGC 28631

09 55 33.6 +16 25 58; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, oval NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3048 8.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3053 = H. III-600 = h3200 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and noted "vF, S, iR."  Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' north of UGC 5329.  John Herschel called it "vF; lE; gradually brighter in the middle; 25"."

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NGC 3054 = ESO 499-018 = MCG -04-24-005 = UGCA 187 = LGG 185-007 = PGC 28571

09 54 28.6 -25 42 13; Hya

V = 11.8;  Size 3.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 123°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo, elongated WNW-ESE.  Brightest in a group (LGG 185) including NGC 3051, 3078, 3084 and 3089.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 3054 on 3 Apr 1859, perhaps while asteroid hunting, with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory.  His RA was 6 seconds of time too small.

 

Ormond Stone found this galaxy again on 14 Jan 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded it as #60 in the first LM first discovery list.  His rough RA was ~1.5 minutes of time too large but his description (PA = 120°, 2.7'x0.8') matches this galaxy.

 

Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 at the Helwan Observatory, the galaxy was described as "F, 3'x2', E 110°, spiral with pF almost stellar nucleus and faint well defined whorls [arms]."

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NGC 3055 = UGC 5328 = MCG +01-25-034 = CGCG 035-087 = PGC 28617

09 55 18.1 +04 16 11; Sex

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 63°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, moderately large.  There is a sharper light cut-off on the east side due to dust.  Located 5.7' SSE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3055 = H. VI-4 = h656 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 116).  He described it as "a nebula or cluster of very close and small stars."  Herschel misplaced this galaxy in his class VI of "Very condensed and rich clusters of stars."  A similar error was made with NGC 6412.

 

John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143), "pB, gradually brighter in the middle; r; lE; 60" l, 40" br; twilight.  No other cluster or neb near."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 15 Mar 1855, recorded the following detail: "E sp nf, has a B nucl and a knot in sp end, or rather a twist towards then."  The following January he remarked "I see it as last year with appendage or curved branch at sp end."

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NGC 3056 = ESO 435-007 = MCG -05-24-003 = AM 0952-280 = PGC 28576

09 54 32.9 -28 17 53; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 16°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very small, bright core, very slightly elongated halo N-S.  A mag 12.5 star is off the NE end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3056 = h3203 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; very suddenly much brighter middle; has a * 10m almost contiguous; pos from neb = 203.8°.  His position and description matches ESO 435-007, though the position angle of the bright star is off by 180°.

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NGC 3057 = UGC 5404 = MCG +14-05-010 = PGC 29296

10 05 39.5 +80 17 09; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, elongated.  Two mag 13-14 stars are off the south edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3057 = H. III-978 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, under the pole).  He recorded "extremely faint, pretty large, very little brighter middle.  Just north of 2 small stars that are nearly in the parallel [E-W]."  Caroline's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 5404, though I don't know what two stars he was referring to.  This object is the 500th discovery listed in Herschel's third catalogue although he left three additional ones out which exceeded the 500 limit.  Sweep 1111 was his second to last and NGC 3057 was his third most northern discovery (NGC 6252/51 are #1 and #2) in terms of 1800 coordinates.

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NGC 3058 = IC 573 = MCG -02-25-026 = VV 741 = PGC 28513

09 53 35.7 -12 28 55; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 35°

 

28" (4/12/18): at 366x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~40"x25", very small slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 13.6 star is 1.1' W.  A very close, faint pair (~6" separation)  is 1.1' SSE.

 

NGC 3058 is interacting with NGC 3058 NED1 = LEDA 3442467, only 18" NW of center. The companion was very faint, extremely small, ~10" diameter, virtually attached to NGC 3058.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' W.  A wide mag 12/13 pair at 45" separation lies 2' SSW and a mag 12/13.5 pair at 30" separation E-W lies 3.5' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3058 = LM 1-159 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, size 1.2', double or binuclear, tri-nuclear?". There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA) but about 2 min of RA west is the double system MCG -02-25-026. This type of large error in RA is fairly common with positions in the first Leander McCormick list and his description clinches the identification.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 20 Apr 1892 and measured a fairly accurate position for J. 1-171 (later IC 573). So NGC 3058 = IC 573 though MCG only uses the IC designation for MCG -02-25-002.  In his Dec. 1899 paper on NGC/IC observations, Howe described NGC 3058 as a multiple galaxy "p.a. 210 deg, dist 20", nf galaxy brighter" and measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

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NGC 3059 = ESO 037-007 = PGC 28298

09 50 08.5 -73 55 18; Car

V = 11.0;  Size 3.6'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 71°

 

24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appears fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.  Appears to have a central bar or an elongated core (barred spiral).  At moments I caught a glimpse of a faint stellar nucleus.  The halo is large, ~2.5'x2.0' and seems mottled.  Surrounded by a number of stars in a rich star field and situated 5' ESE of a mag 9 star.  I accidentally forgot to check this object off from the previous night so it was still on my observing list, though I suspected it had been seen earlier.

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, ~3.0'x2.5', weak concentration except for a small elongated core or bar (this is a face-on barred spiral).  Overall the surface brightness is fairly low, but fairly impressive due to its large size and central bar.  The galaxy is surrounded by a number of mag 13 stars.  A mag 8.9 star (HD 85642) lies 5' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3059 = h3205 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; L; irreg R; gradually little brighter middle; 3'; many vS stars near and in it."  His position (corrected in a list of errata at the end of the CGH) matches ESO 037-007.

 

NGC 2867 was probably first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "eF * involved in circular nebula, possible ring neb."

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NGC 3060 = UGC 5338 = MCG +03-26-002 = CGCG 093-003 = PGC 28680

09 56 19.2 +16 49 52; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, bright core, no well-defined nucleus, faint extensions taper to points.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3060 = H. III-601 = h3204 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and recorded "vF, cS, lE, easily resolvable."

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NGC 3061 = UGC 5319 = MCG +13-07-040 = CGCG 350-036 = PGC 28670

09 56 11.9 +75 51 59; Dra

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  There are two faint stars at the edges;  a mag 14.5 star 1.8' NW of center and a faint 15 star 0.9' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3061 = H. II-903 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "faint, pretty large, resolvable."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian by 7°.  A corrected position matching UGC 5319 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues.  See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on William Herschel's sweeps.

 

John Herschel observed what he assumed was his father's II. 903, and recorded h653 as "very doubtful.  Moonlight and haze."  There is nothing at or near his poisition (noted in the 1911 Monthly Notices paper).  JH used his position, though, and basically his father's description (changing "F" to "vF") in the GC and Dreyer followed this in the NGC.  So, NGC 3061 = H. II. 903 and not h653.

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NGC 3062 = CGCG 008-002 = PGC 28699

09 56 35.7 +01 25 43; Sex

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 65°

 

17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Not noticed at 100x but easy at 220x.  Based on description, I probably viewed the brighter core only and missed the fainter extensions.  Located 45' ESE of NGC 3044.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3062 = m 187 with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, vS, alm stellar."  His position matches Marth's position matches PGC 28699.

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NGC 3063

10 01 41.6 +72 07 05; UMa

V = 14.8/15.1;  Size 10"

 

= **, Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3063 = H. II-909 on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112!).  It was found in the field of NGC 3065 and 3066 (both discovered on 3 Apr 1785), the full description reading,  "Three, the place is that of the last, which is faint, pretty large, round.  The south preceding one extremely faint, very small, about 1' more south and 20 seconds preceding. The north preceding one pretty bright, stellar, about 3' more north than that of which the place is taken and 30 seconds preceding."  Caroline apparently thought the last one was new, but the description applies to NGC 3066.  The ""south preceding one", which was assumed to be NGC 3066, likely refers to a pair of mag 14.9 stars at 11" separation.  When d'Arrest observed the field he also recorded the pair (GCS 5512) and d'Arrest's position was used in the NGC, correctly placing NGC 3063 to the west of NGC 3065 and 3066.

 

Herschel didn't include this object in his third catalogue as he had already reached his 500 object threshold, but John Herschel added it in an appendix to his Cape Catalogue (HON 5 = [William] Herschel Omitted Nebulae"), with the designation II-909 (later GC 1972).  There was confusion, though, which objects were the two nebulae previously discovered -- Caroline apparently thought the eastern most object (NGC 3066) was new.  As a result, John Herschel called it the third of three, instead of the first of three.  This confusion carried into the NGC and even Dreyer's 1912 commentary on William Herschel's third catalogue.  See Corwin's notes for the full history.

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NGC 3064 = MCG -01-26-001 = PGC 28638

09 55 41.5 -06 21 50; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, low even surface brightness.  A distinctive group of mag 11-13 stars is roughly 5' NE.  The brighter mag 11 stars form a rectangle with a 13th magnitude star in the center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3064 = LM 1-161 on 6 May 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, vS, E45°."  A second listing LM I-162, has the note "same as 161?" and was not included in the NGC.  It may refer to a different observation of NGC 3064 or Harold Corwin suggests it may be MCG -01-26-005.  His rough position for LM 1-161 (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct - just 0.2 tmin east of MCG -01-26-001.

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NGC 3065 = UGC 5375 = MCG +12-10-014 = CGCG 333-010 = VII Zw 303 = PGC 29046

10 01 55.3 +72 10 13; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 11 star is 1.4' NW.  Forms a close striking pair with slightly fainter NGC 3066 3.1' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3065 = H. II-333 = h654, along with NGC 3066, on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390).  His description reads, "Two, pretty faint, small, brighter middle.  The most north [NGC 3065] a little larger and brighter than the southern one [NGC 3066]; otherwise much alike; not far from being in the same meridian."  Caroline's reduced position is ~30 seconds of RA east of UGC 5375 and UGC 5379.  This pair was also the very last object Herschel observed on his final sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802.  He also noted a third object (NGC 3063), which is probably a faint double star.

 

John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), noting "vF; S; R; 10"; near a * 11-12m."  The NGC position (from d'Arrest) matches UGC 5375.

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NGC 3066 = UGC 5379 = MCG +12-10-015 = CGCG 333-011 = Mrk 133 = PGC 29059

10 02 11.0 +72 07 31; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, gradual moderate concentration but no sharp core.  Only slightly fainter than NGC 3065 3' NNW but has a smoother surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3066 = H. II-334 = h655, along with NGC 3065, on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390). He recorded "Two, pretty faint, small, bright middle.  The most north [NGC 3065] a little larger and brighter than the southern one [NGC 3066]; otherwise much alike; not far from being in the same meridian."  Caroline's reduced position is 30 seconds of RA east of the pair. The pair was the very last objects Herschel observed on his final sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802 and were described as "faint, pretty large, round."  He also also recorded a third object (later NGC 3063), which is a faint double star, but the positions and identifications of the three objects were confused by both Herschels.  Dreyer sorted things out in the NGC, although Steinicke lists NGC 3063 as "Not found".  See NGC 3063.

 

John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), noting "F; R; 20"; very gradually little brighter middle." The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is accurate.

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NGC 3067 = UGC 5351 = MCG +06-22-046 = CGCG 182-051 = KTG 26C = PGC 28805

09 58 21.1 +32 22 12; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105°

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter elongated central section is mottled and appears to have a sharp light cut-off (dust lane) on the northern flank, the eastern end of the galaxy has a lower surface brightness, probably due to dust. Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

3C 232 = Ton 469, a distant quasar with a redshift of z = .531 (light-travel time of 5.3 billion years), lies 1.9' due north.  It was easily visible at 375x as a very faint mag 16 star.  A brighter mag 15 star is 1.4' WSW of the quasar.  This QSR was central to another Arp controversy as a “HI finger” or bridge appears to connect the quasar and NGC 3067.

 

24" (4/20/14): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5', contains a large bright core that is very mottled with several very small knots (HII regions and dust on the SDSS).  The southeast side of the halo is weaker with an irregular surface brightness. A mag 9.8 star is 3.9' ENE.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter core bulges but no nucleus, extensions taper towards ends.  Located 3.8' WSW of a mag 9.5 star. 

 

8": faint, very elongated ~E-W.  A mag 9 star is 4' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3067 = H. II-492 = h657 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "pB, pL, lE nearly in the parallel."  John Herschel made 3 observations and wrote on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), "pB; pL; E in parallel; gradually brighter in the middle; 60" l, 40" br; has a * 10th mag n f."

 

A total of 15 observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 13 Mar 1850, LdR (or assistant George Stoney) noted the following detail: "Longitudinal split visible occasionally, at least in following 2/3.  A bright streak seemed to run transversely across neb."

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NGC 3068 = Arp 174 NED2 = UGC 5353b = MCG +05-24-006 NED2 = CGCG 153-006 = PGC 28815

09 58 40.1 +28 52 39; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, contains a small bright core, ~15" diameter.  The oval halo has a very low surface brightness and appears to extend ~25"x18" E-W.

 

NGC 3068 is the brighter of a close, interacting pair with NGC 3068 NED1 = PGC 87670 just 36" SE (between centers).  The companion was extremely to very faint, round, only 10" diameter at most.  Although I couldn't hold this compact galaxy continuously (V = 15.6), it was often visible.  There was no sign of a connection between the pair or the long, diffuse tidal tail to the southwest.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (much smaller than listed dimensions). A mag 12.5 star is 2.8' N.  No details were visible (viewed through thin clouds) and the fainter companion 35" SW was not seen.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3068 = H. III-293 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and recorded"suspected, eF, eS, stellar. 240 left it doubtful, but showed the same suspicious nebulous which other stars of equal size were free from."  His position is 6' N of UGC 5353.  Dreyer has a note in the NGC that Auwers' reduction was incorrect due to a error in the identification of the offset star in Philosophical Transactions.

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NGC 3069 = IC 580 = MCG +02-26-005 = CGCG 064-010 = PGC 28788

09 57 56.7 +10 25 57; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, very small.  Located on a line with NGC 3070 5.0' SSE and 30" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars 2' NNW.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 3069 on 15 Mar 1877 as LdR's assistant.  While observing NGC 3070 he noted "5' nnp is an object which I have little doubt is a vF, vS, neb, perhaps lE.  Clouds." At his separation and direction is CGCG 064-010 = PGC 28788.

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1892 and recorded J. 1-175 as "pF, vS, iF".  His position is very close north of NGC 3069.  CGCG labels this galaxy IC 580, but it is clear NGC 3069 = IC 580.  See Harold Corwin's notes.  In fact, Javelle rediscovered it again on 18 Feb 1904 and included it in his unpublished 4th catalog as J. 1602.  The position used for his offset star (HD 86435) was offset by 18', though.  He also "rediscovered" NGC 3070 at the same time.

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NGC 3070 = UGC 5350 = MCG +02-26-006 = CGCG 064-011 = PGC 28796

09 58 06.9 +10 21 35; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, prominent core, stellar nucleus.  Located 13' WSW of mag 7.7 SAO 98881.  Forms a pair with NGC 3069 5.0' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3070 = H. II-59 = h659 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, cometic; There is a vB star in the field with it and the nebula is the 4th in a row from the bright star both included; the two stars between are small."  John Herschel observed this galaxy in Jan 1828 (sweep 123), "pB; pL; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 40"."  Stephane Javelle found it again on 18 Feb 1904, assume it was new due to an error in the position of his offset star, and included it in his unpublished 4th catalog as J. 1603.

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NGC 3071 = CGCG 153-008 = PGC 28825

09 58 53.1 +31 37 12; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 176°

 

18" (3/11/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 0.2' diameter (core region?), very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 33' SW of 5.4-magnitude 20 Leonis Majoris.  Forms a pair with very compact CGCG 153-009 6.8' NE.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3071 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in AN 2782 matches CGCG 153-008 = PGC 28825.

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NGC 3072 = ESO 566-033 = MCG -03-26-001 = PGC 28749

09 57 23.9 -19 21 18; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 71°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3072 = H. III-273 = h3206 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "eF, vS, irr."  His position is within 1' of ESO 566-033 = PGC 28749.  John Herschel made two observations at the Cape, logging on sweep 561 "vF; E; gradually little brighter middle; 60" l; 50" br."

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NGC 3073 = UGC 5374 = MCG +09-17-007 = CGCG 265-054 = CGCG 266-006 = Mrk 131 = Holm 156b = PGC 28974

10 00 52.0 +55 37 07; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, round.  Located 10' WSW of NGC 3079.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3073 = H. III-853, along with NGC 3079, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955) and logged "vF, S, very gradually little brighter middle."  Caroline's reduced position is 8 seconds of RA west of UGC 5374.  John Herschel didn't make an observation.  Although the NGC position was off by only 1', NGC 3073 was reported as a new nebula when it was found by Keeler on a Crossley reflector plate in 1898-00 and catalogued in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3074 = UGC 5366 = MCG +06-22-047 = CGCG 182-054 = PGC 28888

09 59 41.2 +35 23 34; LMi

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, round.  Appears as a diffuse, low surface brightness glow, ~1.5' diameter with only a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.9' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3074 = H. III-542 = h660 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF, L, iF.  Part of it 5' long and 4' br."  Caroline's reduced position is 8 sec of RA preceding UGC 5366, although his size estimate is much too large.  John Herschel measured an accurate position (used in NGC) on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) and wrote, "eF; R; very gradually very little brighter middle; 60"; has a * 10m in parallel, dist 7'.

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NGC 3075 = UGC 5360 = MCG +03-26-009 = CGCG 093-012 = PGC 28833

09 58 56.2 +14 25 07; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is involved at the NNW end 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is close off the east side 1.5' ESE of center.  Located 2.9' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3075 = h3207 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vvF; forms an appendage to a star 14 mag; a star 11 mag follows." His position is accurate. This is one of 3 galaxies he discovered that night in Leo.

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NGC 3076 = ESO 566-034 = MCG -03-26-002 = PGC 28766

09 57 37.6 -18 10 43; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, small, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness.  Located 50" S of a mag 13 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3076 = h3208 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "eF, S, R, 15"."  His RA is 33 tsec too large.

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NGC 3077 = UGC 5398 = MCG +12-10-017 = CGCG 333-01 = KTG 28C = PGC 29146

10 03 19.1 +68 44 02; UMa

V = 9.9;  Size 5.4'x4.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 45°

 

24" (4/20/14): at 260x appeared very bright, very large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, large bright core, gradually increases to a small brighter inner core and occasionally a faint stellar nucleus.  The outer halo seems brighter or more extensive on the north-following side and gradually fades, so the periphery has a very low surface brightness.  Two similar unequal doubles are in the field: STF 1400 = 8.0/9.8 at 3.4" lies 3.8' NW and STF 1398 = 8.1/11.4 at  3.6" lies 10".

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large outer halo elongated SW-NE, increases to brighter core.  Mag 7.9 SAO 15054 (STF 1400 = 8.0/9.8 at 3.4") lies off the NW side 3.8' from the center.  Located 45' ESE of M81 (member of the M81 group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3077 = H. I-286 = h658 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100).  He remarked "very bright, considerably large, round, very gradually much brighter middle. On the north-following side there is a faint ray interrupting the roundness."

 

Wilhelm Struve independently found NGC 3077 in 1825 or 1826 and included it in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars (∑ 3).  John Herschel's position, measured on 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) was accurate in declination, but 1 minute of RA too small.  On 26 Dec 1873, Birr Castle assistant Ralph Copeland noted "vB, L, R, comet-like with 2 streams of neby towards the south."

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NGC 3078 = ESO 499-027 = MCG -04-24-009 = LGG 185-002 = PGC 28806

09 58 24.5 -26 55 36; Hya

V = 11.1;  Size 2.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 177°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very bright core, slightly elongated halo, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3084 is 15' SSE.  Both galaxies are part of the NGC 3054 group (LGG 185)

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3078 = H. II-268 = h3209 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and recorded "F, S, R, a bright point in the middle or cometic."  John Herschel logged "B, R, gradually much brighter middle, 30"."

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NGC 3079 = UGC 5387 = MCG +09-17-010 = CGCG 266-008 = Holm 156a = PGC 29050

10 01 57.3 +55 40 54; UMa

V = 10.9;  Size 7.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 165°

 

48" (4/18/15): I made another short observation of this remarkable asymmetric edge-on at 375x and 488x before observing the Twin Quasars, which lie 14' NNW.  The brightest portions of this 6:1 edge-on NNW-SSE is warped and bowed out towards the east in the very bright central section. An intense nucleus is within this central section, though offset to the east of center.  The west side of the central section is irregular in surface brightness due to dust.  The northern extention thins and has a slight bend on the north end, beyond a mag 14 star.  On the south side is a bright streak, but to the east of this streak and further south the galaxy is dusty and sections of the galaxy appear to be highly obscured.  Two mag 14 stars are off the west side of the galaxy and mag 9.6 HD 237858 is 3.5' SE of center.

 

Both components of the Twin Quasars at mag 16.7 and 16.9 were easily visible nearly continuously at 697x.  The southern component was clearly slightly brighter, although the delta V is only 0.2.  At 6" separation, the pair was relatively widely split.

 

48" (4/6/13): I only took a quick look at this gorgeous showpiece edge-on at 375x.  The entire length of the galaxy appeared very mottled, clumpy and dusty, although there was no distinct dust lane.  The shape is irregular and sharply rises to an intense, very elongated 4:1 core that bulges and appears offset from the geometric center.  A mag 14 star is superimposed on the north side and SDSS J100200.73+554247.0, an extremely faint galaxy (V = 18.6), was glimpsed 1.2' E.

 

18" (3/13/10): fascinating view at 280x.  NGC 3079 appeared very bright, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 7'x1.4'.  The galaxy extends a little bit beyond a mag 13 star near the north tip of the galaxy and on the south end the galaxy extends beyond a line drawn between mag 9.6 HD 237858 off the SE end and a mag 13.5 star to the west of the southern extension.  Contains a bright elongated 4:1 core, which appears clumpy and mottled with a noticeable irregular surface brightness.  The NNW extension is tilted further towards the west than the core, so appears misaligned.  In addition, the south extension appears warped or has a missing portion on the eastern side probably due to dust, so the entire galaxy has a bent, very striking asymmetric appearance.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; bright, very elongated up to 5:1 NNW-SSE, ~6'x1.2' with unusual structure.  Contains a large, bright central region with a very elongated bright core offset to the east side.  The eastern flank of the galaxy is also better defined and noticeably bowed outwards, while the western side is nearly flat, creating an asymmetric appearance.  The galaxy tapers on the north end and extends just beyond a mag 13.8 star pinned against the W edge.  The southern extension doesn't taper and has a lower surface brightness as if affected by dust.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, large, edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.  Forms a trio with NGC 3073 10' WSW and MCG +09-17-009 6' NW (noted as "very faint, very small, round.")  To the south is a triangle of bright stars; mag 9.0 SAO 27486 7' SE, mag 8.3 SAO 27476 6' SSW and mag 9.1 SAO 27482 3.3' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3079 = H. V-47, along with NGC 3073, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955). He recorded "cB or vB, mE from np to sf, about 8' l and 2' br, very gradually much brighter middle."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3080 = UGC 5372 = MCG +02-26-015 = CGCG 064-025 = Mrk 1243 = PGC 28910

09 59 55.9 +13 02 37; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.1' WSW.  IC 585, located 4.4' SSW, appeared faint, small, round, bright core, 40" diameter.  IC 585 is very similar in size and magnitude to NGC 3080 and surprisingly, possibly easier visually due a brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3080 = H. III-934 on 1 Apr 1794 while observing Uranus, the "Georgian Planet", off the meridian.  The discovery wasn't recorded in Caroline's revised sweep record, but included in his third catalogue.  His offset from Uranus of 16 seconds of time preceding and 2' south lands within 1.5' of this galaxy (using sky-simulation software for the 1794 position of Uranus).  Bigourdan noted the NGC position was 12 seconds of RA too large and measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).  A similar situation occurred with NGC 3107 = H. II-898, also discovered while observing Uranus on 22 Mar 1794, and NGC 3332 = I-272, discovered on 4 Mar 1796.

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NGC 3081 = IC 2529 = ESO 499-031 = MCG -04-24-012 = PGC 28876

09 59 29.5 -22 49 35; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 158°

 

48" (4/18/15): this beautiful resonance ring galaxy was viewed at 488x and 610x.  It was very sharply concentrated with a very bright, roundish core (slightly oval at 610x) core that gradually increased to a stellar nucleus.  The surface brightness dropped significantly in the inner halo, but then brightened at the edge to a well defined oval ring, extending 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.3'x0.8'.  The ring was fairly narrow and brightened slightly at the ends of the major axis (southwest and northeast ends).  This was a very distinctive object!  The core itself contains a barred ring, but this feature was not seen.

 

48" (5/3/19): at 488x; NGC 3081 is one of the most distinctive resonant ring galaxies; it was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that appeared roundish, moderately large, gradually intensified further towards the center.  The slightly elongated elongated halo displayed a noticeable edge brightening forming a fairly low contrast ring.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very bright compact core, possible stellar nucleus.  The fainter oval halo is extended E-W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3081 = H. III-596 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, little brighter in the middle.  South of a triangle of unequal small stars." Caroline's reduced position is 7 seconds of time west of ESO 499-031.

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1898 and recorded it in list XI-103 (later IC 2529) as "eeF; eS; eF * in contact."  His position is just 1' south of ESO 499-031, though Corwin notes that there is no star in contact.  So, NGC 3081 = IC 2529.

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NGC 3082 = ESO 435-018 = MCG -05-24-011 = PGC 28829

09 58 53.0 -30 21 27; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 26°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4'.  A pleasing pair of mag 13 stars (oriented N-S) is just off the NE end.

 

ESO 435-019, situated 7' NNE, appeared extremely faint, thin edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.3', no concentration.  A mag 12 star is 1' W of center and a mag 13 star is embedded in the NNW end.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3082 = h3210 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, close to a double star. Requires verifying."  His position and description matches ESO 435-018.

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NGC 3083 = MCG +00-26-002 = CGCG 008-011 = WBL 248-001 = PGC 28900

09 59 49.6 -02 52 40; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3'.  A group of ~10 stars mag 12-14 lies a few arcmin NE.  Located at NW end of NGC 3090 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3083 = m 188 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, S, E."  His position matches CGCG 008-011 = PGC 28900.  In a group of galaxies discovered by Marth.

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NGC 3084 = ESO 499-029 = MCG -04-24-010 = IC 2528? = LGG 185-004 = PGC 28841

09 59 06.4 -27 07 44; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 2°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 13 star is off the SE end 25" from center.  Member of the NGC 3054 group (LGG 185).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3084 = h3211 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 13m sf." His position and description matches ESO 499-029.  MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 3084.

 

Lewis Swift's possibly found this galaxy on 28 Dec 1897 and recorded Sw. 11-102 as "eeeF; eeS; R; double star south; 3078 in field; ee diff."  His position is 30 sec of RA west and 3.5' south of NGC 3084 and his description doesn't help (a single star is attached to the galaxy and a 5" faint unequal pair is 2.5' SE), so the identification of IC 2528 with NGC 3084 is uncertain, though it is suggested by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3085 = ESO 566-038 = MCG -03-26-003 = PGC 28875

09 59 29.2 -19 29 32; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 119°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE.  NGC 3091 lies 12' SE.  Member of the NGC 3091 Group, of which HCG 42 is the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3085 = h3212 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; R.  PD liable to some uncertainty."  His position is 1.5' south of ESO 566-038.  Herbert Howe observed the galaxy in 1899-00 with a 20" refractor and noted "this is called "R" by h, but it seems to be much elongated at 90°."

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NGC 3086 = MCG +00-26-003 = CGCG 008-012 = WBL 248-002 = PGC 28924

10 00 10.9 -02 58 34; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness.  Located 4.8' WSW of NGC 3090 at the west side of the NGC 3090 group.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, small, round, averted only.  Located 5' WSW of NGC 3090 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3086 = m 189 on 22 Jan 1865 and recorded "eF, S, iR." His position matches CGCG 008-012 = PGC 28924.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3087 = ESO 374-015 = MCG -06-22-005 = AM 0956-335 = LGG 184-003 = PGC 28845

09 59 08.7 -34 13 31; Ant

V = 11.6;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 42°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very small, small bright core, fainter halo.  Bracketed by two mag 12/13 stars.  Member of a poor group (LGG 184).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3087 = h3213 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; pretty much brighter middle; between 2 st 13m."  His position is accurate.

 

Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 8 Mar 1878, noted the star directly north [by 1.4' from center] was double.  Pietro Baracchi described it as "B; S; R: gradually brighter in the middle; sparkling; resolvable?  A star 13m precedes by 5 1/2 sec and is on the same declination."

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NGC 3088 = NGC 3088A = UGC 5384 = MCG +04-24-010 = CGCG 123-013 = PGC 28997

10 01 08.4 +22 24 20; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; NGC 3088A, the main component of this overlapping pair, appeared moderately bright, small, roundish, fairly bright stellar nucleus, 25" diameter.  NGC 3088B is attached to the southeast side.  Most noticeable is a small, elongated nucleus, ~12"x6", that is centered 30" to the SE of NGC 3088A.  Occasionally very faint extensions were seen, increasing the size to 0.4'x0.1', merging with the halo of 3088A.  A collinear string of four mag 11.5-13 stars is SW and a mag 9.9 star lies 8' WNW.

 

UGC 3088 located 6.8' SW, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, weak concentration.  Occasionally fainter "wings" extending E-W were visible, increasing the dimensions to 35"x20".  A wide pair of mag 12-13 stars is 2' W.  The redshift z = .023 is similar to the components of NGC 3088.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, high surface brightness, possibly elongated ~E-W, either a stellar nucleus or a very faint star superimposed.  A string of four collinear stars mag 11.5-13.3 is SW; the closest is a mag 12 star 4.8' WSW and the farther two forms a nice wide double (12.4/13.3 at 35").  There is an impression of faint haze off the SE end of galaxy which creates a sense of elongation.  On the POSS, this is a double system – the "faint haze" off the SE end is an edge-on galaxy (MCG +04-24-010 = NGC 3088B).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3088 = H. III-24 = h661 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "I suspect a vS nebula.  Eyepiece #4 [240x] rather confirmed it, but still left a doubt."  His derived RA was 8 seconds too large.

 

On 16 Feb 1860 from Birr Castle, Samuel Hunter wrote, "I think there are two wings, spp and sff."  These probably refer to the two components, which have dimensions a) 0.9'x0.8' and b) 0.7'x0.2' and are catalogued separately as MCG +04-24-010 and MCG +04-24-011.

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NGC 3089 = ESO 435-024 = MCG -05-24-014 = AM 0957-280 = LGG 185-005 = PGC 28882

09 59 36.5 -28 19 53; Ant

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 139°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse.  Unusual appearance as four or five faint stars involved, most near the east end.  Located 2.2' W of mag 7.9 SAO 178285.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3089 = h3214 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "pF; R; 60" has 2 or 3 vS stars involved, and a *8 m; 2' dist, foll[owing."  His position is 1' N of ESO 435-024 and his description is a perfect match.

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NGC 3090 = MCG +00-26-005 = CGCG 008-016 = WBL 248-003 = PGC 28945

10 00 30.2 -02 58 06; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4' NW-SE, small bright core.  Located 34" S of a mag 11 star.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 10.5 star is at the north edge 33" from center which detracts from viewing.  Brightest in a group of six NGC galaxies (MKW 1 = WBL 248) with NGC 3086 5' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3090 = m 190 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches CGCG 008-016 = PGC 28945.  In a group of galaxies discovered by Marth.

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NGC 3091 = HCG 42A = ESO 566-041 = MCG -03-26-007 = PGC 28927

10 00 14.1 -19 38 11; Hya

V = 11.1;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 149°

 

48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a brilliant core that increases to the center.  Brightest of four in HCG 42 with two additional fainter galaxies noted in the group (PGC 852084 and PGC 852825).  HCG 42C = MCG -03-26-006 is the closest member at 1.25' NW, barely off the edge of the halo.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very bright, fairly  large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and a 2' halo.  HCG 42, just of the NW edge, appeared nearly moderately bright, small, round, 18" diameter, quasi-stellar nucleus..  HCG 42D, located 2.2' due south, appeared very faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness.

 

24" (2/9/13): very bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and a very large fainter halo, extending ~2'x1.5'.  HCG 42C, just off NW edge of the halo, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, high surface brightness, brightens to the center.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): bright, moderately large, very small bright core, slightly elongated halo NW-SE.  A 14th magnitude "star" 1.3' NW is actually the compact galaxy MCG -03-26-006.  Brightest in HCG 42 including NGC 3096 4.7' SE.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, small, round, very bright core, substellar nucleus, very faint star close NW.  Brightest in HCG 42.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3091 = H. II-293 = h3215 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "pB, S, bM, iR."  John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; pS; the preceding of two [with NGC 3096].

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NGC 3092 = MCG +00-26-008 = CGCG 008-019 = WBL 248-005 = PGC 28967

10 00 47.4 -03 00 45; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', very low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 1.7' SE and a mag 12 star 2' N.  Located 5' SE of NGC 3090 in a group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3092 = m 191 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, S".  His position is 2.5' south of CGCG 008-019 = PGC 28967.  His offset is a bit odd since nearby NGC 3093 was accurate in declination.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3093 = MCG +00-26-007 = CGCG 008-021 = WBL 248-006 = PGC 28977

10 00 53.5 -02 58 20; Sex

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (3/16/96): faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter with a hint of a small halo.  Located in the NGC 3090 group 5.8' due east of NGC 3090 among a small group of stars.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.8' NW, a mag 13 star 2' SE and a mag 12 star 2.2' WSW.  NGC 3092 lies 2.9' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3093 = m 192 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, vS".  His position matches CGCG 008-021 = PGC 28977 in the NGC 3090 group.

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NGC 3094 = UGC 5390 = MCG +03-26-015 = CGCG 093-023 = PGC 29009

10 01 26.0 +15 46 13; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, brighter core.  A mag 10 star is attached at the SE end 0.6' from center.  Located 6.2' NNE of mag 7.8 SAO 98897.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3094 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory.  His micrometric position in AN 2732 matches UGC 5390.

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NGC 3095 = ESO 435-026 = MCG -05-24-016 = UGCA 192 = AM 0957-311 = LGG 187-001 = PGC 28919

10 00 05.6 -31 33 08; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 126°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE.  A mag 12 star is off the preceding side 1.0' from the center.  Appears brighter on the west end or an extremely faint star is involved.  NGC 3100 lies 11' SE and NGC 3108 is 31' ESE

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3095 = h3216 on 16 Feb 1836, along with NGC 3100 = h3218, and recorded "F; L; E; very gradually little brighter middle; 3' l; 2' br."  His position and description applies to ESO 435-026.

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NGC 3096 = HCG 42B = ESO 566-042 = MCG -03-26-008 = PGC 28950

10 00 33.1 -19 39 43; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170°

 

48" (4/1/11): this member of HCG 42 appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3, 0.9'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star is 1.8' NW.  Forms a pair with fainter PGC 852084 1.3' SW (not included by Hickson).  The mag 12 star, NGC 3096, PGC 852084 and a mag 13.8 star are collinear and nearly equally spaced on a 3.7' line oriented NE to SW.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 25"x16", fairly high surface brightness, small bright core.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star 1.8' NW.

 

24" (2/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 24"x12" (central bar), very small brighter nucleus.  The larger, low surface brightness halo was not seen.  Located 1.5' SW of a mag 11.5 star and 1.8' SE of a mag 10.6 star.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, weak concentration, visible with direct vision.  Located 4.7' ESE of NGC 3091 in HCG 42.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): extremely faint, small, round, requires averted.  Located 5' ESE of NGC 3091.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3096 = h3217 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; little brighter middle; follows II 293 [NGC 3091].  (Place somewhat uncertain.)"  His position is 7 sec of RA east 1.5' north of ESO 566-042.

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NGC 3097

10 04 18 +60 08; UMa

 

= Not found, Corwin.

 

Edward P. Austin discovered NGC 3097 = HN 39 in 1870 at the Harvard College Observatory with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, 177)  Austin recorded both NGC 3102 = H III-916 and NGC 3097 on the same date; "[NGC 3102] sf neb; p45 deg, s 2'.  Place only approximate."  Although his position is 2' northwest of NGC 3102, his position angle is 45 degrees (northeast).  In the notes section, Pickering states "perhaps a nebulous star.  It is halfway between GC 1998 and a star 11m."  In any case there is nothing in either position so this object is probably nonexistent or a star.  See Corwin's identification notes.

 

RNGC misidentifies NGC 3097 as a duplicate of NGC 3102.

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NGC 3098 = UGC 5397 = MCG +04-24-012 = CGCG 123-014 = PGC 29067

10 02 16.7 +24 42 40; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 90°

 

13.1": moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, brighter core.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, very elongated E-W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3098 = h663 on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) and logged "pB; S; mE in parallel; 30" l, 10" br; bM to nucleus."  His position and description matches UGC 5397.

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NGC 3099 = MCG +06-22-059 = MCG +06-22-058 = CGCG 182-064 = Holm 160a = PGC 29088

10 02 36.5 +32 42 25; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.9'x0.55';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 146°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, easily held with direct vision, very weak even concentration down to a slightly brighter nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 2.7' N.  Located 17' WNW of mag 7.6 SAO 61840.  Forms a double system with MCG +06-22-058 1.4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3099 = H. III-478 = h664 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "eF, S, left doubtful."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3100 = NGC 3103 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = AM 0958-312 = PGC 28960

10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant

V = 11.1;  Size 3.2'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 154°

 

48" (5/12/12): very bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core that gradually increases to the center.  Three stars are close following; two mag 10.5/12 stars lie 1.3' E and 1.5' SE, with a closer mag 14 star 0.9' SE of center.  We took a look at NGC 3100 because an uncatalogued companion (not found in NED or HyperLeda) is just 0.9' SE.  At 488x the companion was easily visible and appeared fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~21"x7", situated just north of the mag 14 star mentioned above.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.  Two mag 10/11.5 stars are 1.3' E and 1.5' SE (30" separation N-S).  Brightest in a group with NGC 3095 11' NW and NGC 3108 23' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3100 = h3218, along with NGC 3095 = h3216, on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "pB, R, 30", gradually pretty much brighter middle."  His position is accurate.

 

Lewis Swift probably found NGC 3103 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded it in list III-53.  His position is 50 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 3100.  See notes on NGC 3103.

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NGC 3101 = MCG +00-26-011 = CGCG 008-024 = WBL 248-007 = PGC 29025

10 01 35.4 -02 59 40; Sex

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 150°

 

18" (3/11/07): very faint, small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.2', very weak concentration.  A small group of 4 NGC galaxies with brightest member NGC 3090 lies 10' to 20' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3101 = m 193 on 22 Jan 1865 and noted "eF".  His position matches CGCG 008-024.  A tight group of four NGC galaxies found by Marth lies 15' west.

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NGC 3102 = UGC 5418 = MCG +10-15-007 = CGCG 289-030 = CGCG 290-004 = PGC 29220

10 04 31.7 +60 06 29; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 7.0' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3102 = H. III-916 = h662 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039). He recorded "extremely faint, very small, stellar neb.  Near a small star.  I wished to see it with a higher power, but it was too far advanced [to the west]."  Caroline's reduced position is 2.4' southwest of UGC 5418. John Herschel logged on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), "faint; very small; round; brighter middle; a coarse double star nf points to it; has a *11m 30" distance, pos 142.2°."

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NGC 3103 = NGC 3100 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = PGC 28960

10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant

 

See observing notes for NGC 3100

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3103 = Sw. 3-53 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pL; R; coarse D * nr p; [NGC 3108] in field.  There is nothing at his position, but 50 seconds of time preceding and 1' north is NGC 3100.  The coarse double star he mentions, though, follows the galaxy.  Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported that Swift "saw 3100, but did not take its place with sufficient accuracy."  So, NGC 3100 = NGC 3103, with NGC 3100 the primary designation.

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NGC 3104 = Arp 264 = VV 119 = UGC 5414 = MCG +07-21-007 = CGCG 211-006 = PGC 29186

10 03 57.3 +40 45 25; LMi

V = 13.1;  Size 3.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 15.1;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, ~1.5'-2' diameter although seems irregular in shape.  Appears as a low but irregular surface brightness glow with a mag 13 star embedded at the south edge.  Unusual appearance and could be mistaken for a reflection nebula around the star.  With averted vision a fainter outer halo "grows" at times to 2.5' diameter nearly to a mag 14 star off the NE edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3104 = H. IV-48 = h665 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "a vF star affected with vF nebulosity.  E from sp to nf about 1' long.  With 300 the same." Caroline's reduced position is 14 sec east of Arp 264. John Herschel wrote on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "A very small * seems to have a nebulous appendage, but moonlight troublesome."

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NGC 3105 = ESO 167-014 = Cr 214

10 00 40 -54 47 18; Vel

V = 9.7;  Size 2'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright compact cluster of just 2.5' diameter with 15 stars resolved at 200x.  Using 350x the total increases to ~20 stars in a 2.5' region.  A close unequal double is close west of center.  A 25" pair of mag 11.5 stars lies 3' NE.  Located 3' NW of a mag 9.6 star and 36' ESE of mag 3.5 Phi Velorum.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3105 = h3219 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "a small close clustering knot of stars 13-16 mag; oval; a great train of stars 12..13 mag on the S.p. side."  HIs position is an exact match with this small cluster. Trumpler (Lick Obs Bul, Vol 14, No. 420) gives the diameter as 2.5' and the class as 2 2 p.

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NGC 3106 = UGC 5419 = MCG +05-24-009 = CGCG 153-013 = PGC 29196

10 04 05.2 +31 11 07; LMi

V = 12.4;  Size 1.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with faint halo and abrupt bright nucleus.  A mag 13.7 star is 2.7' N of center.  Situated almost at the midpoint of a mag 11.5 star 5.3' WNW and a mag 12 star 4.9' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3106 = H. II-320 = h666 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "F, pS, R, little brighter in the middle."  John Herschel noted on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), "F; S; R; suddenly much brighter middle; is equal to a * 12m."

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NGC 3107 = UGC 5425 = MCG +02-26-022 = CGCG 064-048 = PGC 29209

10 04 22.4 +13 37 17; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Located 1.8' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 98932.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3107 = H. II-898 on 22 Mar 1794.  It was not found during a sweep but while observing Uranus, which was used as a reference to describe the location.  His description in his 3rd catalogue reads, "By coarse estimation. Faint. 3' north of a pretty large red star.  This nebula was seen at 8h 49m, sidereal time, the telescope being out of the meridian [observing Uranus]."  The observation is not mentioned in Caroline's fair copy of the sweep records.  A similar situation occurred on 1 Apr 1794, when he discovered NGC 3080 (III-934) not far from Uranus, and on 4 Mar 1796, when he discovered NGC 3332 while observing Uranus off the meridian.

 

The listed RA is fairly accurate in the General Catalogue (6 seconds too small), but the dec is ~7' too far south.  In the 17 Mar 1876 observation at Birr Castle, the RA is mentioned as 54 seconds too large in the GC (due to a misidentification of a red star close south of the galaxy).  Dreyer combined these "offsets" and as a result the RA in the NGC is 48 seconds too large.

 

UGC, CGCG and MCG don't label their entries for this galaxy as NGC 3107.  See Corwin's notes for a complete discussion.

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NGC 3108 = ESO 435-032 = MCG -05-24-019 = AM 1000-312 = LGG 187-002 = PGC 29076

10 02 29.1 -31 40 36; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weakly concentrated.  Located 1.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  Two mag 14 stars are 0.9' NE and 1.1' NW.  NGC 3100 lies 23' W.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3108 = h3220 on 28 Jan 1835 and noted "F; S; R; little brighter middle; 15"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 435-032 = PGC 29076.

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NGC 3109 = ESO 499-036 = MCG -04-24-013 = UGCA 194 = PGC 29128

10 03 07 -26 09 30; Hya

V = 9.9;  Size 19.1'x3.7';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 93°

 

48" (5/4/16): fairly bright, very large, very elongated 6:1 E-W, ~15'x2.5'.  Contains a large brighter irregular core region but no nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed near the center and a number of fainter stars are superimposed.  Overall the surface brightness is fairly low but patchy with several very small knots.

 

Near the southwest edge of the galaxy, 3.9' WSW of the mag 12.5 star, is a faint 12" knot, identified in SIMBAD as [BCP93] F3 H2 from the 1993 paper "The dwarf galaxy NGC 3109. I - The data".  A faint 10" knot, listed as [BCP93] F1 H3, is 1.1' NW of the same star and another quasi-stellar knot (perhaps a faint star) is close northwest of the star.  Finally, on the southeast flank of the galaxy is a faint larger patch, perhaps 15"-20", catalogued as [BCP93] F5 H1.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): fairly faint, huge low surface brightness irregular glow, very elongated ~5:1 E-W, ~10'x2'.  Very patchy appearance with a slightly brighter central region with no core or nucleus.  A mag 13 star is superimposed near the center.  Several faint mag 14 stars are either superimposed or nearby and confuse tracing the ragged outline.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, diffuse.  Appears as a low surface brightness streak with very weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3109 = h3221 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vL; 12' l; 2' br; little brighter middle; pos of axis 82.3°.  See pl. V. fig 9."  His position and description and sketch (Plate V, figure 9) matches this large edge-on.

 

Joseph Turner sketch NGC 3109 in Feb 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, though his sketch shows the galaxy extending between the four stars off the north edge (which are not involved).  A lithograph based on the sketch was never published.  While searching for NGC 3109 on 9 Apr 1885 with the GMT, Pietro Baracchi discovered nearby ESO 499-023.

 

Sidney van den Bergh concluded in his 2000 book "The Galaxies of the Local Group" that NGC 3109 was just outside the Local Group, but other papers assume this galaxy (along with Sextans A, Sextans B and the Antlia dwarf) is at a distance of 4.2-4.4 million light, on the outskirts of the Local Group.

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NGC 3110 = NGC 3122 = NGC 3518 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29192

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 40" NW of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.7' S.

 

Forms a close (interacting) pair with MCG -01-26-013 1.8' SW.  The companion appeared extremely faint and small, round, just visible with direct vision.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' ESE.

 

Édouard Stephan independently discovered NGC 3110 = St. 13-54 on 13 Mar 1874, recording a rough position 4' too far W.  His published position (list 13, #54) was made 10 years later on 17 Mar 1884, with Emmanuel Esmiol's re-reduced position accurate to within a few arcseconds.

 

William Herschel made the original discovery  (H. II-305 = NGC 3122) on 5 Mar 1785.  The GC and NGC positions are incorrect, though, as Herschel's position was reduced using the wrong offset star.  When corrected, H. II-305 is an exact match with NGC 3110.  Based on historical precedence, NGC 3122 should be the primary designation, though modern catalogues use NGC 3110 as Stephan's position was accurate.

 

This galaxy was found again by Ormond Stone (list I, #182) on 31 Dec 1885.  But Stone made a 1 hour error in RA (confirmed by Corwin on Stone's discovery sketch).  Dreyer assumed this was a new object, so it was also catalogued as NGC 3518.  Once Stone's error is corrected, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3111 = UGC 5441 = MCG +08-19-002 = CGCG 240-007 = PGC 29338

10 06 07.4 +47 15 45; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Weak concentration to center, very faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Forms eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11/11.5 stars 4.3' SW and 4.0' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3111 = h667 on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138) and noted "pB; R; suddenly much brighter middle; 20"."  His mean position from 3 sweeps matches UGC 5441.

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NGC 3112 = ESO 567-011 = PGC 29189

10 03 59.0 -20 46 56; Hya

V = 15.1;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 47°

 

24" (2/22/14): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Although only visible part of the time, the observation was confirmed.  Confusing the observation is a mag 16 star 40" NW that was slightly easier to view than the galaxy and it was difficult to view both objects simultaneously.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3112 = LM 1-163 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is only 2.7' east of ESO 567-011 = PGC 29189.

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NGC 3113 = ESO 435-035 = MCG -05-24-021 = UGCA 158 = PGC 29216

10 04 26.2 -28 26 36; Ant

V = 12.7;  Size 3.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 87°

 

17.5" (4/15/99): this galaxy was surprisingly difficult due to clouds low in the south obscuring the view.  Appeared extremely faint, small, round, required averted vision.  Viewed only the core of this galaxy as appeared no more than 40" in size [described as 3' diameter by John Herschel].  Forms an obtuse angle with mag 7.5 SAO 178366 4.5' NNW and mag 8 SAO 178361 7.5' SW.  Member of the NGC 3175 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3113 = h3222 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "eF, L, 3'; makes an obtuse angled triangle, with 2 stars 8 mag; one nearly on the parallel, the other nearly north."  His position and description matches ESO 435-035.

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NGC 3114 = Cr 215 = Mel 98

10 02 30 -60 07 48; Car

V = 4.2;  Size 35'

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this very bright naked-eye cluster measured some 35'-40' and was beautifully framed in a 50' field with the 27mm Panoptic.  The cluster contains a couple of long curving chains of brighter stars, one forming a huge "U" shaped arc.  There are several pretty smaller groupings and star chains including a striking equilateral triangle of nearly equal mag stars just north of center, consisting of mag 9.2/9.4/10 stars at 20"/22"/27".  Two mag 6-7 stars (brightest mag 6.2 HD 87436) are involved and numerous 8-9th magnitude stars are scattered across the face of the cluster.  The cluster appears similar to a bright star cloud in Sgr or Cyg and is just inferior to NGC 3532.  Located 5° W of Eta Carina on the opposite side of Eta from NGC 3532.  This is a young cluster (160 million years old) projected onto the Carina complex and is heavily contaminated by field stars at varying distances.

 

Naked-eye and 10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very bright naked-eye cluster only 5° W of Eta Carinae.  At least 3 dozen stars were resolved at only 10x in the 30mm binoculars!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3114 = D 297 = h3224 on 8 May 1826.  He described (single observation) "a beautiful cluster of stars, arranged in curvilinear lines intersecting each other, about 40' diameter, extended S.p., and N.f."  This is the brightest cluster that Dunlop discovered - surprising that Lacaille missed it during his observations at the Cape of Good Hope.

 

On 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543), John Herschel noted "an enormous congeries or clustering region of stars 2 or 3 fields in diameter, constituting a decided cluster. Stars 9..14th mag, the larger magnitudes predominating. There must be many hundreds."  He wrote in his diary that "the night being most superb - the mirror billiant and the zone swept the richest perhaps in the heavens - attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra".

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NGC 3115 = MCG -01-26-018 = UGCA 199 = PGC 29265 = Spindle Galaxy

10 05 14.1 -07 43 07; Sex

V = 8.9;  Size 7.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 43°

 

48" (2/19/12): this showpiece galaxy was stunning at 287x and 375x, with a very high surface brightness halo, ~5.5'x2', which is punctuated by a brilliant, nearly stellar nucleus.  The nucleus is centered within an extremely bright, very flattened core extending 1'-1.5'.  This dazzling streak dims slightly outside the central region but stretches at least 2.5' along the major axis with no breaks or significant drops in surface brightness.  The view of this thin, super-luminous central disc bisecting most of the outer, elongated halo was a unique sight.

 

UGCA 200, a faint dwarf galaxy, lies 5.7' SE.  At 375x it appeared as a faint low surface brightness patch with averted vision, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, with no central concentration.  The galaxy is situated within a triangle formed by a mag 11.2 star 1.7' SE, a mag 15.3 star 1.5' NW and a mag 13.8 star 2' ENE.

 

18" (2/23/06): at 257x the Spindle galaxy is a gorgeous high surface brightness edge-on, ~5'x1'.  Contains a small, very intense elongated core that increases to a dramatic quasi-stellar nucleus.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, fairly large, edge-on spindle 3:1 SW-NE, 5.5'x1.8'.  Unusually high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.2' S of center and a mag 10.5 star is 8' E. MCG -01-26-021 lies 17' SSE.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): stunning edge-on, very bright, small very bright core. 

 

8" (3/24/84): very bright, high surface brightness, very bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3115 = H. I-163 = h668 = h3223 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704). His description reads, "extremely bright, considerably large, much extended 45° sp to nf.  The bright part about 2' long with very faint branches extending in all, to 4 or 5'."

 

 On 14 Mar 1828 (sweep 136), John Herschel wrote, "vB; L; mE; very suddenly much brighter middle; almost to a nucl; 3' l, 30" br.  With 12-inches aperture, its nucleus is rather speckled; with 6-inch it is barely discernible as a nebula."  Lord Rosse observed NGC 3115 on 11 Mar 1848 (one of the earliest observations).  In 1861 the assistant questioned if "Is Nucl. resolvable and oblong?"

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NGC 3116 = MCG +05-24-012 = CGCG 153-017 = PGC 29383

10 06 45.1 +31 05 51; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6

 

18" (1/20/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, compact appearance with a well-defined halo, brightens slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  A triangle of mag 12 stars lies 5' SE (one star is 14" double with a mag 13.5 companion).  Located 10' SE of mag 8.2 HD 87512.

 

Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3116 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory and reported it in AN 2782.  His micrometric position is accurate.

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NGC 3117 = UGC 5445 = MCG +01-26-014 = CGCG 036-038 = PGC 29340

10 06 10.5 +02 54 46; Sex

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter core.  A pretty mag 9.5/11 double star at 18" separation lies 8' NNW.  Located 6' NW of mag 8.8 SAO 118106.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3117 = St. 9-21 on 9 Feb 1877 and logged "eF, eS, R, stellar nucleus."  His published position (measured on 15 Mar) is accurate.

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NGC 3118 = UGC 5452 = MCG +06-22-074 = CGCG 182-075 = FGC 118A = PGC 29415

10 07 11.6 +33 01 39; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 2.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 41°

 

17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.3', very low almost even surface brightness.   Member of the USGC U268 group.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3118 = St. 13-55 on 16 Mar 1882 and recorded a "small group of very faint stars in very faint nebulosity."

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NGC 3119 = CGCG 093-045 = PGC 29381

10 06 47.9 +14 18 51; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 15.1

 

17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 4' SSW of NGC 3121.  Forms the SE vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 3121 3.7' NNE and a mag 13.5 star 3.8' NW.

 

The identification of NGC 3119 is uncertain and it may be a duplicate observation of brighter NGC 3121 instead.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3119 = m 194 on 14 Dec 1863 and simply noted "vF".  His position is 2.3' north of CGCG 093-045 and is actually closer to NGC 3121 = UGC 5450, which was discovered by William Lassell in 1848.

 

RNGC identifies CGCG 093-045 as NGC 3119 but MCG identifies UGC 5450 as NGC 3119.  Corwin feels NGC 3119 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 3121 because of the better positional match.  But CGCG 093-045 was visible in my scope so it should have visible to Marth and he may have already known of the earlier discovery of NGC 3121.  So, the identification of NGC 3119 is uncertain.

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NGC 3120 = ESO 374-029 = MCG -06-22-017 = LGG 184-005 = PGC 29278

10 05 22.9 -34 13 13; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 1°

 

17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0' diameter, slightly elongated, weakly concentrated.  A 20" pair of mag 12.5/13.5 stars are off the NW side 2' from center.  A brighter pair of stars is ~4' SW and the galaxy is nearly collinear with both pairs.  A mag 9.5 star (SAO 201047) lies 5.7' NE.  Member of a poor group (LGG 184).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3120 = h3225 on 22 Jan 1838 (his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted "F, R, gradually brighter in the middle, 40"."  His position is an exact match with ESO 374-029.  NGC 3120 and NGC 2849 were the last two southern objects that JH discovered.

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NGC 3121 = UGC 5450 = MCG +03-26-027 = CGCG 093-046 = PGC 29387

10 06 51.9 +14 22 26; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  A mag 13.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 10 star 5.5' NW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3119 4' SSW.

 

William Lassell discovered NGC 3121 on 31 Mar 1848 with his 24" reflector at Starfield Observatory near Liverpool, England.  He found this galaxy while observing Comet Mauvais 1847 IV ("almost in the field at the same time as the Comet") and reported the discovery in AN 27 [635], 171 (1848).  Using the 6" Heliometer at Königsberg, Auwers described it as "faint, 1.5' diam, * 9-10m 4' north, 14-15 seconds preceding" and included it as #26 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.  MCG labels this galaxy NGC 3119, though that number may also apply to this galaxy.

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NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29361

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3110.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3122 = H. II-305 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and logged "F, S, lE, easily resolvable."  He failed to find it again on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704) as he had confused the offset star on the first observation.  As a result the GC and NGC position are about 36' too far ESE.

 

Édouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 13 Mar 1874.  His published position (list 13, #54), made on 16 Mar 1884, was 1' too far north.  Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it again as NGC 3110 though he corrected the position in his 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues and stated NGC 3122 = NGC 3110.  This galaxy was also found by Ormond Stone at Leander McCormick Observatory on 31 Dec 1885 (reported in list LM 1-182) and later catalogued as NGC 3518.  Harold Corwin discovered that Stone's position was off by 1 hr in RA.  So, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518.

 

RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 29361 as NGC 3122.  Coincidentally, this galaxy is close to Herschel's original position.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3123

10 18 11.9 +00 02 25; Sex

 

= *, Gottlieb.  =Not found, Corwin and Carlson.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3123 = HN 15 on 31 Mar 1859 and simply noted as a "nebulous object" by Bond (director of the Harvard Observatory) in AN #1453.  There are no nonstellar objects in the vicinity of the listed position, given roughly as 9 59 48 +/- 4s, +0 45' +/- 2' for 1859.  That's not unusual as all 8 of Coolidge's other nebulous objects are single or multiple stars. Bigourdan, Reinmuth or Carlson were unable to find his object and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  Harold Corwin lists a few possible candidates (stars) near Coolidge's position.

 

But in March 2015 I took a look at the Zone Catalogue (volume 6 from HCO, page 4-5) and found the number derived from star #47 (preceding #57 = NGC 3229), in which Coolidge noted "has a perceptible disc?" Furthermore, #47 was measured in Zone 117 but not Zone 118, so the position was not confirmed.  The only problem is the dec for entry #47 fits the range given by Bond but not the RA, though perhaps he made a copying mistake.  Assuming Coolidge's single position is Zone 117 is accurate, then NGC 3123 refers to a single star at 10 18 11.9 +00 02 25 (J2000).

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NGC 3124 = ESO 567-017 = MCG -03-26-024 = UGCA 202 = PGC 29377

10 06 40.0 -19 13 21; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 165°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter, diffuse, very weak broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.4' N of center.  A pleasing double star, South 607 = 8.8/10.0 at 9.5" lies 5' S.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very large, diffuse, broad concentration, no nucleus.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): faint, large, very diffuse, weak concentration, no nucleus, lies 4' N of double star S607 8.5/9.5 at 9".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3124 = h3226 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "F, L, R, little brighter middle, has a fine double star exactly south."  His description and position clearly apply to ESO 567-017.

 

NGC 3124 was probably first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "possibly a ring nebula.".  It was photographed a couple of times at the Helwan Observatory with the 30" Reynolds reflector and an image taken between 1914-16 revealed an "open spiral" of size 2' x 2'.

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NGC 3125 = ESO 435-041 = MCG -05-24-022 = AM 1004-294 = LGG 189-003 = PGC 29366

10 06 33.1 -29 56 08; Ant

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 114°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, roundish, brighter core. NGC 3125 is a nearby blue compact dwarf galaxy.  Member of the NGC 3125 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3125 = h3227 on 30 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R: gradually brighter in the middle; 20"."  His mean position from two observations matches ESO 435-041.

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NGC 3126 = UGC 5466 = MCG +05-24-019 = CGCG 155-023 = PGC 29484

10 08 20.8 +31 51 47; LMi

V = 12.8;  Size 2.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 123°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', faint thin arms, fairly well-defined round core.  A mag 11 star is 4.7' N of center.  Located 15' N of mag 6.2 SAO 61882.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3126 on 30 Apr 1864 and recorded "F, S, not lE, mag 15 nucleus.  Confirmation still needed." This was his only observation, but his position matches UGC 5466.  Otto Struve independently found the galaxy on 8 Apr 1869 at St Petersburg while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  He recorded finding a "Bright elongated nebula with a stellar nucleus, a miniature image of the Andromeda Galaxy. 4.5' north is a mag 10-11 star with the nebula in PA of 168° [SSE]."  He immediately added a note that this nebula was discovered by d'Arrest in 1864.

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NGC 3127 = MCG -03-26-022 = KTS 38C = PGC 29357

10 06 24.8 -16 07 34; Hya

V = 13.8;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 55°

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", weak concentration.  The extensions appear to fade at the tips. Situated near the midpoint of a mag 10 star 1.6' SE and a mag 12.5 star 1.1' NW.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3128 5.6' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3127 = LM 1-164, along with NGC 3128, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.6'x0.7', vE 45°."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~1 tmin east of MCG -03-26-022 and the description matches.

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NGC 3128 = MCG -03-26-020 = KTS 38A = PGC 29330

10 06 01.4 -16 07 19; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 174°

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5'.  The surface brightness appears irregular with a broadly concentrated core.  The extensions are more difficult and require averted vision and seem patchy or knotty.  Forms a pair with NGC 3127 5.6' E.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3128 = LM 1-165, along with NGC 3127, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.3'x0.7', vE 170°."  His rough RA (nearest minute of time) is 1.3 minutes east of MCG -03-26-020 and the description matches.

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NGC 3129

10 08 19.2 +18 25 51; Leo

 

= **, Corwin

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3129 = H. III-35 = h669 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vS, elongated, resolvable.  240x showed it better than 157x."  There is nothing near his position besides stars.  John Herschel made an observation on 13 Mar 1831 (sweep 332): "eF; S; R. Forms a triangle with 2 stars." He only gave a very rough position from his working list, which was based on Caroline's Zone Catalogue.

 

It was searched for unsuccessfully at Birr Castle on 3 attempts and was not found by Reinmuth on Heidelberg plate in his photographic survey.  No modern catalogue has a listing for NGC 3129.  Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3129 as a double star (13" pair of mag 14 stars) at WH's position.  There are two stars to the east, which form the vertex of a triangle (as in JH's description).

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NGC 3130 = UGC 5468 = MCG +02-26-026 = CGCG 064-072 = PGC 29475

10 08 12.3 +09 58 37; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 30°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration.  The visibility of this galaxy is hindered by by the glare of 31 Leonis (V = 4.6) just 4.7' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3130 = h670 on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 123) and recorded "eF; S; pretty suddenly brighter middle; follows 31 Leonis 16.5s, and is 1' 40" south of it."  His position and description clearly applies to UGC 5468.  William Herschel observed 31 Leonis on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 83), but missed NGC 3130.

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NGC 3131 = UGC 5471 = MCG +03-26-033 = CGCG 093-060 = PGC 29499

10 08 36.5 +18 13 52; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 54°

 

17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.6', broad concentration.  The major axis is bracketed by two mag 13.5 stars 1.7' SSE and 3.1' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3131 = h671 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pB; pmE; gradually brighter in the middle; 40" l and 20" br. Found in looking for III. 65 by working list [based on Caroline's Zone Catalogue, prepared for his sweeps]."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 10 Jan 1856, suspected a knot in the preceding end.

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NGC 3132 = PK 272+12.1 = PN G272.1+12.3 = Eight-Burst Nebula = Southern Ring

10 07 01.8 -40 26 11; Vel

V = 9.7;  Size 62"x43"

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 40° elevation in Costa Rica along the Gulf of Nicoya , NGC 3132 was quite beautiful at 200x and 260x.  The 10th magnitude "central star" (an unseen 16th mag companion at 1.65" separation is the true ionizing star) is embedded in the center of a very bright, elongated annulus with a darker center and interesting outer ring elongated NW-SE.  The oval ring is relatively narrow with a brighter outer rim.  Surrounding the ring is a faint, thin outer shell.  The ring is slightly offset in orientation to the major axis of the planetary giving a complex multi-ring appearance.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very bright, moderately large, oval.  A dark ring surrounds the bright mag 10 central star.  Viewed at only 10°-11° elevation.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): darker around the central star at high power. 

 

8" (3/28/81): mag 9 central star surrounded by a fairly bright, moderately large disc, striking.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3132 = h3228 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "Planetary nebula, very large, very bright, elliptic; has in it a 9th mag star somewhat excentric. Its light is exactly equable, ie. not increasing towards the middle; yet I cannot help imagining it to be closely dotted. It is just like a star out of focus in certain states of the mirror and atmosphere. Three stars near, a = 9th mag; b = 9th mag; c = 14th mag; A very extraordinary object."  On a later observation he logged, "Planetary nebula with a 10th mag star in centre; very bright; very well defined, and perfectly equable all over in light, there being no condensation up to the centre. The star is sharp, the nebula velvety, or like infinitely fine dust; a star 14th mag at a distance rather more than a radius of neb from edge (by diagram); has its position from centre = 333.8°."  Sketch on Plate VI, figure 9.

 

Herschel sketched NGC 3132 and other planetary nebulae from the Cape of Good Hope, commenting: "[these] represent planetary nebulae, a class of special interest, and of which, considering their general rarity, the southern heavens have afforded a rather unexpectedly large harvest. Those only are here delineated which have either accompanying stars, or which are distinguished by some peculiarity, as ... [NGC 3132] which has a star or a small disc near its centre".  He was clearly impressed as the next night he showed to Thomas Maclear, Astronomer Royal at the Cape, and observed it on his very last sweep at the Cape on 22 Jan 1838.

 

Father Angelo Secchi published a sketch (fig. 16) and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.  He called it a "beautiful and large ring nebula similar to that of the Hydra [NGC 3242]." William Lassell also published a sketch made on 16 Apr 1862 (plate III, Fig. 13), which showed an annual structure.  He noted through his 48", "There is considerable similarity in this object to the annular nebula in Lyra [M57], only it is incomparably fainter. The centre is bright and evidently stellar.  There is a minute star touching the south preceding side of the nebula.  Thie sides of the nebula are flattened and better defined than the ends."

 

In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 3132 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.

 

The first photograph was probably taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1909-1911 with the 30" Reynolds reflector.  Knox-Shaw described it as "annular rather than planetary, but the inside of the ring is almost filled by the image of the central star.  Lassell's drawings are good."  On a later photograph he reported "vB, pS, lE 150° ±, annular, ring fainter on up side.  B star not quite central, and thus probably unconnected."

 

In "Southern Gems", Stephen O'Meara states James Dunlop discovered NGC 3132 while making observations for the 1826 Brisbane Star Catalogue (published in 1835). In a footnote to #3085 he noted "Dusky Yellow - a fine Planetary disk."  John Herschel recognized Dunlop's observation in a letter to Thomas Maclear in 1835.

 

A star (HD 87892) is plotted at the position of NGC 3132 in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 because the BD catalogue (used as a source for the U2000) listed the bright "central" star as an entry.  In 1977 Kohoutek and Laustsen announced (1978IAUS...76..207K) that the actual illuminating star is a hot, dim 16th magnitude companion to the mag 10 star at only 1.65" separation. The pair probably forms a true binary

 

The nickname "Eight Burst Nebula" was coined by Harlow Shapley and John S. Paraskevopoulos in "Photographs of Thirty Southern Nebula and Clusters" (1940PNAS...26...31S).  Based on a series of photographs of NGC 3132 taken with the 60" reflector (mirror from Andrew Ainslie Common) at the Boyden station in Bloemfontein, South Africa, they wrote: "A series of photographs of varying exposures would be necessary to bring out the intricate details…. It could well be named the "8-burst" planetary from the number of distinct arcs on the boundary of the main disk or shell".

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NGC 3133 = PGC 29417

10 07 12.8 -11 57 55; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 25°

 

18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, small, 0.4'x0.3'.  Visible less than 50% of the time with averted vision so orientation difficult to determine but I was certain of the sighting.  Located 5' NE of a mag 10.4 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3133 = LM 2-419 in 1886.  He noted "mag 16.2, 0.2' dia, R."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min 18 sec of RA west is PGC 29417.  Also, 45 sec of RA east and 2' north is NGC 3138.  But this is the next entry in the LM II list and may have been found the same night.

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NGC 3134 = MCG +02-26-031 = CGCG 064-088 = Todd 21 = PGC 29722

10 12 29.2 +12 22 37; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 51°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 327x; fairly faint (easily visible), contains a very small high surface brightness core/nucleus with faint thin extensions SW-NE, 45"x15".

 

17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, consists of a 15" core with a faint very thin extension to the SW.  The corresponding arm to the NE was not seen, so the appearance is asymmetric. Leo I lies 1° W.

 

This galaxy (discovered by David Todd) is listed as nonexistent in RNGC and is not identified as NGC 3134 in the MCG or CGCG.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3134 = Todd 21 on 6 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Based on Todd's sketch Corwin identified CGCG 064-088 as NGC 3134.  This galaxy is about 3 min of RA east of Todd's very rough RA.  Todd measured a "bright" star 28.3s following and there is a mag 12 star at his exact separation clinching the identification.  Because of his poor position, Bigourdan was unable to recover this object.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.  Neither MCG or CGCG label their entries for this galaxy as NGC 3134.

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NGC 3135 = UGC 5486 = MCG +08-19-007 = CGCG 240-015 = PGC 29646

10 10 54.4 +45 57 01; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', little or no concentration.  Bracketed by two mag 12.5 stars 2.2' E and 2.1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3135 = h672 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and noted "F; R: gradually brighter in the middle; 25"."  His position matches UGC 5486.  It was searched for once at Birr Castle and not found.  Herschel mentioned in the General Catalogue notes that he checked the sweep and reductions and found all correct.

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NGC 3136 = ESO 092-008 = PGC 29311

10 05 48.0 -67 22 41; Car

V = 10.7;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30°

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x; bright, moderately large, eloongated 3:2 SW-NE.  Sharp concentration with a small, intense core that brightens to the center.  The fainter extensions from the core appear irregular.  IC 2554 and IC 2554B, a striking interacting pair of galaxies, is 28' NE.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this Carina galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.75'.  Sharply concentrated with a small, bright, roundish core increasing to an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is close north.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3136 = h3229 = h3231 on 30 Jan 1835 and noted "B; R; bM; place only a very rude approximation."  In an errata list and the end of the Cape Catalogue, JH corrected the NPD by 2° so it nearly matches h3231, whose position was accurately measured twice and matches ESO 092-008.  Joseph Turner sketched this galaxy on 1 Mar 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and estimated the size as only 20" and brighter in the miiddle to a nucleus.

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NGC 3137 = ESO 435-047 = MCG -05-24-024 = UGCA 203 = AM 1006-284 = LGG 189-004 = PGC 29530

10 09 07.5 -29 03 52; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 6.3'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 1°

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, large, elongated at least 5:2 N-S, 3.0'x1.2', fairly low surface brightness.  Broad, weak concentration in poor seeing.  A mag 12 star is on the west side (0.3' from the geometric center).  Located 7' SE of mag 9.4 SAO 178462.  Member of the NGC 3175 group (LGG 189).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3137 = h3230 on 5 Feb 1837 NGC 3137 and recorded "vF; lE; 25"."  His position is 16 sec of RA west of ESO 435-047.

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NGC 3138 = MCG -02-26-032 = PGC 29532

10 09 16.7 -11 57 24; Hya

V = 14.8;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 80°

 

18" (4/14/12): at 225x appeared extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15" diameter.  Required averted vision to just momentarily pop occasionally but held for a few seconds a couple of times.  I did not notice an elongated shape, so probably just viewed the core though the object was well past the meridian.  Located 6.4' SW of mag 7.4 HD 88135, 13' NW of i 6.2 HD 88182 and 30' NW of mag 3.6 Lambda Hyd.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3138 = LM 2-420 and noted "mag 16.0, 0.1', R, 1st of 2 [with NGC 3139]."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 6 sec of RA east of MCG -02-26-032.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3139 = MCG -02-26-034 = PGC 29583

10 10 05.2 -11 46 42; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 75°

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2, 0.8'x0.5'.  Broad concentration to a small, round 15" core and an occasional faint, stellar nucleus with direct vision.

 

17.5" (2/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', broadly concentrated.  Located 10' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 155773.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3139 = LM 2-421 and noted "mag 15.60, 0.1', R, 2nd of 2 [with NGC 3138]."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.7 min of RA west of MCG -02-26-034.  Not found by Bigourdan.

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NGC 3140 = MCG -03-26-028 = PGC 29548

10 09 27.7 -16 37 41; Hya

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (2/22/03): slightly brighter and larger of a close pair with NGC 3140 2.4' SW.  Faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Although following NGC 3141, Leavenworth listed this object first (identical coordinates) and his description indicates it is the brighter of the pair, so the NGC numbers are reversed in right ascension.  Located at the east edge of the rich cluster AGC 940.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-166 (along with I-167 = NGC 3141) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  Although he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and 0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to the pair PGC 29548 and PGC 29544.

 

According to Harold Corwin, Leavenworth's sketch clearly shows that NGC 3140 = PGC 29548 is the brighter galaxy to the northeast and the fainter galaxy to the southwest is NGC 3141 = PGC 29544.  See Corwin's identification summaries for more.

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NGC 3141 = PGC 29544

10 09 19.8 -16 39 12; Hya

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 26°

 

17.5" (2/22/03): smaller and slightly fainter of a pair of galaxies with NGC 3140 2.4' NE.  Very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.4'x0.3', faint stellar nucleus. Incorrectly equated with NGC 3140 in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-167 (along with I-166 = NGC 3140) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  Although he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and 0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to the pair PGC 29548 and PGC 29544 (separation 2.5' SW to NE).

 

Based on the discovery sketch (examined by Harold Corwin), Dreyer incorrectly assumed that the brighter galaxy to the northeast was NGC 3140 and added "first of two" (listed first in the discovery paper) so the order of RA was reversed in the NGC.  The RNGC erroneously states NGC 3141 = NGC 3140.  See Corwin's identification summaries for more.

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NGC 3142 = MCG -01-26-028 = PGC 29586

10 10 06.4 -08 28 48; Sex

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, brighter core.  Overpowered by 17 Sextantis (V = 5.9) 4.3' N.  A second bright star 18 Sextantis (V = 5.6) lies 12.8' ENE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3142 = h3232 on 5 May 1836 and recorded "F; very suddenly brighter in the middle to a * 16m; diam 1' or 1 1/2'; sp the star g Sextantis, which occasioned its being taken by mistake for Halley's Comet, and the consequent loss of that comet."  His position matches MCG -01-26-028 = PGC 29586.

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NGC 3143 = MCG -02-26-033 = PGC 29579

10 10 04.0 -12 34 53; Hya

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 105°

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, irregularly round, 25"x20", weak concentration.  Can just hold steadily.  Fors the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 5.7' N and a similar distance SE.  Also situated 9' S of NGC 3145 and nearly midway between mag 5.3 SAO 155780 14' S and mag 3.6 Lambda Lydrae 15' NNE!

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3143 in 1880 with the 36-inch f/5.9 reflector at Ealing, UK.  He noted "S, F, just S of GC 2023 [NGC 3145].  Herbert Howe's corrected position in the IC 2 notes matches MCG -02-26-033, which is located 9' south of NGC 3145.

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NGC 3144 = NGC 3174 = UGC 5519 = MCG +12-10-023 = CGCG 333-020 = CGCG 351-011 = PGC 29949

10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, oval N-S.  A mag 13 star is attached at the east end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3155 11.6' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 3144 on 25 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured on 2 nights) is fairly close to NGC 3174 = UGC 5519 and his description "very faint, small, round, *13 appended on the following side" matches this galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801 (problematic sweep 1096), though the identity of III. 964 = NGC 3174 wasn't established until 1911. So, NGC 3144 = NGC 3174 (see notes).

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NGC 3145 = MCG -02-26-036 = PGC 29591

10 10 10.0 -12 26 02; Hya

V = 11.7;  Size 3.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, weak concentration.  Overpowered by the glare of Lambda Hydrae (V = 3.6) 8' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3145 = H. III-518 = h673 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541).  He noted "very faint, small, round, 7 or 8' south preceding Lambda Hydra."  On 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 997) he called it "F, pL, irregularly round, very gradually much brighter middle, in the field with Lambda Hydrae."

 

In a note to 8th discovery list at Lowe Observatory, Swift "corrected" the position 7' too far NNW!  Furthermore, Swift placed the star Lambda to the northwest, insteast of to its NE.  Finally, he commented it was strange the bright star was not mentioned by Herschel, though it was Dreyer who left this off the NGC summary description.

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NGC 3146 = ESO 567-023 = MCG -03-26-029 = PGC 29663

10 11 09.9 -20 52 14; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100°

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, increases to a 15" bright core and a quasi-stellar nucleus.  The edge of the halo is well-defined.  Located 3.9' S of mag 8.9 SAO 178507.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3146 = LM 1-168 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is coincidentally a near match with ESO 567-023 = PGC 29663.

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NGC 3147 = UGC 5532 = MCG +12-10-025 = CGCG 333-022 = LGG 193-001 = PGC 30019

10 16 53.5 +73 24 02; Dra

V = 10.6;  Size 3.9'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE.  Contains a very bright core with a stellar nucleus.  There is an impression of a dust lane to the west of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3147 = H. I-79 = h674 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390). He noted "cB, pL, R, mbM.  The brightness decreasing very gradually."  John Herschel observed it on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382): "vB; L; R; at first very gradually, then very suddenly, very small bright middle."

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NGC 3148 = SAO 27566

10 13 43.8 +50 29 47; UMa

V = 6.6

 

= *6.6 = SAO 27566.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3148 = h675 on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) and noted "a star 7m has a photosphere 2 or 3' diam.  Sky perfectly clear; glass quite clear; windy.  Another star of same magnitude viewed presently after has no photosphere."  Herschel's description applies to mag 6.6 SAO 27566 at 10 13 43.8 +50 29 47, which he thought was surrounded by faint haze but was probably scattered light or dew). Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin agree with this conclusion.

 

RNGC and MCG misidentify MCG +08-19-011 as NGC 3148.

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NGC 3149 = ESO 019-001 = PGC 29171

10 03 44.5 -80 25 19; Cha

V = 12.5;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located just 30' NNW of the bright planetary NGC 3195.  At 260x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.9'x0.8', slightly brighter core, irregular surface brightness.  John Herschel mentioned a 15th magnitude star was involved, and there is a very faint star at the NE edge.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3149 = h3234 on 24 Feb 1835 (along with planetary nebula NGC 3195) and recorded "F; lE; very little brighter middle; 25"; has a * 15m in it."  Although position is an exact match with ESO 019-001, the RNGC classifies this as an "Unverified Southern Object".  Because of this, it is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas or included in the first edition of the companion Deep Sky Field Guide.

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NGC 3150 = MCG +07-21-017 = CGCG 211-019 = Holm 170b = WBL 258-001 = PGC 29789

10 13 26.3 +38 39 27; LMi

V = 14.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, round, 24" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 2.3' NNW of NGC 3151 and 1.9' NW fo a mag 12 star.  First of 7 (including NGC 3151/3159/3161/3163) in a small stream of galaxies about 7' N of NGC 3158.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3151 2.3' S.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' WSW and a mag 14 star is 1.8' NNW.  Located within the NGC 3158 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3150 = Big. 40, along with NGCs 3151, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group.  His position matches CGCG 211-019.

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NGC 3151 = MCG +07-21-018 = CGCG 211-020 = Holm 170a = WBL 258-003 = PGC 29796

10 13 29.1 +38 37 11; LMi

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 170°

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", very small brighter core.  Located 2' SW of a mag 12 star with four NGC galaxies close north including NGC 3150 2.3' N and NGC 3159 5' NE.  Forms a close pair with LEDA 2131950.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very small, weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is 2.0' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3150 2.3' N.  An extremely faint galaxy is 55" E of center (LEDA 2131950). Member of the NGC 3158 group.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Located just west of a star.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3151 = Big. 41, along with nearby NGCs 3150, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group.  His position matches CGCG 211-020 = PGC 29796.

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NGC 3152 = MCG +07-21-018A = CGCG 211-021 = WBL 258-003 = PGC 29805

10 13 34.1 +38 50 35; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 80°

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, ~20"-22" diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 15 star lies 44" NE.  Located 4' W of brighter NGC 3160 and 5.7' NW of NGC 3158 in a small cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, round.  A mag 15 star is off the NE edge 0.8' from center.  NGC 3158 lies 5.5' SE and NGC 3160 4.1' E.  Member of the NGC 3158 group.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 4' W of NGC 3160 and 5.5' NW of NGC 3158.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3152 (along with NGC 3160) on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72".  He noted "3 nebula, preceding one [NGC 3152] vS, about 4' following is a small lenticular ray [NGC 3160], E sp-nf..."  Observing on 27 Feb 1876 Dreyer measured an accurate micrometric offset from NGC 3158 at Birr Castle, which matches CGCG 211-021.

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NGC 3153 = UGC 5505 = MCG +02-26-032 = CGCG 064-090 = PGC 29747

10 12 50.5 +12 39 59; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 170°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 327x; nearly moderately bright, large, diffuse oval 5:2 N-S, broad concentration with a brighter middle but no core or nucleus. NGC 3134 = CGCG 064-088 lies 18' SSW.

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 ~N-S, ~1.5'x0.6', brighter along the major axis (central bar), slightly brighter nucleus.  Located 1.3° NE of Regulus.

 

CGCG 064-091, situated 5.4' E, appeared very faint and small, 18" diameter; featureless glow with a very low surface brightness.  Its redshift is 3.5x that of NGC 3153 so it lies far in the background.

 

17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~N-S, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3153 = H. III-53 = h677 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and noted "very faint, not small, resolvable."  He observed it again on 12 Apr (sweep 188) and logged "extremely faint, small, little elongated, resolvable. 240x confirmed it and I can perceive 3 or 4 stars in it."  On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel called it "eF; pL; R."

 

David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and recorded it as object #20b in his published results. It was found again by Christian Peters around 1880.  He was unsure if this was a new object as Herschel's RA in the General Catalog was 12 seconds off. The NGC position -- from Peters' first list of positions -- is accurate.

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NGC 3154 = UGC 5507 = MCG +03-26-040 = CGCG 093-071 = PGC 29759

10 13 01.3 +17 02 03; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 124°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): faint, very small, elongated NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' N.  Located 2.2' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 99006.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3154 = St. 10-24 on 8 Mar 1869, though did not publish his rough position (2' too far SE).  He published an accurate micrometric position from 12 Mar 1880 and noted "F, S, R, little brighter in the middle."

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NGC 3155 = NGC 3194 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = LGG 193-002 = PGC 30064

10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3144 11.6' SW.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3155 = h676 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171).  He recorded "very faint; small; round.  RA extremely precarious."  lHis rough position falls 4' NE of UGC 5538.  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096 with large systematic errors).   His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals H. IIII. 965 = NGC 3194 is identical to NGC 3155.  The modern designation is NGC 3155, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3194.

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NGC 3156 = UGC 5503 = MCG +01-26-019 = CGCG 036-057 = PGC 29730

10 12 41.2 +03 07 45; Sex

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 47°

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, small, small bright core.  A triangle of bright stars follows; mag 9.0 SAO 118165 2.4' SE, mag 8.3 SAO 118168 5' ENE and mag 7.6 SAO 118169 9' SE.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, small, elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3156 = H. III-255 = h680 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and noted "vF, vS, preceding a triangle of bright stars."  On 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143) John Herschel called the galaxy, "pB; S; R: pretty suddenly brighter middle; 15"."

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NGC 3157 = IC 2555 = ESO 435-051 = MCG -05-24-026 = PGC 29691

10 11 42.4 -31 38 34; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 2.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 38°

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, thin edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.2', low even surface brightness.  Requires averted to glimpse once position pinpointed.  A mag 14.5-15 star is just off the east side of the center.  Located 4.5' N of a mag 9.0 HD 88480.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3157 = h3233 on 28 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; E; 30" has a * 8m sp."  His Cape position is an exact match with ESO 435-051, but due to an error, the GC and NGC position is 40' too far north.

 

DeLisle Stewart later rediscovered this galaxy on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station, recorded the correct position as D.S. 336 (later IC 2555).  So NGC 3157 = IC 2555.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, although ESO and SGC have the correct identification.

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NGC 3158 = UGC 5511 = MCG +07-21-020 = CGCG 211-022 = WBL 258-004 = PGC 29822

10 13 50.5 +38 45 53; LMi

V = 11.9;  Size 2.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0°

 

18" (2/19/09): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, well concentrated with a very bright core and relatively large, fainter halo, ~0.8'x0.7'.  Brightest of 12 galaxies (WBL 258 group at a distance of roughly 300 million l.y.) viewed that are packed into a 14' circle!

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, irregular round or slightly elongated, small bright core.  Brightest in the NGC 3158 group with NGC 3159 6.7' SSE, NGC 3160 4.7' N and NGC 3152 5.5' NW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, round, weakly concentrated, largest and brightest in a group.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small, requires averted.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3158 = H. II-639 = h678, along with NGC 3163, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "pB, cL, r."  On 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), John Herschel logged, "B; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 35 arc seconds."

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NGC 3159 = MCG +07-21-021 = CGCG 211-023 = Holm 172c = WBL 258-005 = PGC 29825

10 13 52.8 +38 39 16; LMi

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

18" (2/19/09): faint to fairly taint, small, irregulaly round, 25"x20", very small bright core.  First of three in a 2.8' E-W string with NGC 3161 and NGC 3163.  MCG +07-21-019 lies 1.6' NW.  Located 6.5' S of NGC 3158 in a small cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core.  This member of the NGC 3158 group is the first of three with NGC 3161 1.2' E and NGC 3163 2.7' E.  NGC 3158 lies 6.7' NNW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Third brightest in NGC 3158 group.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3159 = Big. 42 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3150, 3151 and 3161.  His position is accurate.  Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3158 the following month on 4 Mar 1886 and independently discovered NGC 3159 and NGC 3161, though after the publication of his last discovery paper.

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NGC 3160 = UGC 5513 = MCG +07-21-023 = CGCG 211-024 = WBL 258-006 = PGC 29830

10 13 55.1 +38 50 34; LMi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140°

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, ~40"x12".  Located 4.9' N of NGC 3158 in a rich group and directly between a mag 12.5 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 2.2' NNE.  NGC 3152 lies 4' W.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.  Member of NGC 3158 group with NGC 3158 4.7' S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, small.  Located 5' N of NGC 3158.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3160 (along with NGC 3152) on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72".  He noted "about 4' following [NGC 3152] is a small lenticular ray, elongated sp nf."  His offset and description matches UGC 5513.

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NGC 3161 = MCG +07-21-022 = CGCG 211-025 = Holm 172a = WBL 258-007 = PGC 29837

10 13 59.2 +38 39 26; LMi

V = 13.5;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 10°

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, very small, slightly elongated 20"x16", very small or stellar core.  Sandwiched between NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.6' E in the NGC 3158 cluster.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): this member in the NGC 3158 group is small and the faintest of three with close companions NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.5' E.  Even surface brightness and visible with direct vision.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located between NGC 3159 and NGC 3163.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3161 = Big. 43 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3151, 3159 and 3161.  His position was accurate.    Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3158 the following month on 4 Mar 1886 and independently discovered NGC 3159 and NGC 3161.  Only Bigourdan was credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3162 = NGC 3575 = UGC 5510 = MCG +04-24-019 = CGCG 123-026 = PGC 29800

10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.0'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, roundish, ~1.8' diameter.  A very strong, well defined spiral arm is attached at the southeast side of the core.  It curled ~90° counterclockwise to the south and west.  The arm dimmed significantly at the apparent end, but looking carefully I could detect very faint haze further SW in the outer fringes of the galaxy.  Further south of this arm, the outer edge of the galaxy was barely visible as the surface brightness was very low.  The spiral arm on the north side of the galaxy was poorly seen, but a relatively large knot [several HII knots on the SDSS] was visible 25" N of center.  A short section of the spiral arm was also visible extending east from this knot.  A mag 15.4 star is east of the core [40" from center] and very faint haze from the ragged outer halo was detected beyond this star, along with a very dim knot (HII region in the outermost spiral arm) 1' E of center.  A mag 13.9 star is 1.1' SE of center, just beyond the halo.  A mag 10.9 star is 3.4' W.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty diffuse, weak broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE, a mag 10.5 star 3.4' W and a mag 11.5 star 3.7' NE.  Located 1° SE of Zeta Leonis (V = 3.6).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3162 = H. II-43 = h682 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "vF, pL, r.  It seemed to consist of two nebula joined together having two places rather brighter than the ousides of the nebula; but with [higher power] the following of them appeared very plainly to be a star.  The star seemed to have no connection with the nebula, for, though within the nebulosity there was no kind of gradation of light from the star to the nebula as there generally is from the brighter to the more faint part of nebula."  His position was 20 seconds of RA too far west.

 

On 20 Mar 1854, R.J. Mitchell described it as a "spiral left-handed, spirality very faintly seen, night bad." In 1857, he "suspected a knot in the northwest end."  Based on my observation with a 48", this is probably a knot on the north side. NGC 3575 is a duplicate observation made by d'Arrest in 1863.  See that number for more.

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NGC 3163 = UGC 5517 = MCG +07-21-026 = CGCG 211-027 = Holm 172b = WBL 258-008 = PGC 29846

10 14 07.1 +38 39 09; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (2/19/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core.  Third of three in a 2.8' string with NGC 3163 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.8' W.  Also MCG +07-21-019 is close NW of the string.  Located 7.4' SE of NGC 3158 in a rich group.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Brightest and third of three with NGC 3161 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.7' W.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Third of three in a string and the second brightest in a group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3163 = H. II-640 = h681, along with NGC 3158, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and logged "F, vS, r.  300x showed the same."

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NGC 3164 = UGC 5527 = MCG +10-15-036 = CGCG 290-018 = PGC 29928

10 15 11.4 +56 40 19; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 0°

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'.  Low surface brightness with very little concentration.  Located 11' SW of mag 8.5 HD 88828.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3164 = h679 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and noted "eF; R: very gradually little brighter middle; 15 arc seconds."  His single position matches UGC 5527.

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NGC 3165 = UGC 5512 = MCG +01-26-023 = CGCG 063-063 = Holm 173c = PGC 29798

10 13 31.4 +03 22 32; Sex

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 177°

 

17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with two mag 12.5 stars 1.9' SE and 1.7' NE.  First and faintest of three located 4.6' SW of NGC 3166 and 12' SW of NGC 3169.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3165 on 30 Jan 1856.  While observing NGC 3166 and 3169 he noted "about 5' sp 684 [NGC 3166] is a vvF ray extending N-S."  The NGC RA is 15 sec too small.  Probably based on the poor NGC position, NGC 3165 was included as #212 in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on a photographic survey of bright galaxies by James Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3166 = UGC 5516 = MCG +01-26-024 = CGCG 063-064 = Holm 173a = LGG 192-003 = PGC 29814

10 13 44.9 +03 25 31; Sex

V = 10.4;  Size 4.8'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 87°

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, almost round, even concentration to a brighter core and stellar nucleus (the large, low surface brightness arms were not seen).  The core appears brighter than NGC 3169 7.8' ENE but the duo is pretty similar.  Second of three with NGC 3165 4.6' SW.  Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.6' NW and 2.8' SW of center.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3169.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3166 = H. I-3 = h684 = St. 13-56, along with NGC 3169, on 19 Dec 1783 (short sweep 58).  His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM."

 

John Herschel's first of four observations was made on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 60". The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3169]."

 

Édouard Stephan made an observation on 17 Mar 1882.  His reduced position on 18 Mar 1884 was published in list 13 (#56), is within a few arcseconds of NGC 3166 though Dreyer and Esmiol (who later re-reduced all of Stephan's positions) misidentified the entry as NGC 3165.  Also Stephan's 13-57 refers to NGC 3169, though he calls it NGC 3166 in the notes section to list XIII.

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NGC 3167 = NGC 2789 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089

09 14 59.7 +29 43 48; Cnc

 

See observing notes for NGC 2789

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862 and recorded a "Small and faint nebula.  * 11 preceding 9.5 sec, a little farther north. Whether it is just a nebula, or perhaps a confused group of faint stars is still undetermined, for this evening the air is turbulent."  There is nothing at or near his single position matching his description and RNGC classifies NGC 3167 as nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin originally listed this object as lost as there were no candidates nearby, but recently (email from 16 Jun 2014) he found that if d'Arrest made a 1 hr transcription error in his RA (too large), then his position matches NGC 2789 and the mag 11 star is just where he placed it to the northwest of the galaxy!  Corwin notes that d'Arrest made a similar 1 hr recording error on a few other discoveries (NGC 3575, 3760 and 5008), so this is not a unique situation.

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NGC 3168 = UGC 5536 = MCG +10-15-052 = CGCG 290-023 = PGC 30001

10 16 23.0 +60 14 06; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.  Located 5.6' NE of mag 6.8 SAO 15131.  Brightest of a trio with UGC 5542 4.8' NE (noted as "faint, very small, round, small bright core") and CGCG 290-021 5' NNW (noted as "faint, very small, round.  Two mag 9.5/10 stars are near").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3168 = h683 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "F; pretty suddenly brighter middle; like a star rubbed out.  A * 7-8m in field np - dist 5'."  His position matches UGC 5536, although the bright star is south-southwest.

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NGC 3169 = UGC 5525 = MCG +01-26-026 = CGCG 036-066 = Holm 173b = LGG 192-004 = PGC 29855

10 14 14.8 +03 28 00; Sex

V = 10.2;  Size 4.4'x2.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 45°

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, moderate concentration, pretty faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is just off the east side, 1.6' from the center.  Third of three with NGC 3166 7.8' WSW and NGC 3165 12' SW.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): bright, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3169 = H. I-4 = h684, along with NGC 3166, on 19 Dec 1783 (short sweep 58).  His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 22) as an illlustration of "nebulae that have a cometic appearance."  John Herschel also made 4 observations and wrote on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gradually much brighter middle; 60"; the foll of 2."

 

Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 17 Mar 1882 and measured an accurate micrometric position that was published in his 13th list (#57), though he misidentified the galaxy as NGC 3166.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, observed NGC 3169 on 15 Mar 1855 and commented "sharp at sf edge [dust lane?] and fades of np, spreading out in that direction."  The following January he also noted "perhaps vF neby beyond the well defined sf edge?"

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NGC 3170

10 16 14.5 +46 36 43; UMa

 

= **, Gottlieb and Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3170 = h686 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and noted "F; S; R."  Just 1' north of his position (single observation) is a 7" pair of mag 13.8/15.2 stars at 10 16 14.5 +46 36 44 (J2000).  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3171 = ESO 567-031 = MCG -03-26-032 = PGC 29950

10 15 36.7 -20 38 51; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 176°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.1'x0.8'.  Forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5-14 stars 2.3' NE and 2.5' E.  Located 16' W of mag 6.6 SAO 178610.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3171 = LM 1-169 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.4 tmin west of ESO 567-03 = MCG -03-26-032.  MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 3171.  The RNGC declination is 9' too far south, so the galaxy was misplotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.

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NGC 3172 = MCG +15-01-011 = CGCG 370-002 = CGCG 370-018 = PGC 36847 = Polarissima Borealis

11 47 13.0 +89 05 35; UMi

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.95';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 39°

 

48" (10/26/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core that increases to the center and a low surface brightness 45" halo.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' separation (NW) and a mag 16-16.5 star is within 1' (50" S).

 

MCG +15-01-010, at 1.6' separation (WSW), appeared fairly faint, fairly small, ~35" diameter, slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Visible continuously with direct vision though fairly low surface brightness.   A mag 16.7 star is 16" W at the edge of the halo.  2MASX J11503836+8907109, at 1.8' NNE, appeared extremely faint and small, ~6" diameter.  At 610x, it was as a thin, low surface brightness edge-on, ~20"x6".

 

24" (9/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core that occasionally sharpens up to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' (NW).  MCG +15-01-010, situated just 1.5' (WSW), appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.

 

24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, well defined halo, broad weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.5' distant (NW) and a very faint mag 16.5 star is 50" S.

 

18" (8/1/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NW.  MCG +15-01-010, an extremely faint companion just 1.6' W, was marginally glimpsed though difficult to confirm.

 

17.5" (7/16/93) : faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' NW.  This is the closest NGC galaxy to the North Celestial Pole and is known as "Polarissima Borealis".

 

17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, small, round, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus, can hold steadily with averted.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' distant.

 

17.5" (8/1/86): faint, brighter core, fairly small, round.  A mag 13 star is within 2'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3172 = h250 on 4 Oct 1831. He recorded "very faint; round; gradually brighter middle; 25" diameter; has a * 11m 2' S.  This nebula is remarkable for its proximity to the pole.  Owing to this the RA cannot be determined exactly, and the PD is open to correction."  In the synonym column he called it "Polarissima" but later it was called "Polarissima Borealis" to distinguish it from "Polarissima Australis".  At the time of discovery in 1831 this galaxy was only 4.5' from the north celestial pole!

 

Heinrich d'Arrest observed it with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 12 Aug 1866.  He noted the mag 12 star is 75" distant to the north.

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NGC 3173 = ESO 500-016 = MCG -04-24-022 = PGC 29883

10 14 34.9 -27 41 34; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 7°

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a moderately bright 15" core surrounded by a very faint, low surface brightness halo requiring averted vision.  The galaxy is very close preceding mag 10 SAO 178570 (1.3' from center) and 2.4' NNW of mag 10 SAO 178568!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3173 = h3235 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R: gradually brighter in the middle; 40"."  His position and description matches ESO 500-016.

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NGC 3174 = NGC 3144 = UGC 5519 = MCG +12-10-023 = CGCG 333-020 = CGCG 351-011 = PGC 29949

10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3144

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3174 = H. III-964 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "very faint, very small."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian by 7°.  A corrected position matching UGC 5519 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 25 Sep 1865, measured a fairly accurate position (within 1' of UGC 5519), and it was catalogued as NGC 3144.  By discovery priority, this galaxy should be identified as NGC 3174, though the modern identification is NGC 3144.

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NGC 3175 = ESO 436-003 = MCG -05-24-028 = UGCA 207 = VV 796 = LGG 189-005 = PGC 29892

10 14 42.2 -28 52 18; Ant

V = 11.2;  Size 5.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 56°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): bright, fairly large, bright core, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.5'x0.8'.  Located 38' ESE of mag 6.3 HR 2003.  NGC 3175 is the brightest in a group (LGG 189) that includes UGCA 196, NGC 3113, 3125 and 3137.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3175 = h3236 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; L; mE; gradually very little brighter middle; 2' l; pos 50.3°."  His position and description matches ESO 436-003.

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NGC 3176 = ESO 567-030

10 15 18 -19 01; Hya

 

= Not found, Corwin and Carlson.  Possibly = ESO 567-029, Corwin.  Possibly = ESO 568-011, Gottlieb

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3176 = LM 1-170 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 16.0, 0.8' dia, irregularly round, neb?"  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) and both Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC correction list) conclude this object is lost.  Corwin suggests ESO 567-02 as a possible candidate, but this galaxy is 1 degree south of Stone's position.  Another possible candidate which I found is ESO 568-011.  This galaxy would require a 10 tmin error in RA (too far E) but matches in Declination.

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NGC 3177 = UGC 5544 = MCG +04-24-023 = CGCG 123-032 = PGC 30010

10 16 34.1 +21 07 23; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, increases to a brighter core, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.  Member of the NGC 3190 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3177 = H. III-25 = h687 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and noted "vF, S."  His RA was 43 seconds too small.

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NGC 3178 = MCG -03-26-034 = PGC 29980

10 16 09.1 -15 47 28; Hya

V = 13.9;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 70°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9', even surface brightness.  A mag 12-13 star lies 2.9' ESE.  There are several mag 10-11 stars in the 20' field and mag 9.3 SAO 155864 8.5' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3178 = h3237 on 16 Mar 1836 and noted "pB; pL; gradually pretty much brighter middle; seen through haze."  His position matches MCG -03-26-034.

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NGC 3179 = UGC 5555 = MCG +07-21-036 = CGCG 211-037 = PGC 30078

10 17 57.2 +41 06 51; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 48°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small bright core appears mottled.  Almost collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 1.0' SW and 1.9' SW.  NGC 3184 lies 19' NNE.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3179 on 25 Jan 1851.  He recorded "25' south and a little preceding [NGC 3184] I found a S, R neb, r, near 2 st almost in a line with it."  The following March it was placed about 20' sp of NGC 3184.  The observation was not included in LdR's 1861 publication so did not receive a GC or GC Supplement designation.  Bigourdan's measured an accurate position (given in IC 2 notes). Because of the poor NGC position, NGC 3179 was included as #233 (with an RA about 9 seconds too large) in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on photographs taken by Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.

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NGC 3180 = [H69] 44/45/47

10 18 10.8 +41 26 55; UMa

 

48" (4/4/11): A small HII knot with a stellar core was visible 1.8' NW of the nucleus of NGC 3184.  This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the long, sweeping arm (shown on the sketch at Birr Castle) that wraps around the core of NGC 3184 on the south side before winding north on the west side and ending near NGC 3180.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3180 on 25 Jan 1851.  His description of NGC 3184 states "is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the * north."  The 1 Feb 1856 description states: "The neby connecting the 3 principal knots is vvF but I have no doubt of its existence."  R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm.

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NGC 3181 = [H69] 41

10 18 11.5 +41 24 45; UMa

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot in one of the spiral arms of NGC 3184.  It resides 1.2' SW of the nucleus in a long sweeping arm that wraps around around south side of the core and then heads north on the west side of the galaxy.  This is the brightest of a couple of knots resolved in the arms.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3181 on 25 Jan 1851 in an observation of NGC 3184.  R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm.  The elongated knot embedded in the spiral arm on the southwest side is NGC 3181.  This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 41 in Hodge's "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies".

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NGC 3182 = UGC 5568 = MCG +10-15-062 = CGCG 290-027 = PGC 30176

10 19 33.0 +58 12 21; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'.  Bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.  Collinear with two mag 13 stars 2.4' NE and 3.5' NE.  NGC 3225 lies 45' E.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' SW followed by a mag 12 star 2.4' NE and a mag 13 star 4' NE on a line.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3182 = H. I-265 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "considerably bright, small, very gradually much brighter middle, irregularly round."  Caroline's reduction matches UGC 5568 although the NGC position (copied correctly from the GC) is 19 seconds of RA too small.  This is the first of 19 galaxies discovered on the sweep.

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NGC 3183 = NGC 3218 = UGC 5582 = MCG +12-10-028 = CGCG 351-018 = CGCG 333-023 = Holm 177a = LGG 193-003 = PGC 30323

10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170°

 

17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration but no well defined core.  Several stars are nearby including two mag 13.5 stars at the north edge and a couple more stars within 1'.  Very possibly one of these is a stellar companion 1.0' NNE of center (LEDA 213683).  The faint stars at the edges were a bit startling as it initially looked similar to a partially resolved cluster.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 3183 on 28 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 5582.

 

William Herschel first discovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801, the problematic northern sweep 1096 with large systematic errors.  His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals H. I-283 = NGC 3218 = NGC 3183.  The modern designation is NGC 3183, despite Herschel's earlier discovery.

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NGC 3184 = NGC 3180 = UGC 5557 = MCG +07-21-037 = CGCG 211-038 = PGC 30087

10 18 17.0 +41 25 27; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 7.4'x6.9';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 135°

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3184 is a beautiful face-on spiral with two main long arms and branches, along with several HII knots (two with NGC designations) in the arms.  Contains a relatively small, very bright core, ~1' diameter with a sharp stellar nucleus.  A mag 15-16 star is visible about 40" NE of the center near the edge of the core.  One arm is attached on the east side of the core and winds counterclockwise around the south side of the core towards the west.  The outer halo of the galaxy to the south of this arm has a much lower surface brightness.  NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot (HII region/massive star cluster) embedded in this arm, 1.2' SW of the nucleus.  The arm then continues spiraling outward as it heads north and contains NGC 3180, very small knot with a stellar core at 1.8' NW of the nucleus.  This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the arm.  A second prominent arm is attached on the west side of the core and rotates counterclockwise around the north side towards the east.  The surface brightness lowers on the east side and the arm splits into two branches.  A mag 11.7 star is superimposed near the outer edge on the north side beyond the arm.  Located 11' ESE of mag 6.6 HD 89053.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, large, slightly elongated ~N-S, large 4' halo has a fairly low surface brightness, very weak concentration, small brighter elongated core.  There is an impression of spiral structure though it wasn't distinct.  A mag 11.5 star is at the north edge of the halo 1.8' from the center.  Located 40' W of Mu Ursa Majoris (V = 3.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3184 = H. I-168 = h688 = h689 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "cB, R, near 8' dia, very gradually brighter middle.  A considerable star in the northern part of it but unconnected." John Herschel assigned two entries for this galaxy, h688 = H. I-168 and h689, with the second entry a poor position for this face-on spiral.

 

Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 25 Jan 1851, logged "Is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the star north.  h689 not seen."  The following month, he commented "preceding part probably a portion of a ring."  R.J. Mitchell sketched spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication).  The sketch shows two brighter, elongated knots in the western arm and Dreyer catalogued these as NGC 3180 and 3181.

 

MCG mislabels the galaxy as NGC 3180.

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NGC 3185 = HCG 44C = UGC 5554 = MCG +04-24-024 = CGCG 123-034 = PGC 30059

10 17 38.5 +21 41 18; Leo

V = 12.2;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130°

 

48" (4/18/15): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, oval halo 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.1'.  Strongly concentrated with a very bright roundish core which increases to a slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  The halo has a brighter arcs at the ends of the major axis (northwest and southeast ends) and is slightly weaker inside, creating a weak ring.  A very weak bar is highly suspected connecting the ends of the major axis and the core (very subtle barred ring).  A mag 14.5 star is just off the west side [42" from center].

 

17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, increases to a brighter core, diffuse halo elongated NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is just off the west edge 0.7' from center and a similar star is 1.4' SW of center.  Member of the NGC 3190 group = HCG 44.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, moderately large, gradually brighter core.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, fairly small, elongated.

 

George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) discovered NGC 3185, along with NGC 3187, in January of 1850.  He labeled it "Delta" on the diagram of the group (shown in the 1861 publication).

 

Eduard Schönfeld found it at the Mannhein Observatory on 15 Jan 1861, Julius Schmidt at the Athens Observatory on 8 Feb 1861 and Heinrich d'Arrest on 1 Jan 1862 (position measured on 5 nights).  Schultz referred to it as "Nova Schonfeld", unaware of the Birr Castle observation. John Herschel credited both Lord Rosse and d'Arrest in the GC.

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NGC 3186 = MCG +01-26-032 = CGCG 036-085 = Mrk 720 = PGC 30058

10 17 37.9 +06 58 16; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, extremely small, round, ~15" diameter (probably viewed core only), faint stellar nucleus.  Located 1.2' SE of a mag 12.5 star.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 3186 in the RNGC and PGC but the identification is uncertain due to a poor position from Albert Marth.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3186 = m 195 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "pF, vS, gradually brighter in the middle."  In the GC Supplement and NGC, Dreyer added the comment "several faint stars near", though Corwin notes the source is unknown (not in the published Lord Rosse observations). There is nothing at Marth's position, but a couple of candidates are nearby.  The RNGC and PGC identify CGCG 036-085 as NGC 3186.  This galaxy is located 20 seconds of time east and 5' S of Marth's position.  Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3186 may be the northeastern component of CGCG 036-074.  This galaxy is 1.5 minutes of time preceding and 6' S of Marth's position.

 

In my observation of the field, I picked up IC 602 = UGC 5561 (double system with IC 601) which is located exactly 1.0 tmin east of Marth's position and appears brighter visually than CGCG 036-085.  Because this galaxy is only off in RA (by a single minute) it seems to me a better choice than the RNGC/PGC candidate, although there is only a single mag 12.5 star close by.  Stephane Javelle independently discovered IC 602 on 10 Apr 1893 and accurately placed it in list 2-673.  UGC 5561 is identified as IC 602 in all modern catalogues.  See Corwin's notes for more on the story.

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NGC 3187 = HCG 44D = Arp 316 NED1 = VV 307b = UGC 5556 = MCG +04-24-025 = CGCG 123-036 = PGC 30068

10 17 47.8 +21 52 25; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 3.0'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.7

 

48" (4/1/11): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.6', weak concentration with no well defined core.  At both the NW and SE ends of the bar are faint spiral arms.  The arm at the NW end bends sharply towards the south in the direction of a mag 13.8 star 1.0' SW of center, though doesn't reach this star.  At the SW end of the bar a second faint arm hooks at a right angle to the NE.  Both arms extend ~45" and give the galaxy a distinctive zig-zag shape.  Located on a line 4.9' NW of the showpiece edge-on NGC 3190.

 

17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.  A mag 14 star is off the SW side 1.1' from center and a similar star is 1.3' SSE.  Unusual as the major axis is exactly collinear with the brighter edge-on NGC 3190 4.9' SE.  Located 6.3' SSW of mag 7.8 SAO 81276 and 8.8' WSW of NGC 3193.

 

13.1" (4/24/82 and 3/24/84) very faint, elongated NW-SE.  Located 5' NW NGC 3190.  A mag 8 star 6' NNE detracts.

 

8" (4/24/82): not seen (suspected).

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3187 in January 1850.  This object was found while observing NGC 3190 and 3193, and labeled "Gamma" on the sketch.  The description mentioned "[NGC 3190] and [NGC 3187] proibably connected.  In [NGC 3187], several minute stars seen by Lord R."  R.J. Mitchell's sketch (in the 1861 publication) shows the galaxy tapering at the southeast end and broader at the northwest end.

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NGC 3188 = UGC 5569 = MCG +10-15-065 = CGCG 290-028 = Mrk 31 = PGC 30183

10 19 42.9 +57 25 24; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/9/94): surprisingly faint, small, round, diffuse, unconcentrated except for extremely faint star superimposed at center or a very faint stellar nucleus, appears to have an irregular surface brightness.  Two faint stars just off edges; a mag 14.5 star 0.6' NW of center and a mag 15 star 0.6' E of center also confuse the observation.  Forms a close double with NGC 3188A 0.7' WSW (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3188 = H. III-910 = h690 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He recorded "very faint, pretty large, resolvable, irregular figure, some of the stars visible."  John Herschel logged, "eF; pL; 30" diameter." (9 Feb 1831, sweep 323).

 

Birr Castle assistant Ralph Copeland on 5 Apr 1874 reported it as "vF, cL, R, gradually brighter in the middle, * 15 m near the middle and several small stars near (within 2 or 3' foll), but does seem resolvable."  One of these "stars" may be a very companion (NGC 3188A) just off the southwest side.

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NGC 3189 = part of NGC 3190

10 18 04.3 +21 49 54; Leo

 

48" (4/1/11): this number refers to the thin strip of NGC 3190 that parallels the prominent dust lane on the outer southwest edge of the galaxy.  This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3189 in January 1850,  He recorded "F neby probably extended to the right of [NGC 3190]."  The sketch produced by R.J. Mitchell (fig 14, Plate XXVII in the 1861 William Parsons' publication) shows NGC 3189 is the strip of NGC 3190 on the southwest side of the dust lane.  None of the subsequent observations at Birr Castle mention this feature, although d'Arrest claimed an observation with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 23 Mar 1865.

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NGC 3190 = HCG 44A = Arp 316 NED2 = VV 307a = NGC 3189 = UGC 5559 = MCG +04-24-026 = CGCG 123-037 = Holm 175a = LGG 194-003 = PGC 30083

10 18 05.7 +21 49 57; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 4.4'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125°

 

48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, nearly edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 3.7'x1.0', very bright core with a dazzling stellar nucleus embedded. A sharp, contrasty dust lane that is relatively wide runs along the full length of the galaxy, passing just south of the core. A thin strip of the galaxy parallels the dust lane on the outer southwest side of the galaxy. This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy.  Dreyer catalogued the strip as NGC 3189 based on the 1850 sketch using Lord Rosse's 72-inch scope.

 

17.5" (4/6/02): viewed SN 2002bo (Type Ia), discovered on March 9th, and situated just 12" E and 14" S of center as a 14th magnitude "star".

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, edge-on NW-SE, stellar nucleus, fairly large.  Brightest in HCG 44 with NGC 3187 4.9' NW, NGC 3193 5.8' NE and NGC 3185 11' SW.  Two bright stars are in the field; mag 7.8 SAO 81276 8.3' NNW and mag 9.0 SAO 81279 6.5' NE. 

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, elongated NW-SE, brightest in a group.  Two mag 8 stars are in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3190 = H. II-44 = h692, along with NGC 3193, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166).  His description reads, "Two small nebulae; very like each other; both E and both little brighter middle; than towards the ends, but of the resolvable kind."  His single position is closer to NGC 3187, but must refer to the brighter galaxies though NGC 3193 is not noticeably elongated.

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 15 Mar 1850, sketched two parallel strips separated by a lane.  Lord Rosse included the galaxy in a list of objects with "dark spaces" in his 1850 publications.  R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 22 Mar 1857, which was published in 1861 (plate XXVII, fig 14) as two strips separated by a dark lane with the brighter strip dented in towards the center. 

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NGC 3191 = NGC 3192 = UGC 5565 = MCG +08-19-018 = CGCG 240-026 = PGC 30136

10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak broad concentration.  Located 4.1' SSW of a mag 10 star.  Pair with MCG +08-19-017 1.3' W.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3191 = h691 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and recorded, "F; S; R; bM; 15-20".  If this be III. 704 [NGC 3192], there must exist a great error in PD on one or other side.  His position matches UGC 5565.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1788 and recorded it as H. III-704 (later GC 2060 = NGC 3192).  His position, though, was 7' too far north.  All major catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 3191, instead of NGC 3192.  References: Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979.

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NGC 3192 = NGC 3191 = UGC 5565 = MCG +08-19-018 = CGCG 240-026 = PGC 30128

10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3191.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3192 = H. III-704 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "eF, vS, may be a patch of small stars."  There is nothing at his position, but 8' due south is h691 = NGC 3191.  John Herschel recorded this galaxy as h691 (and later NGC 3191), noting "F; S; R; bM; 15-20". If this be III. 704, there must exist a great error in PD on one side or the other."  Dreyer also commented "perhaps = h.691" in the notes to his Scientific Papers of WH.

 

RNGC misidentifies MCG +08-19-017 as NGC 3192.  This galaxy is located 1.3' W of NGC 3191.  See my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979 (by Malcolm Thomson).

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NGC 3193 = HCG 44B = Arp 316 NED3 = UGC 5562 = MCG +04-24-027 = CGCG 123-038 = VV 307 = Holm 175b = WBL 262-003 = PGC 30099

10 18 25.0 +21 53 37; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 3.0'x2.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/23/85): bright, small, round, stellar nucleus, second brightest in the NGC 3190 group.  Located just 1.3' S of mag 9.0 SAO 81279.  Third of three with NGC 3190 5.8' SW and NGC 3187 8.8' WSW.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, small, round.  A mag 9 star is just 1' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3193 = H. II-45 = h693, along with NGC 3190, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166).  See notes on NGC 3190.

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NGC 3194 = NGC 3155 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = PGC 30064

10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3155.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3194 = H. III-965 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "very faint, very small."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian by 7°.  A corrected position matching UGC 5538 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues.   See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on Herschel's sweeps (p. 344).

 

John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Sep 1828 and recorded h676 as "vF; S; R.  RA extremely precarious." His rough position is 4' too far northeast.  Dreyer also assumed this was a new discovery and catalogued it as NGC 3155 (with an accurate position from d'Arrest).  So, NGC 3194 = NGC 3155.  The primary designation should be NGC 3194, but the common name is NGC 3155.

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NGC 3195 = PK 296-20.1 = ESO 019-2 = PN G296.6-20.0

10 09 21.1 -80 51 31; Cha

V = 11.5;  Size 43"x36"

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x35".  The planetary was clearly annular at this magnification with the rim brightest along the E and W sides, giving a bipolar appearance.  The S end of the rim dimmed, making the rim appear U-shaped, open to the south (though also somewhat weaker on the north end).  The central hole was irregularly shaped with careful examination.  Two mag 12 stars to the W at 45" and 1.6' are collinear with the planetary and a brighter mag 11.5 lies 2' SE.  The surrounding field was lacking in bright stars but rich in faint stars.  NGC 3149 lies 30' NNW.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an interesting planetary at 171x with a UHC filter or at 228x.  It appeared moderately bright and large, ~40"x35", slightly elongated ~N-S.  This disc had a noticeably irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter knot on the following side and a hint of annularity.  Good response to UHC and OIII filters.  Located in southern Chamaeleon between Zeta and Delta Chamaeleontis.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3195 = h3241 on 24 Feb 1835 and recorded "planetary nebula, pB, not quite uniform in its light, having two brighter patches, lE towards a * (a); slightly hazy; diameter = 15 or 18" (in RA 13 seconds of time). Pos of star a = 265.7 , dist = 0.7 diam from edge, 11th mag.; of star c, pos = 210.7 , dist = 1 3/4 diam from edge."  On a later sweep he described "Planetary nebula, R or vlE; a very little hazy at the edges but still pretty well defined with 240 power. Viewed long and with much attention, being a very remarkable object. I am positive of the existence of two brighter portions near the edges."  Sketched Plate VI, figure 2.

 

Joseph Turner sketched the planetary in July 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate V, figure 54).  His sketch shows it clearly as annular with brighter arcs on the east and west side.  Pietro Baracchi (10 Apr 1885) thought the annular rim was slightly brighter on the E and W sides.

 

The planetary was found in 1900 on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station and described as "extremely faint, extremely small, D neb (Dumb-bel), 2 nuclei, extremely faint star 0.6' preceding."

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NGC 3196 = CGCG 153-035 = CGCG 154-001 = PGC 30121

10 18 49.1 +27 40 08; Leo

V = 15.3;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 120°

 

18" (2/23/06): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.  Located 0.5' W of a mag 15-15.5 star that confuses the observation.  This galaxy is unusually faint for a William Herschel discovery.  Located 13' NE of striking double star ∑1421 = 8.2/9.3 at 4.5".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3196 = H. III-348 = h694 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  Sweeps 396/397 on this date were Herschel's most productive night -- with 72 discoveries.  NGC 3196 was the first and the faintest of the sweep and one his smallest discoveries!  He recorded, "suspected, extremely faint, pretty small, little elongated.  I do not much doubt it; but there is too much light to verify it."  Caroline's reduction is 30 seconds of time following CGCG 153-035 = PGC 30121.  Given that comment and the magnitude of this galaxy, it's amazing that Herschel apparently picked it up during twilight.

 

John Herschel's observed it on 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57) and noted "so excessively faint that I remained unsatisfied". His position, though, is just 30" S of this galaxy.

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NGC 3197 = UGC 5500 = MCG +13-08-009 = CGCG 350-045 = CGCG 351-010 = PGC 29870

10 14 27.7 +77 49 13; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located almost at midpoint of two mag 11 stars 3.7' NE and 3.5' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3197 = H. III-966 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He logged "faint, small, stellar nebula.  It is very near and preceding a small star.  300x confirmed it."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian by 7°.  A corrected position matching UGC 5500 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues.

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NGC 3198 = UGC 5572 = MCG +08-19-020 = CGCG 240-030 = PGC 30197

10 19 54.8 +45 32 59; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 8.5'x3.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 35°

 

48" (5/4/16): at 375x; NGC 3198 is a showpiece, large spiral extending 7:2 SW-NE, ~8.0'x2.5'.  Contains a bright, elongated central "bar", punctuated by a very small bright core that rises to a stellar nucleus.  Slightly brighter patches are visible at the ends of the central region, where the spiral arms emerge.  A tight inner arm is attached on the northeast end; it bends back sharply and closely parallels the central region, extending southwest for a length of ~3.5'.  An outer low surface brightness arm sweeps clockwise on the southwest end.  A symmetric outer arm on the northeast end (of slightly higher surface brightness) curls clockwise towards the west.  The outer tip to tip diameter is nearly 8'.  An uncatalogued fairly bright double star [separation ~3.7"] is 3.5' NNE of center, just beyond the halo and a mag 14 star is 2.2' SSE of center.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 7.0'x2.5', broadly concentrated, brighter core has an indistinct elongated nucleus and an irregular surface brightness.  Two mag 14 stars are close south (nearest is 2.0' from the center) and a mag 11 star is just off the NNE edge 3.5' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3198 = H. I-199 = h695 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and remarked "cB, mE, gradually brighter in the middle, about 5' long and 2' broad from sp to nf."  John Herschel wrote on 20 Mar 1828 (sweep 140), "F; vL; bM; mE; 6' large, 2.5' br; r[esolvable]."

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Mar 1850, noted "probably a faint spiral."  It was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.  In later observations, a "dark vacuity ssp Nucl" was noted as well as "dark spaces throughout its length".

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NGC 3199 = Ced 107 = Gum 28 = ESO 127-014 = RCW 48

10 17 06 -57 55; Car

Size 22'x22'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter this Wolf-Rayet bubble appeared as an amazing 180° crescent, open on the east side and forming a thick "C" shape.  The rim of the bubble is widest on the western portion, although it is slightly brighter on the southwest side.  The main portion of the crescent spans ~13' from the north to south end and appears ~3.5' thick in the middle, though fainter nebulosity spreads out to the southeast.  A double star (h4302 = 10.4/11.6 at 23") is embedded near the south end.  The surface brightness is fairly high overall, though irregular with slightly brighter patches, knots and streaks.  A faint 5' linear streak or filament running NNW-SSE is superimposed along the outer western edge, though it separates or resolves from the Crescent at its north and south ends.  The illuminating mag 10.6 Wolf-Rayet star (WR 18 = HD 89358) is located about 4' E of the center of the "C", and is asymetrically positioned with respect to the center of the entire shell.  This W-R bubble is situated four degrees NW of the Eta Carina nebula in a rich Milky Way star field.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x and UHC filter, this HII region appears as a remarkable, huge crescent, roughly 11'x7' (the main region extends nearly 1/3 of the 39' field).  Opens up towards the east in a huge "C" shape.  The SW portion of the crescent is brightest, although the overall surface brightness is irregular with a mottled or curdled appearance.  A few stars are superimposed even with the filter with the brightest stars at the SW end.  Fainter nebulosity sprouts out of the SW end, increasing the total size by several arcminutes.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an amazing HII region with a 20mm Nagler and UHC filter at 103x.  It appears as a fairly bright, thick crescent opening towards the east, roughly 10'x6'!  The surface brightness was quite irregular with a UHC filter and the nebulosity was noticeably brighter on the south end where a couple of brighter stars are embedded.  Off the bright portion of the south end, much lower surface brightness haze extends the curve further SE for several arcmin and spreads out somewhat increasing the length to  ~15'.  The main mass has a curdled, mottled appearance and dark lanes appear to intrude into the nebulosity.  The illuminating star HD 89358 is a Wolf-Rayet star (WR 18) and this nebulosity is reminiscent of the Crescent Nebula in Cygnus (it could be dubbed the "Southern Crescent").

 

9x50mm finder (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): surprisingly, NGC 3199 was visible in the 50mm finder at just 9x by blinking with the OIII filter.  An elongated bar of nebulosity was seen!

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3199 = D 332 = h3239 on 1 May 1826.  He described (on a 2nd observation 8 nights later) a "very faint ray of nebula, about 2' broad, and 6' or 7' long, joining two small stars at the south following extremity, which are very slightly involved, but their lustre is not diminished from that of similar small stars in the field. The north extremity also joins a group of small stars, but they are not involved. Figure 15 [very basic sketch]."  Unfortunately he made a one degree error in reducing the declination (too far north) and a result he wasn't credited for the discovery.

 

John Herschel rediscovered this Wolf-Rayet nebula on 1 Apr 1834, unaware of Dunlop's earlier observation.  He recorded, "A very large and very remarkable nebula, which is brighter to the S.f. part, and dies off to the N.p., having a curved form and forked tail. In the head of it is a double star. The nebula is pretty bright, very large, figure irregular, 8' long, 4' broad. Among a vast number of milky way stars."  On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote, "very bright, very large, 10' long, of a concave or crescent form, sharply terminated inwards, fading away outwards. In a field of about 80 stars. The place is that of a 13th mag star, about the middle of the crescent, or rather nearer the head."  His sketch from that night is reproduced on plate IV, figure 3.  Later that month (sweep 552) he wrote: "pretty bright, very gradually brighter in the middle, of a falcated or semilunar shape, extending over three-quarters of the field. The place is that of a double star in its vertex or southern extremity."

 

Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3199 carefully on 28 Apr 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished lithograph plate VII, figure 67).  The SE end is tapered and brightest and the wide northwest end is forked with the eastern fork slightly brighter.  A lithograph was completed but not published.  Albert Le Sueur earlier made a similar sketch with the 48", as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Jan 1885.

 

Williamina Fleming included the central (Wolf-Rayet) star in one of her 1893 lists of "Stars having peculiar spectra" based on Draper photographs taken at Harvard's Arequipa station.

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NGC 3200 = ESO 567-045 = MCG -03-26-037 = UGCA 210 = PGC 30108

10 18 36.5 -17 58 57; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 4.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 169°

 

17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, moderately large.  A mag 14 star is at the north end.  Either contains a stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed on the center.  A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW of center.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3200 on 10 Apr 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin and noted "pB, E 160, bright middle to a nucleus." His position in Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I, p 73, matches ESO 567-045 = PGC 30108.  I find it surprising that this relatively bright galaxy was missed by the Herschels.

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NGC 3201 = ESO 263-026

10 17 36.7 -46 24 40; Vel

V = 6.7;  Size 18.2';  Surf Br = 0.7

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this beautiful, loose globular was well resolved with approximately two hundred mag 12 to 16 stars visible within a 10' region.  An unusual feature is the large number of brighter cluster stars that appear to be superimposed right on top of a fainter layer of stars in the central core.  The core seemed displaced towards the north side as if part of the northern half of the cluster was obscured and flattened.  This apparent affect may also be due to a larger number of brighter resolved stars that are superimposed on the northern half of the core.  A number of stars in the outer halo are arranged in strings and chains and the outer extent of the halo is irregular.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautifully resolved globular at 171x and 228x.  The cluster is fairly large, ~8'-10' diameter with more careful viewing.  Roughly 150 stars were resolved, though the number grew with magnification and averted vision.  A fairly dense layer of brighter mag 11.5-12 stars were resolved right over the bright core.  The halo, which has a large number of mag 13 stars, had a scraggly, irregular edge and seemed elongated - possibly partially obscured by intervening dust.  This concentration class X cluster is 7th in ranking of brightest stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in horizontal-branch mag stars (mag 14.8).

 

13.1" (2/23/85): this fairly bright globular cluster appears fairly large and mottled.  But only a few stars were resolved due to the view being compromised by the very low elevation (~5° altitude) from northern California.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3201 = D 445 = h3238 on 1 May 1826.  He took detailed notes on 5 nights with a summary description "pretty large, pretty bright round nebula, 4' or 5' diameter, very gradually condensed towards the centre, easily resolved into stars; the figure is rather irregular, and the stars are considerably scattered on the south preceding side: the stars are also of slightly mixed magnitudes."

 

John Herschel first observed NGC 3201 on 20 Apr 1836 and recorded a "globular cluster, irregularly round, gradually brighter in the middle, not v m comp, 6', resolved into stars 13...15th mag." On a second sweep he called it "irregularly round, 7' diameter, but the outliers extend to at least 10' or 12'; gradually pretty much brighter middle, but not very much compressed; all resolved into stars 13..16th mag."

 

NGC 3201 is 7th in ranking of brightest member stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in ranking of horizontal-branch mag (mag 14.8).  The distance is ~20,000 light years.

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NGC 3202 = UGC 5581 = MCG +07-21-041 = CGCG 211-044 = WBL 264-001 = PGC 30236

10 20 31.7 +43 01 18; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', only a weak concentration with a small brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' W of center.  First of three with very similar NGC 3205 4.4' SE and NGC 3207 5.7' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3202 = H. II-720 = h696 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804). He simply noted "F, vS" and 30 seconds later recorded NGC 3205 and 3207.  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; 30"; the preceding of 3 neb in a triangle.  Some stars near."  His position was approximate and as a result the NGC position is 2' too far south.

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NGC 3203 = ESO 500-024 = MCG -04-25-002 = PGC 30177

10 19 34.5 -26 41 53; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 2.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 58°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, very small bright core is possibly stellar, very thin extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3203 = h3240 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; E; gradually brighter in the middle; 25"."  His RA was 1.0 minute too small.  But he measured an accurate RA on the next sweep (563).  Unfortunately he rejected the second (accurate) RA, so the position in the NGC is in error.  Clearly his observations, though, refer to ESO 500-024.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907, using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory, though he called this object a "nova".

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NGC 3204 = UGC 5580 = MCG +05-25-001 = CGCG 154-003 = PGC 30214

10 20 11.2 +27 49 02; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'.  Located 4.1' NE of a mag 11 star.  A mag 7.7 star (SAO 81305) lies 13' SE at the edge of the field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3204 = h698 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "F; L; 40" - 60"; gradually brighter in the middle."  His position matches UGC 5580.

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NGC 3205 = UGC 5585 = MCG +07-21-042 = CGCG 211-046 = Holm 179a = WBL 264-002 = PGC 30254

10 20 50.0 +42 58 19; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): second of three in a group.  Very similar appearance to NGC 3202 4.4' NW.  Fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' WSW.  Appears to have a slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 3202 and brighter along the major axis.  A threshold star is superimposed NE of the core (GSC shows a mag 15 star 15" NE of center).  NGC 3207 lies 2.1' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3205 = H. II-721 = h699 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804).  He noted "faint, very small, stellar" and immediately afterwards logged NGC 3207.   On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; 30"; the second of 3 [with NGC 3202 and 3207] in a triangle."

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NGC 3206 = WBL 265-001 = UGC 5589 = MCG +10-15-069 = CGCG 290-030 = PGC 30322

10 21 47.6 +56 55 50; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 3.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 2.5'x1.5', broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the NNE end 2.1' from the center.  A pair of galaxies NGC 3214 and NGC 3220 lie 13' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3206 = H. I-266 = h697 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He recorded "considerably bright, pretty large, gradually brighter in the middle, irregular figure."  He included a sketch in his 1811 PT paper (fig. 17) as an example "of nebulae which are gradually brighter in the middle."

 

On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel logged, "vF; L; E; very gradually little brighter middle; 2' long; 1 1/2' broad."

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NGC 3207 = UGC 5587 = MCG +07-21-043 = CGCG 211-047 = Holm 179b = WBL 264-003 = PGC 30267

10 21 00.6 +42 59 07; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, almost round, even concentration down to very small core.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' S.  Third of three in a close trio with NGC 3205 2.1' WSW and NGC 3202 5.7' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3207 = H. II-722 = h700, along with NGC 3202 and 3205 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804).  He noted "faint, very small, stellar."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; 30"; the last of 3 in a triangle [with NGC 3202 and 3205]."

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NGC 3208 = ESO 500-025 = MCG -04-25-003 = PGC 30180

10 19 41.3 -25 48 53; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 20°

 

18" (4/10/04): faint, moderately large, round.  At 220x, appears as a low surface brightness glow with a very weak concentration, ~1.2' diameter.  Situated between two mag 10.5 stars - the closer is 1.6' due west and the second star is 3.0' due E!  Outlying member of AGC 1060?

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3208 = LM 1-171 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a reasonable match with ESO 500-025 (30 tsec too far west).  Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA in 1899-00at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (mentioned in the IC 2 notes section)

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NGC 3209 = UGC 5584 = MCG +04-25-002 = CGCG 124-003 = PGC 30242

10 20 38.5 +25 30 18; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a very small prominent core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' W of center.

 

Forms a pair with MCG +04-25-004 4.7' ENE (noted as "very faint, very small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' NNE").  Brightest in a trio with UGC 5588 9.4' SSE (noted as "fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  Forms a small isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 1.0' SSW and 1.2' E of center.  High surface brightness for a UGC galaxy").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3209 = h701 on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) and recorded "F; R; 30"; has a star."  His position matches UGC 5584.

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NGC 3210

10 27 58.9 +79 49 57; Dra

Size 24"

 

17.5" (1/28/89): NGC 3210 is a pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation located just 1' WNW of NGC 3212.  This double was easily resolved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3210 = H. III-979, along with NGC 3212 and 3215, on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, under the pole). He recorded  "The preceding [NGC 3210] stellar; they are all in line and about 1' distance from each other.  The preceding is the most north, about 2' more than the last."  A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation is the only object matching his description with respect to the two nearby galaxies.  As NGC 3210 was found just after his threshold of 500 new objects was reached, it wasn't included in his third catalogue but John Herschel added III-981 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations.

 

In the 1912 update to Herschel's catalogues, Dreyer states the RA for NGC 3210 requires a correction of +1.0 tmin in RA (probably based on an observation by Bigourdan) and this would match one or both of the stars. In 1892 William Denning reported "there are two or three faint stars in the place assigned for it [NGC 3210], but, like d'Arrest, I see no nebulosity [in a 10-inch reflector]."  Dorothy Carlson identified NGC 3210 as a star in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

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NGC 3211 = PK 286-4.1 = ESO 127-15 = PN G286.3-04.8

10 17 50.3 -62 40 14; Car

V = 10.7;  Size 17"

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Picked up unfiltered at 105x as a moderately bright, 15" disc.  Good contrast gain with UHC filter.  Appears bright, evenly illuminated with a well-defined bluish halo.  Appears to float in a beautifully rich Carina star field and centered within a parallelogram of mag 10.5 stars (sides ~9'x7').  Located 1.3° south of the mag 3.4 q Velorum.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter this fine planetary appeared as a very bright, round disc, ~15" diameter, crisp-edged with a bluish hue.  Good filter response to UHC.  The surface brightness was very high and there was a hint of a slightly brighter rim.  Set in a rich Carina star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3211 = h3242 on 7 Mar 1837 and recorded "planetary nebula, delicate, exactly round, = * 10 mag, a little dim at edges; white; with 320x considerably hazy. In field with at least 150 stars."  The next sweep he recorded "perfectly round; very well defined, with a perfectly uniform light, not at all mottled; = a star 10th mag, of which brightness there are 5 or 6 more in the field, and not less than 150 others less bright. Examined by both Mr Maclear and myself with 240x which shows it proportionally magnified; quite round and planetary; a little hazy at the edges, but not more so than is due to the decidedly bad definition of the night, and the imperfect figure of the mirror, which has been injured by careless polishing on too soft a polisher."

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NGC 3212 = Arp 181 NED1 = VV 319b = UGC 5643 = MCG +13-08-021 = CGCG 351-023 = PGC 30813

10 28 16.1 +79 49 23; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 107°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round.  A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation is 1' WNW (= NGC 3210).  Forms a pair with NGC 3215 1.2' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3212 = H. III-980, along with NGC 3210 and 3215, on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, under the pole).  He recorded the trio together as "Three, the place is that of the last [NGC 3215 = III. 981].  The two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] very faint and very small."  This was his second to last sweep and NGC 3212 is the 5th most northern galaxy he discovered (using 1800 coordinates).  See NGC 3210, which is probably a single or double star.

 

None of these three objects were included in Herschel's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500th discovery limit was reached on the previous discovery (NGC 3057).  John Herschel added III. 980 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations.  There are only two galaxies here that were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan, so NGC 3210 (III. 979) is likely a single or double star.

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NGC 3213 = UGC 5590 = MCG +03-27-004 = CGCG 094-008 = PGC 30283

10 21 17.3 +19 39 07; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 133°

 

17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, small, round, low almost even surface brightness.  Located 10' NE of mag 8.1 SAO 99075 and 21' SE of the striking double star Gamma Leonis (2.2/3.5 at 4.5").

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3213 = St. 13-58 on 16 Mar 1882.  His published position in his 13th list was reduced the following March with description "faint, round, 20" diameter, very little concentration, seems resolvable."

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NGC 3214 = MCG +10-15-071 = CGCG 290-032 = Holm 182a = WBL 265-003 = PGC 30419

10 23 08.9 +57 02 20; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): first of two with NGC 3220 5.0' E.  Faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  Bracketed by two mag 13.5 stars 0.8' W and 1.0' E.  NGC 3206 lies 13' SW.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3214 on 9 Mar 1874 using LdR's 72" while observing GC 2082 = NGC 3220. He recorded "cB, vS, R, suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus = * 11m, pos 277.3°, dist 288.7"  It is in a line, Pos about 100°, between 2 st, about 11m each, dist about 1.5'."  Copeland's offset from NGC 3220 matches CGCG 290-032 = PGC 30419.

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NGC 3215 = Arp 181 NED2 = VV 319a = UGC 5659 = MCG +13-08-022 = CGCG 350-055 = CGCG 351-024 = PGC 30840

10 28 40.4 +79 48 46; Dra

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 130°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3212 1.2' NW.  Collinear with NGC 3212 and pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars 2.2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3215 = H. III-981, along with NGC 3210 and 3212, on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, under the pole).  He recorded "Three, the place is that of the last [NGC 3215].  The two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] very faint and very small." Caroline's reduced position is ~4' N of Arp 181 = UGC 5643 and UGC 5659.  This was his second to last sweep and NGC 3215 is the 6th most northern galaxy he discovered (using 1800 coordinates).

 

None of these three objects were included in Herschel's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500th discovery limit was reached on the previous object (NGC 3057).  John Herschel added III-981 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations.  There are only two galaxies here, which were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan.  NGC 3210 is either a star or wide double star.

 

According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Herschel first discovered this galaxy on 5 Apr 1801 (unregistered sweep 1097) with the telescope misaligned to the meridian in the north.  It was still in this orientation after problematic sweep 1096, three nights earlier. Positions in this discarded sweep weren't determined as there was no appropriate offset star.  A note was added that the scope was off the meridian by "at least 5 or 6 degrees in azimuth".

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NGC 3216 = UGC 5593 = MCG +04-25-007 = CGCG 124-008 = PGC 30312

10 21 41.2 +23 55 23; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.9'x0.7', weak concentration.  Located 4.7' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest in a group with UGC 5597 at 4.6' SE (not seen) and an anonymous galaxy 4.1' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3216 = H. III-330 = h702 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, pS, very little brighter middle."  On 28 Mar 1832 (sweep 407) John Herschel logged, "eF; R; 20" diameter."

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NGC 3217 = IC 606 = Mrk 721 = VIII Zw 074 = MCG +02-27-006 = CGCG 065-017 = Todd 29 = PGC 30448

10 23 32.6 +10 57 35; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 30°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 327x and 375x; between faint and pretty faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter center. A mag 14.3 star is 1.4' SW.  Located 25' NW of mag 6.8 HD 90123.

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.  Situated in a small group of mag 13-14 stars and a mag 11.6 star 2.6' SE.  Discovered by David Todd in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and equivalent to IC 606.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3217 = Todd 29 on 4 Mar 1878 using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the US Naval Observatory during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Todd's RA was only reported to the nearest minute of time (roughly 15') but Harold Corwin was able to identify CGCG 065-017 = PGC 30448 as NGC 3217.  This galaxy is 2.1 minutes of time east of Todd's rough position and 4' north but his sketch shows two nearby stars that match this galaxy.

 

Stephane Javelle independently found NGC 3217 on 18 Apr 1893 and reported it in list 2-676 (later IC 606).  PGC, MCG, CGCG and SIMBAD (and amateur software such as Megastar) use the IC designation only and RNGC misclassifies NGC 3217 as nonexistent.  NED and HyperLeda equate the two identities.

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NGC 3218 = NGC 3183 = UGC 5582 = MCG +12-10-028 = CGCG 351-018 = CGCG 333-023 = PGC 30323

10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra

V = 11.9;  Size 2.3'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 170°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3183.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3218 = H. I-283 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He recorded "considerably bright, considerably large, easily resolvable." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian by 7°.  A corrected position matching UGC 5582 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 28 Sep 1865 and measured an accurate position.  Dreyer assumed it was a new object and catalogued the galaxy again as NGC 3183.  So NGC 3218 = NGC 3183.  The modern designation of this galaxy is NGC 3183, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3218 by Herschel.

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NGC 3219 = MCG +07-21-051 = CGCG 211-049 = Holm 184a = PGC 30383

10 22 37.4 +38 34 45; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  PA = 60°

 

18" (4/10/04): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.  Situated in the middle of a thin triangle of mag 11-12 stars with a 1.6' pair of mag 11.5/12 stars ~2.5' W and a mag 11 star 3' E.  Forms a close pair with MCG +07-21-049 1.8' NW, which was not seen with certainty.  Located 9.5' NE of mag 8.8 SAO 62000.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3219 = St. 12-38 on 8 Apr 1882.  His position, reduced three days later, matches CGCG 211-049.  This galaxy is not in RC3 and for some reason is not plotted on the new version of the Uranometria 2000 Star Atlas.

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NGC 3220 = IC 604 = UGC 5614 = MCG +10-15-073 = CGCG 290-034 = Holm 182b = WBL 265-004 = PGC 30462

10 23 45.2 +57 01 38; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 97°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): brighter of a pair with NGC 3214 5.0' W.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration.  Forms the west vertex of a near isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 5.5' NE and a mag 10 star 6.5' ESE.  The mag 10 star is an unequal triple with two 14th magnitude companions at 18" and 27".

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3220 = H. III-911 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "very faint, considerably large, irregular figure., cL, iF."

 

Birr Castle assistant Ralph Copeland on 9 Mar 1874 recorded "pF, L, considerably elongated 91.5°, *14 Pos 145.6°, Dist 94", *8m Pos 102.1°, Dist 393.3°.  The NGC description is based on this observation.  Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Aug 1890, and reported it as new in his 9th discovery lists, #22 (later IC 604).  Dreyer apparently missed the match in position, so NGC 3220 = IC 604.

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NGC 3221 = UGC 5601 = MCG +04-25-013 = CGCG 124-017 = PGC 30358

10 22 20.2 +21 34 07; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 167°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x0.7', brighter middle but no nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 4.6' S of center.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3221 on 1 Jan 1862.  His description reads, "eF, incredibly thin, 90" length, mag 10 star 4' south."

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NGC 3222 = UGC 5610 = MCG +03-27-011 = CGCG 094-018 = PGC 30377

10 22 34.5 +19 53 13; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo.  A mag 14.5 star is just south of the west edge 0.6' from center.  A mag 11.5 star lies 2.9' S.  FIrst of three with the NGC 3226/3227 duo 13' E in field.

 

Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 3222 = Au 27 in March 1855 with a 9.6-in Fraunhofer refractor at the Berlin Observatory.  It was found "while observing the double nebula [NGC 3226/3227]." and he added "it is much fainter than both components, round and slightly brighter to the middle."  Using the Heliometer at Konigsberg, Auwers described it as "very faint, ~1' diam; star-like core 12-13m."  d'Arrest and Schultz also measured accurate micrometric positions and Schultz called it "binuclear".

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NGC 3223 = IC 2571 = ESO 375-012 = MCG -06-23-023 = LGG 196-005 = PGC 30308

10 21 35.1 -34 16 01; Ant

V = 11.0;  Size 4.1'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 135°

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.2'.  Increases to a moderately bright 30" core.  A mag 11 star is just off the SE end and one or two faint stars are superimposed in the halo.  This was a surprisingly easy galaxy and bright for a low elevation (~15 degrees).  NGC 3223 is an outlyting member of the Antlia cluster (ACO S636), situated about 1.5° NW of the center of the cluster.  NGC 3224 lies 26' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3223 = h3243 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; vL; vlE; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; to a centre; diam 2'."  His position is on the northeast side of ESO 375-012.

 

Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897, assumed it was new and reported Sw. 11-107 (later IC 2571) as "vF; cS; R; mag 9 star close p close following."  His RA was 28 seconds too small, but a close match (~30") in declination.  A couple of years later, Herbert Howe checked Swift's observation using the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.  He noted Swift's 9th magnitude star follows by 9 seconds of RA and he provided an accurate micrometric position.  Dreyer used Howe's corrected RA in the IC 2 but didn't notice the positional equivalence of IC 2571 with NGC 3223.

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NGC 3224 = ESO 375-013 = MCG -06-23-024 = LGG 196-006 = PGC 30314

10 21 41.2 -34 41 49; Ant

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 133°

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, failry small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.7'. Well concentrated with a small, bright core.  Outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).  Found by starhopping from brighter NGC 3324 located 26' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3224 = h3244 on 18 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; R; pretty gradually much brighter middle; 40"."  His position matches ESO 375-013.  Pietro Baracchi wrote "B; S; R; very gradually brighter middle; diam 50"." (11 Jan 1886, Melbourne telescope).

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NGC 3225 = UGC 5631 = MCG +10-15-077 = CGCG 290-037 = PGC 30569

10 25 10.0 +58 09 00; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' NNE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3225 = H. II-882 = h703 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "pretty bright, pretty large, little extended, brighter middle."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E; very gradually brighter middle; 30" to 40" [diameter]."

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NGC 3226 = Arp 94 NED1 = VV 209b = Holm 187b = UGC 5617 = MCG +03-27-015 = CGCG 094-026 = LGG 194-008 = PGC 30440

10 23 27.0 +19 53 54; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15°

 

48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.8'x 1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright non-stellar nucleus.  The halo has only a weak concentration and with averted vision appears to merge with the halo of NGC 3227.  A low surface brightness spiral arm on the west side of NGC 3227 extends north to the outer halo of NGC 3226.

 

17.5" (4/25/92): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, smoothly increases from halo to a bright core and an almost stellar nucleus.  The halo extends to almost 2' diameter with averted vision and fades into background.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3227 at the south side with 2.3' separation between centers.  The outer halo is just in contact with NGC 3227 at the SSE edge.  NGC 3222 lies 13' W.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, broad concentration to a brighter middle.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3226 = H. II-28, along with NGC 3227, on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). He described both as "Two nebula almost close together.  Perhaps 1 1/2 or 2' asunder, they are pretty considerable in size and of a roundish form; but not cometic; they are vF."  Later in the same sweep he discovered the pair NGC 3646 and NGC 3649.  His position for H. II-28 was 17' too far north, but d'Arrest and Schultz measured accurate positions used in the GC and NGC.  Stephan also measured a good position on 4 Mar 1886 with additional observations on 8 Mar and 27 Mar 1886 (after the last of published lists).

 

Father Secchi found NGC 3226 and 3227 on 6 Mar 1853 with the 9.5-inch Merz refractor at the Roman College observatory and announced the pair as new in Astronomische Nachrichten 36, p. 243 (1853).  He mentioned the nebulae were "not listed in Herschel's Observations of nebulae and clusters of stars [Slough catalogue]."  Like a number of observers, Secchi missed the prior discovery as he only checked the Slough catalogue or was misled by Herschel's poor positions.  In 1855, d'Arrest reported these nebulae were discovered previously.

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NGC 3227 = Arp 94 NED2 = VV 209a = Holm 187a = UGC 5620 = MCG +03-27-016 = CGCG 094-028 = LGG 194-009 = PGC 30445

10 23 30.6 +19 51 55; Leo

V = 10.3;  Size 5.4'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 155°

 

48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE. ~3'x 1.5'.  Contains a very sharp, intensely bright stellar nucleus within a very bright elongated core.  The large, elongated halo displays two subtle spiral arms. A broad, low surface brightness arm is attached on the NNW end and sweeps south on the east side, ending just west of a mag 14.7 star, which is 2.3' SE of center.  A second broad arm emerges roughly on the southwest side and shoots north on the west side, extending to the halo of NGC 3226 [centers of the two galaxies separated by 2.2'].

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly bright, fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', prominent very small high surface brightness core, striking stellar nucleus.  Just in contact with NGC 3226 at the NW tip 2.3' separation between cores.  Brightest of three with NGC 3222 13' W.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  This Seyfert galaxy forms a contact system with NGC 3226 2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3227 = H. II-29, along with NGC 3226, on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146).  See notes for NGC 3226.

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NGC 3228 = ESO 214-001 = Cr 218

10 21 22 -51 43 24; Vel

V = 6.0;  Size 18'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): bright, 15' open cluster in Vela.  Prominent in 9x50 finder and easy in 10x30 IS binoculars.  The main portion consists of 9 mag 8-10 stars.  Scattered about are a few additional mag 9 and 10 stars in a 15' field.  Perhaps 3 dozen stars total are within the boundary, though besides the bright stars the remaining are mostly mag 13-14 and appear to be a random background scattering of stars in a rich Milky Way field.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3228 = Lac II-7 = D 386 = h3245 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x.  He called it a "heap of four or five stars, very small and compressed."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster twice outside Sydney, Australia (first on 9 May 1826) and reported "11 Roboris Caroli. A group of 8 or 10 pretty bright small stars, with very small stars, about 6' diameter."  On 6 Apr 1834 (sweep 438), John Herschel called this "a group of 9 large, and a few scattered small stars."

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NGC 3229

10 23 24.3 +00 03 54; Sex

V = 13.6/15.8;  Size 9"

 

= **, Corwin.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.

 

Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3229 = HN 16 on 31 Mar 1850 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars.  He simply noted a "faint nebulous object", but at his exact position is a double star at 10 23 24.3 +00 03 54.  The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 009-008 as NGC 3229.  This galaxy is located 1.6 min of RA west and 12' north of Coolidge's position. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3230 = UGC 5624 = MCG +02-27-007 = CGCG 065-020 = WBL 266-002 = PGC 30463

10 23 44.0 +12 33 59; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 115°

 

48" (5/8/21): at 375x; bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6'.  Strong concentration with a bright core and stellar nucleus.  The beginning root of a curving spiral arm is on the WNW end and a less defined counterpart on the ESE end.  A mag 11.3 star is attached on the south side, just 0.3' from center.

 

UGC 5625 lies 3.9' NNE and it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, oval 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', slightly brighter core, low surface brightness.

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Unusual appearance with a mag 10 star superimposed at the south edge.

 

UGC 5625, situated 4' NNE, appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 1.1' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3230 = h705 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) and wrote, "a triple star in nebula, a fourth star suspected."  The next night he logged, "A very close D* of the first class involved in a nebulous wisp. 'A most curious, delicate and interesting object'."

 

In 1885, Herbert Sadler of England claimed to detect a change in the position (proper motion) relative to a nearby double star.  Dreyer replied that there was no evidence of motion.

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NGC 3231

10 26 58 +66 48 42; UMa

Size 2.5'

 

18" (3/5/05): 16 stars are visible in an 8' region.  The stars are distributed into two groups oriented NW-SE.  The northwest group stands out more distinctly as it is a bit richer and more compact (~2.5' diameter) and contains a mag 11.5/13 pair at 18".  The sparser SE group also contains a mag 13 pair at 17".  At the SE edge of the 225x field (9' SE of the NW grouping) is mag 7.9 HD 90318.  Listed as an asterism in the RNGC.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3231 = h704 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and recorded "A cluster of 20 stars more or less, 10,11, and 12m, scattered over a space of 10' dia. A star 7m south."  Heinrich d'Arrest noted the principal star was double.  This group is apparently an asterism although it stands out well on the DSS, being detached from the surrounding field.

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NGC 3232 = MCG +05-25-004 = CGCG 154-008 = PGC 30508

10 24 24.3 +28 01 40; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 2.5' NE of a mag 10 star.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3235 7.7' E.

 

On the SDSS, this is a superposed (merging?) pair of galaxies, though it was not seen as double.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3232, along with NGC 3235, on 29 Dec 1861.  His single position is less than 1' to the SSE and his description mentions a mag 11-12 star is 150" southwest). So the identification is certain.

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NGC 3233 = ESO 568-001 = MCG -04-25-004 = LGG 195-002 = AM 1019-220 = PGC 30336

10 21 57.5 -22 16 04; Hya

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (4/13/02): faint, small, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', irregular surface brightness.  There is possibly a very faint envelope surrounding the main bar.  Located 16' NNE of mag 6.5 HD 89828.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3233 = LM 1-172 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of time west of ESO 568-001.  Herbert Howe's corrected position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3234 = NGC 3235? = UGC 5635 = MCG +05-25-007 = CGCG 154-010 = PGC 30553

10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi

 

See observing notes for NGC 3235.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3234 = h706 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "pB; R: pretty suddenly brighter middle; 30"."  There is nothing at his position, though his brightness estimate of "pB" implies a duplicate observation (with a bad position) of a reasonably bright galaxy.  In the GC, JH mentioned it might be a comet.

 

This object was not found in six attempts at Birr Castle (1852-56), and Reinmuth and Carlson also reported it as not found, based on photographic searches.  In the NGC Notes section, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 is probably identical to NGC 3235 with a 1 degree error in declination.  In the IC 1 notes, though, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 ≠ NGC 3235, as both were seen by William Frederick Denning.  Nevertheless, Corwin concludes "NGC 3234 is almost certainly = NGC 3235."

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NGC 3235 = NGC 3234? = UGC 5635 = MCG +05-25-007 = CGCG 154-010 = PGC 30553

10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 3.1' NNW.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3232 7.7' W and IC 2572 4.7' NNE.  IC 2572 appeared extremely faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, although difficult to determine exact orientation as could only glimpse.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3235, along with NGC 3232, on 29 Dec 1861.  His position, measured on 3 nights, matches UGC 5635 = PGC 30553 and he noted a mag 15 star precedes by 5.7 seconds of time, at a separation of 195" [SSW].  NGC 3234 is probably a duplicate (earlier) observation by JH with an erroneous position.  See notes for NGC 3234.

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NGC 3236 = MCG +10-15-081 = CGCG 290-040 = PGC 30711

10 26 48.5 +61 16 23; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.75'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 52°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SE.  Located 4.0' NE of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3236 = h707 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "eF; S; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 8"; 2 st 11 and 12m follow."

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NGC 3237 = UGC 5640 = MCG +07-22-003 = CGCG 212-007 = PGC 30610

10 25 43.3 +39 38 47; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core.  An uneven mag 12/14 double is 3' N and trailing from this pair is a string of three mag 10.5-11.5 (total length including double of 10').

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3237 = H. III-631 = h709 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS.  With 300 the same."  Caroline's reduced position is 6' SSE of UGC 5640, but there are no other nearby candidates.  On 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335) John Herschel reported, "pF; R; S; pretty gradually brighter middle; 10-12" dia."  His position is marked as very uncertain, but his dec is just 1' south of UGC 5640.

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NGC 3238 = UGC 5649 = MCG +10-15-080 = CGCG 290-041 = PGC 30686

10 26 43.0 +57 13 35; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, even concentration with brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with MCG +10-15-079 5.4' NW.  NGC 3220 lies 27' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3238 = H. II-883 = h708 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "faint, small, round, brighter middle."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel reported "Not vF; R; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 20" [diameter]."

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NGC 3239 = Arp 263 = VV 95 = UGC 5637 = MCG +03-27-025 = CGCG 094-038 = PGC 30560

10 25 05.5 +17 09 35; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 5.0'x3.3';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 80°

 

48" (5/4/16): NGC 3239 was examined at 488x, specifically looking for the two tidal tails not seen in the previous observation with Lowrey's 48".  A very faint curving tail or hook (identified as "Tail A" in Krienke & Hodge's 1990 paper "The structure of the irregular galaxy, NGC 3239") was seen extending from the very bright HII knot (VV 95b) on the southeast side.  It curves clockwise to the southeast in the direction of a mag 15.8 star [2' ESE of the mag 10 superimposed star].

 

Beyond the west end of the main glow is a fairly wide, very low surface brightness glow (the start of "Tail B") in the direction of a mag 12.5 star (2.4' due W of the bright star); it then sweeps broadly towards the south.  A narrow extension heading southwest ends at a faint HII knot, perhaps 6" diameter, which is identified in NED as NGC 3239:[HK83] 75 and 80.

 

48" (2/19/12): NGC 3239 = Arp 263 is a large, disrupted irregular, dominated by numerous HII regions.  It was a fascinating sight at 488x.  A mag 10 star is superimposed on the southwest side of the galaxy with the patchy, highly irregular surface brightness glow of the galaxy extending mainly north and east of the star.

 

A very bright, round knot of ~15" diameter is prominent on the southeast side of the galaxy.  This HII complex is catalogued as VV 95b in NED and as region #6 and #10 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies".  A faint star or knot is attached on the N side.  A "star" recorded just off the W side of this knot turned out to be supernova SN 2012A, discovered on 7 Jan 2012, still currently around 14th magnitude.  Very faint haze extends southeast of VV 95b, but the "tail" structure was not seen. 

 

Along the N side of the galaxy (elongated E-W) are several additional knots.  About 30" due N of VV 95B is HK[83] #3 and #4.  This close pair of knots appeared as a faint, small, irregular glow, ~6" diameter.  Patchy haze is just W, but with no condensed spots. Further W, and 40" due N of the mag 10 star, is a moderately bright, small, round knot, ~10" diameter that has several HK[83] entries (#28/29/31/34).  To the W of this knot, the glow of the galaxy ends near HK[83] #57/58, a faint low surface brightness knot that is elongated N-S.

 

18" (3/28/09): moderately bright and large, irregular shape and mottled appearance, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~1.0'x0.5'.  A mag 9.5 star is superimposed on the SW side with the brighter portion of the galaxy extending to the east.  On the SW end of the galaxy is a bright HII knot (VV 95B = Hodge-Kennicutt #10) of ~20" diameter.  The galaxy has a patchy surface brightness with an ill-defined, irregular halo.  A number of fainter galaxies are in the field (background cluster) including CGCG 94-42 2.9' SE, CGCG 94-40 4.8' N, CGCG 94-43 6.3' NNE, UGC 5639 8' NE, CGCG 94-39 8.5' N, CGCG 94-46 8.5' SE.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, very unusual appearance as a mag 9 star (BD+17 2217) is superimposed on the south side.  An unusually bright knot is following the bright star by 51" on the SE side of the galaxy. This is possibly an offset nucleus or more likely an HII knot.  The galaxy appears to extend to the west from this knot.  The galaxy exhibits an irregular surface brightness with edges difficult to define as it fades into the background.  The halo is more extensive to the north with averted vision.  About 2' NW and 2' W are two mag 11 and 12 stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3239 = H. IV-10 = h710 = h3246 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181)and recorded "A pretty considerable star, with a milky vF brush after it.  The position of the brush is about 15 or 20° nf.  With 240 I saw 2 vF stars towards the confines of the brush; but they seemed to have no connection with it.  The bright star is the following one of a triangle, the preceding stars of which are a little smaller.  It precedes a large star 3 1/2 min of time and is 2' more north."  His description and position applies to Arp 263 = VV 95.

 

10 observations were made at Birr Castle, with knots in NGC 3239 mentioned several times.  On 10 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell commented "A knot north of the star and another nff, the space between them and the star is filled with faint mottled nebulosity.  A star suspected in np end of the following knot.  A very faint nebula suspected following?".  The last comment probably refers to CGCG 094-042, which is 3' ESE.

 

On the POSS, the bright knot on the southeast end seems like it could be an interacting galaxy but on the SDSS it looks like a large, blue HII region.  Also the area immediately north seems dusty.  Contains unusual asymmetric arcs to the south as if very disturbed.  This galaxy has a listed redshift of only 0.0025, while the surrounding galaxies (6 viewed on 3/28/09) have a redshift of z = .044.

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NGC 3240 = ESO 568-003 = MCG -04-25-007 = LGG 195-003 = PGC 30515

10 24 30.6 -21 47 28; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78°

 

17.5" (2/22/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 0.8' SSE of center just outside the halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3240 = h3247 on 20 Mar 1835 and reported "eF; S; R; near a star."  His position from two sweeps matches ESO 568-003.

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NGC 3241 = ESO 436-016 = MCG -05-25-002 = PGC 30498

10 24 16.9 -32 28 58; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123°

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0'.  Weak concentration with no distinguishable core.  A mag 11 star is close off the NW edge, 1.4' from center and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star.  Scattered groups of mag 10 stars lie ~20' E and a similar distance west.  Outlying member of the Antlia cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3241 = h3249 on 16 Feb 1836 and logged "F pmE gradually little brighter middle; has a *11m north preceding."  His position is 1' N of ESO 436-016 and the description matches.

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NGC 3242 = PK 261+32.1 = ESO 568-5 = PN G261.0+32.0 = Eye Nebula = The Ghost of Jupiter = The CBS Eye

10 24 46.1 -18 38 32; Hya

V = 7.3;  Size 40"x35"

 

82" (5/4/19): at 400x; fairly prominent wings or handles were visible on both ends of the major axis of the inner lens.  Both "handles" extended well into the halo and greatly increased the length of the bright lens, which showed a couple of brighter interior knots.  The halo was surrounded by an obvious outer shell.

 

48" (4/18/15 and 5/1/19): In addition to the structure previously noted, the sharply defined inner ring clearly has lower surface brightness extensions at the northwest and southeast end, creating an inner lens.  The bulge on the northwest end is a bit larger and brighter, though the southeast end of the ring has a slightly brighter knot.

 

Two galaxies are nearby.  PGC 155202, 3.9' SSW of NGC 3242, was fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 20"x15", very weak concentration.  A mag 11.2 star lies 1.9' NE.  PGC 155215, 3.4' SE of NGC 3242, was faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 15"x12", low surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 0.6' WNW and a mag 10 star is 2' E.

 

48" (2/18/12 and 5/14/12): at 814x, the multiple ring structure was remarkable.  The small, dark central hole and bright central star was surrounded by a beautiful inner lens, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15".  This vivid turquoise lens was brighter at the ends of the major axis and bulges out with an extension on the northwest end.  Surrounding the lens was a broader halo or shell with a rounder outline, ~45"x35" NW-SE.  This shell had a distinctive light pink or salmon color.  Highlighting the very edge of this shell is an extremely thin, slightly brighter greenish ring.  A low surface brightness outer halo surrounds the planetary.

 

48" (4/1/11): stunning view at 488x with a high contrast, high surface brightness double ring structure and an outer third shell.  The small inner lens has an electric turquoise color and is elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15".  At the southeast end of the major axis of the inner ring is a well-defined, bright knot.  The irregular inner ring is also brighter and thicker along the northwest end, though not as bright or sharply defined as the southeast knot.  The dim central portion is punctuated by the bright central star.  The outer ring is rounder and extends ~45"x35" NW-SE, with the limb unevenly lit.  The greenish color is not as intense in the outer ring.  Between the two main rings the nebulosity has a pinkish hue.  The main structure was surrounded by a low surface brightness outer halo, at least 1.5' diameter, which significantly increased the total size!

 

18" (4/9/05): at 435x, the double shell structure was prominent and exhibited filametary structure outside the inner ring.

 

17.5" (3/25/00): this beautiful PN has a very high surface brightness and a bluish color at 100x.  The view at 280x-380x was stunning with a well-defined double shell structure.  The bright, narrow inner ring is surrounded by a second fainter oval envelope.  Inside the bright lens is a dark, 10" donut-hole with a faint central star marking the center.  In moments of steady seeing, the inner ring has a hard-edge and the central star is easier.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): at 415x appears very bright, fairly small, bluish color, central star is visible.  Prominent double lens structure with a bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell.  Stunning at high power with a striking "eye" appearance with a darker center.

 

13.1" (many dates 3/24/84 to 4/10/86): very bright, bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell.  At 350x there is a darker center to the inner lens and the central star is visible almost continuously. Superb view at 535x in excellent seeing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3242 = H. IV-27 = h3248 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368).  He description reads, "A beautiful, very brilliant globe of light; a little hazy on the edges, but the haziness goes off very suddenly. I suppose it to be from 30 to 40" in diameter, perhaps a very little elliptical. The light of it seems to be all over of the uniform intensity of a star of the 9th magnitude.  The haziness of the edges does not exceed the 20th part of the diameter." The same night he discovered the planetary NGC 4361 in Corvus as as well as the Antennae Galaxy (NGC 4038/4039).  On a second observation on 29 Mar 1786 (sweep 542) he called it "a most beautiful object, of a uniform white light."   His published summary description for IV-27 reads "Beautiful, brilliant, planetary disk, ill defined, but uniformly bright, the light of the colour of Jupiter. 40" diameter. Second observation, near 1' diameter by estimation."  This description led to to the nickname "Ghost of Jupiter" (see below).

 

William Lassell observed NGC 3242 on 12 Mar 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta and noted "a brilliant light blue colour with slight green tinge." The double ring structure was described at Birr Castle, as well as the northwest extension of the inner ring. On 6 Apr 1863 Samuel Hunter logged,"Outer ring is brightest north and south and fainter preceding, but vF on sf side, it does not appear so blue as the inner and brighter one....The little projection of np end of the bright ring is very marked." E.E. Barnard and Sherburne Burnham observed the planetary with the 36-inch at Lick Observatory on 25 Feb 1889.  Barnard described in his logbook "a glowing star in center of dark space, this in in parallelogram or diamond shape () of beautiful bluish green.  This in an elliptical rose colored disc."  James Keeler's sketch on 30 Mar 1891 with the 36-inch shows both extensions of the inner ring along the major axis.

 

Sir William Huggins observed an emission line spectrum in 1865 and it was confirmed by Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, in 1868 while stationed in Bangalore, India. Huggins also examined it with his 8" refractor and reported "Powers of 600 and 920 diameters showed that the nebula is annular.  It appears to consist of an oval ring of brighter matter surrounded by a broad margin of faint nebulosity.  The area enclosed by the ring is filled with faintly luminous matter.  The faint nebuosity surrounding the ring appears circular, or nearly so, suggesting the ring, seen obliquely from our system, extists with a globular mass of faint nebuous material."

 

Admiral Smyth noted the planetary "resembles Jupiter" in his "Cycle of Celestial Objects" (1844), following Herschel’s published description.  The specific moniker "Ghost of Jupiter" was first used by Captain William Noble in the 1882 issue of Knowledge. He wrote "It will be a seen as a pale-blue disc, looking just like the ghost of Jupiter." The description was repeated in his book "Hours with a Three-Inch Telescope" (London and New York, 1886). In his 1909 book "In Starland with a Three-Inch telescope” William Tyler Olcott also stated "It will be seen like a pale blue disk, like a ghost of jupiter"

 

Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the inner, roughly elliptical ring with its slightly fainter extensions is about 26"x16" in pa 145°.  The outer and considerably fainter oval disk is 40"x35", and shows faint ring or shell effects at its edges.

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NGC 3243 = UGC 5652 = MCG +00-27-012 = CGCG 009-003 = PGC 30655

10 26 21.4 -02 37 20; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 125°

 

17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus (possibly offset from center).  Located 1.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star and a similar star is 4' NNE.  IC 609 lies 27' NNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3243 = Sw. 3-54 on 2 Apr 1886 and noted "vF; S; lE; between a pB and a vF *."  His position is 10 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 5652 and the description fits.

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NGC 3244 = ESO 317-024 = MCG -07-22-005 = PGC 30594

10 25 28.9 -39 49 41; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 170°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very diffuse, almost round.  A mag 11 star is 1.9' N.  Located 14' NW of NGC 3250.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3244 = h4019 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; above a * 11m, dist 1.5'."  It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) which Dreyer identified as "h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.  His position and description matches ESO 317-024.

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NGC 3245 = UGC 5663 = MCG +05-25-013 = CGCG 154-017 = LGG 197-002 = PGC 30744

10 27 18.4 +28 30 26; LMi

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 177°

 

14.5" (4/13/23): at 158x and 226x; fairly bright, oval at least 3:2 N-S, ~2.0' x 1.25'.  Sharp and strong concentration with a very bright elongated core that increases to a stellar or nearly stellar peak

 

17.5" (3/29/97): bright, fairly large, elongated ~3:2 N-S, 2.2'x1.3'.  Unusually bright 30" core, increases to a very small but nonstellar nucleus.  The faint edge-on NGC 3345A lies 8.8' NNW.  Brightest in a small, loose group (LGG  197) that incudes NGC 3245A, 3254, 3265 and 3277.

 

NGC 3245A appeared extremely faint, thin edge-on 7:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x0.3'.  Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse, no noticeable concentration.  Surprisingly low surface brightness and I might not have been noticed it if I wasn't aware of the position. The major axis points just north of a mag 11.5 star 2.1' NW of center. Also a mag 12 star is 2.4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3245 = H. I-86 = h711 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  His description reads "considerably bright, pretty large, much brighter middle, the greatest brightness a little elongated."  John Herschel made 5 observations calling the galaxy "very bright" on 4 of his sweeps.

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NGC 3246 = UGC 5661 = MCG +01-27-009 = CGCG 037-037 = PGC 30684

10 26 41.8 +03 51 43; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 100°

 

17.5" (3/25/00): faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 E-W, broad weak concentration, 1.5'x1.0'.  Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5-12.5 stars 2.8' SW and 3.0' SSW of center.  Located 9' SW of mag 6.7 SAO 118299.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3246 = h712 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "eF; S; R: two stars, 10 and 11m sp, dist 90"."  HIs position and description matches UGC 5661.

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NGC 3247 = ESO 127-18 = Westerlund 2 = OCL-807 + Gum 29 = RCW 49

10 24 13 -57 45 48; Car

Size 6'x4'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): NGC 3247 consists of a compact cluster (often referred to as Westerlund 2), one of the most massive young star clusters known in the Milky Way, and a large, irregular H II region (Gum 22 = RCW 49) with star-forming pillars similar to the Eagle Nebula.  At 230x, the cluster extended ~1.5', but the richest part was a dense, elongated clump only 45" long with a half-dozen tightly packed mag 13.5-14 stars resolved in an WNW-ESE string.  Off the SW side is mag 13.5 WR 20a, one of the most massive binary systems (both superluminous O3-type stars).  The cluster is situated 12' N of mag 5.8 HD 90289.

 

At 145x, fairly faint emission haze was easily visible in an irregular 2.5' region just to the east of Westerlund 2. A mag 12 star is embedded near the center of the nebula, a mag 11.5 star is just off the north edge and a few additional stars are involved.  Adding a NPB filter, RCW 49 transformed into a fairly bright, irregular nebula!  The brightest part (centered on the star) was roughly circular with a well-defined northern boundary, but it spread further south and southwest to a ~4'x3' region.

 

Cr 220 (often misidentified as NGC 3247) is located ~15' SE of the NGC 3247 complex in the same low power field.  Roughly three dozen stars were resolved at 145x in a 6' circle, with the central part slightly condensed.  The brightest mag 9.8 star is at the north end with a mag 12 companion [13" separation].  A small quadrilateral of mag 13-13.5 stars [sides 14", 14", 18", 17"] is on the southwest side.  No involved nebulosity was seen.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3247 = h3250 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "a curious object. Stars involved in evident nebula."  The next sweep he logged, "there is a nebulous appearance, which merits re-examination. Observed much past meridian, and no reliance on the PD [polar distance]."  A third observation only has a very approximate polar distance. His rough (mean) position is 10 24.8 -57 51 (2000).  Joseph Turner unsuccessfully searched for this object using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 12 Feb 1879, as well as Pietro Baracchi on three different occasions, perhaps due to Herschel's poor position.

 

Using a Harvard plate, DeLisle Stewart identified NGC 3247 at 10 23 58 -57 48.5 (2000), and Dreyer repeated this position in the IC 2 notes.  Brian Skiff places NGC 3247 more accurately at 10 24 01 -57 45.6, corresponding with ESO 127-SC18 = Westerlund 2.  This compact cluster (~1.5' dia) is embedded in the HII region RCW 49 = Gum 29, which spreads out ~10' in size.  ESO and Lynga misidentify Cr 220 as NGC 3247.  This group of stars is 1.0 tmin following and 5' south of Herschel's position.

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NGC 3248 = UGC 5669 = MCG +04-25-020 = CGCG 124-024 = PGC 30776

10 27 45.4 +22 50 49; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8x0.4, sharp concentration with a bright prominent core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' S of center.  Located 6.5' S of mag 9.1 SAO 81359.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3248 = H. II-347 = h713 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "pB, S, bM, r."  His position is a good match with UGC 5669.  John Herschel observed it on 3 sweeps, calling it "F" on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and "pB" on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244). The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. II-347 for H. II-374.  He corrected the error in the General Catalogue.

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NGC 3249 = ESO 375-024 = MCG -06-23-028 = LGG 203-001 = PGC 30657

10 26 22.1 -34 57 50; Ant

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 139°

 

18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter.  Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse a very low surface brightness circular patch with no details.  Located 4.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star. Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3249 = h3251 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; R; very gradually very little brighter middle; 60"."  His position matches ESO 375-024 = PGC 30657.

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NGC 3250 = ESO 317-026 = MCG -07-22-007 = LGG 199-005 = PGC 30671

10 26 32.3 -39 56 39; Ant

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 148°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 3.8' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3244 14' NW.  Brightest in a group (LGG 199) including NGC 3250E (PGC 30865) and NGC 3318.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3250 = h3252 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 30"; has a * 13m nf."  His position (measured accurately on 4 other sweeps) and description matches ESO 317-026 = PGC 30671.

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NGC 3251 = IC 2579 = UGC 5684 = MCG +04-25-023 = CGCG 124-029 = Holm 195a = PGC 30892

10 29 16.8 +26 05 57; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Located 7' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 81378.  A group of three stars are SW including a mag 10 star 3.4' SW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3251 on 19 Feb 1862 and recorded "vF, pL, 3 bright star precede to the south." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of time following is UGC 5684, and his description pins down the identification.

 

Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 2 Apr 1900 and assumed it was new.  His position for J. 3-1158 (later IC 2579) is accurate.  Dreyer must have realized the possible equivalence with NGC 3251 as he added the note "?3251" to the description of IC 2579.  UGC labels this galaxy IC 2579.

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NGC 3252 = UGC 5732 = MCG +12-10-049 = CGCG 333-039 = PGC 31278

10 34 22.6 +73 45 51; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE.  A double star ∑1437 = 7.6/10.1 at 32" lies 5' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3252 = H. III-316 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, mE, pL, r."  Caroline's reduced position is 6.5' northwest of UGC 5732, though in the GC, John Herschel noted "Caroline's reduction of this nebula being affected with a considerable error, Auwer's RA is adopted, after verification."  But the GC/NGC position is even forther off in RA (too far west by 2.0 min of time).

 

An accurate position was given in MN, 71, 509 (based on the Greenwich plate to determine positions on the sweep of 2 Apr 1801).  UGC does not label its entry (UGC 5732) as NGC 3252.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3253 = UGC 5674 = MCG +02-27-021 = CGCG 065-043 = PGC 30829

10 28 27.4 +12 42 14; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 3' S of a mag 10.8 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3253 = Sw. 3-55 on 27 Apr 1886 and noted "vF, pS, R."  His position is 6 tsec west and 1' south of UGC 5674 = PGC 30829.  Spitaler measured an accurate RA in 1891.

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NGC 3254 = UGC 5685 = MCG +05-25-018 = CGCG 154-020 = LGG 197-003 = PGC 30895

10 29 19.9 +29 29 30; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 5.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 46°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.8', sharp concentration with small oval core surrounded by faint unconcentrated extensions, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.9' W and a pair of mag 10 stars at 1.2' separation follows by 6'.  Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197)

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3254 = H. I-72 = h714 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "cB, cL, E, mbM.  The brightness [core] also extended."  John Herschel made a total of 3 observations.  Lord Rosse assistant R.J. Mitchell noted, "dark spaces suspected", in his 20 Mar 1854 observation at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3255 = ESO 127-20 = Cr 221

10 26 31 -60 40 42; Car

V = 11.0;  Size 2'

 

14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): small, glowing spot only 1' diameter at 145x.  A half-dozen stars are resolved over haze at 178x. A mag 12.5-13 star is at the southeast edge and a mag 13.5 star is on the south side of the main clump.  Most of the others are mag 14-14.5.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3255 = h3253 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and described "a very compressed knot or cluster of milky way stars, 4' in diameter, somewhat insulated from the rest. Stars .. 15th mag."  Pietro Baracchi wrote "a knot of stars 15m amidst the multitude of stars of the Milky Way - no properly a cluster.  Rather a group hardly more conspicuous than many other groups of stars hereabout." (28 Jan 1886, Melbourne telescope). This small cluster shows up fairly well on the DSS.

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NGC 3256 = ESO 263-038 = VV 65 = AM 1025-433 = MCG -07-22-010 = LGG 198-001 = PGC 30785

10 27 51.1 -43 54 19; Vel

V = 11.5;  Size 3.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 100°

 

25" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, ~1.6'x1.2', pretty sharply concentrated with a very bright relatively large core that appears off-center.  The halo is irregular in brightness.  The tidal plumes extending east from the north end and stretching west were not seen in dewy conditions.

 

NGC 3256C, a highly disrupted galaxy (interacting with NGC 3256) situated 14' ENE, appeared fairly faint, roundish, ~35"-40" diameter. Fairly low but uneven surface brightness, weak concentration.  Situated 4' E of mag 6.7 HD 90898.  The galaxy is just east of semi-circular chain of stars on the east side of HD 90898.  The chain includes three double stars as well as a triple!

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this disturbed galaxy appeared as a moderately bright and large oval, extended 3:2 NW-SE with dimensions 1.6'x1.2'.  It contained a fairly bright 1' round core embedded in a very faint halo.  NGC 3256 is the furthest north and the brightest in a group of Vela galaxies stretching south to NGC 3261, located 46' to the SSE.

 

NGC 3256 is a member of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster and possible outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (9 degrees north).  This cluster was first catalogued as Klemola 12.  On photographs NGC 3256 is a chaotic system that appears to be undergoing a spectacular merger with long tidal tails.  This starburst galaxy is a superluminous infrared source with X-ray emission.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3256 = h3254 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "B, R, gradually much brighter middle, 25"."  His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 263-038.  Joseph Turner observed it on 24 Feb 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted "it is considerably elongated, the densest section being towards the north-following extremlty, the faint section extending in the south-preceding direction."

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NGC 3257 = ESO 375-036 = MCG -06-23-031 = LGG 203-004 = PGC 30849

10 28 47.1 -35 39 29; Ant

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration with no definite core.  Faintest of trio with NGC 3258 3.4' NNE and NGC 3260 5.4' NE in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3257 = h3255 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; suddenly brighter middle; 10".  The preceding of a group [with NGC 3258 and 3260]."  His mean position (3 observations) matches ESO 375-036.

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NGC 3258 = ESO 375-037 = MCG -06-23-032 = LGG 196-008 = PGC 30859

10 28 53.6 -35 36 20; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 75°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.7'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright core which increases to the center, very faint outer halo.  A mag 13 star is at the NW side of the halo (50" from center).  Brightest in trio with NGC 3260 2.6' ENE and NGC 3257 3.4' SSW

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A pair of stars are near north.  Forms a pair with NGC 3260 2.6' E in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3258 = h3256 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; suddenly brighter middle; 12"."  He observed this galaxy (along with NGC 3257 and 3258) on 4 nights.

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NGC 3259 = UGC 5717 = MCG +11-13-027 = CGCG 313-021 = PGC 31145

10 32 34.8 +65 02 28; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, oval elongated SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration.  Located 10' WNW of mag 8.4 SAO 15220.  NGC 3266 lies 20' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3259 = H. II-870 = h715 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and logged "F, S, irregularly round, almost of equal light throughout." On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel noted "F; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 18"."

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NGC 3260 = ESO 375-040 = MCG -06-23-033 = LGG 200-001 = PGC 30875

10 29 06.4 -35 35 43; Ant

V = 12.6;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 2°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.5'x0.3', slightly brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the south end.  In a small triio with NGC 3258 2.6' WSW and NGC 3257 5.4' SW.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): very faint, small, oval.  A mag 12 star is attached at the south end 0.4' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3258 2.6' W.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3260 = h3257, along with NGC 3257 and 3258 on 2 May 1834 (sweep 447) and recorded "eF; vS; R; slbM; 6"."  He recorded 4 observations.

 

Lewis Swift likely found this galaxy on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. 11-108 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; [south-preceding] of 3267."  Herbert Howe examined Swift's position in 1900 and found "[NGC] 3257, 3258 and 3260 are in the same field, and I measured them all on the same night, but could not see Swift 108, which is supposed to be close by. 3260 has a star of mag 11.5 about 20" south, and Swift 108 is said to have an "eF * in contact."  Since the position and description of Swift 108 agree closely with those of 3260, I judge them to be identical."  As a result Dreyer didn't assign Swift's 11-108 an IC designation.  Harold Corwin comments on inconsistencies in Swift's earlier discovery lists.  Swift wrote "p[receding] of 2" in his 6th discovery list from Lowe in MNRAS and "f[ollowing] of 2" in Popular Astronomy. Then he included it again in his 7th discovery in MNRAS as the "sp of 2"!  Assuming he found NGC 3260, it closely follows NGC 3258, though technically "sp of 3267" is correct.

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NGC 3261 = ESO 263-040 = MCG -07-22-015 = LGG 198-003 = PGC 30868

10 29 01.4 -44 39 25; Vel

V = 11.2;  Size 3.7'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 85°

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.7', weak concentration.  Bracketed between two mag 12 stars at the SW and NE ends (separation 2.6').  Located 4' SE of a mag 10 star in a rich Vela starfield.  NGC 3261 is in a subgroup of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster (brightest member NGC 3256) and is 9° south of the rich Antlia Cluster (but has the same redshift).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3261 = h3258 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; S; R: 15"; entangled among 2 or 3 stars, but is certainly a nebula."  His position matches ESO 263-040.

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NGC 3262 = ESO 263-042 = MCG -07-22-017 = LGG 204-001 = PGC 30876

10 29 06.2 -44 09 35; Vel

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 108°

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ENE, 30"x25", low even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3263 2.6' NNE in a group (Klemola 12).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3262 = h3260 on 2 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3263) and recorded "eF; S; R."  His position is 2.4' too far south.

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NGC 3263 = ESO 263-043 = AM 1027-435 = MCG -07-22-018 = LGG 204-002 = PGC 30887

10 29 13.4 -44 07 22; Vel

V = 11.9;  Size 5.1'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 103°

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, broad weak concentration.  A faint star is at the WNW tip.  Forms aa distorted, interacting pair (a faint plume extends E) with NGC 3262 2.6' SSW.  Brightest member of the Klemola 12 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3263 = h3260 on 3 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3262) and recorded "F; mE in pos = 280° +/- [WNW-ESE]; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 20"."

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NGC 3264 = UGC 5719 = MCG +09-17-069 = CGCG 266-054 = LGG 201-003 = PGC 31125

10 32 19.7 +56 05 00; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 2.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 177°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.6'x1.0'.  Appears as a diffuse glow with no concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SW end 0.8' from the center and a mag 13 star just off the ENE side 1.0' from center.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.8' N.  Located 16' ENE of 36 Ursa Majoris (V = 4.8).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3264 = h716 on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) and noted "eF; between 2 small stars."  His position and description matches UGC 5719.

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NGC 3265 = UGC 5705 = MCG +05-25-019 = CGCG 154-023 = WAS 12 = LGG 197-004 = PGC 31029

10 31 06.8 +28 47 48; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 73°

 

17.5" (4/25/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, bright core.  Forms a close "double" with a mag 14.5 star just off the ESE edge and 0.6' from center.  Member of the NGC 3245 Group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3265 = H. III-349 = h718 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  His description reads, "Suspected, 240x showed a few small stars with seeming nebulosity, and I rather suppose it to be a patch."  His position was 8 seconds of time too small and 2' too far north.  John Herschel made 4 observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3266 = UGC 5725 = MCG +11-13-030 = CGCG 313-022 = PGC 31198

10 33 17.6 +64 44 57; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3259 lies 20' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3266 = H. II-871 = h717 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "F, vS, mbM."  His position matches UGC 5725.  On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 717), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; pretty suddenly much brighter middle; almost to a star."

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NGC 3267 = ESO 375-042 = MCG -06-23-036 = LGG 202-001 = PGC 30934

10 29 48.5 -35 19 21; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 148°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3268 2.5' E.  Also A1027-35B = PGC 30939 lies 3.3' S.  First of five in a 10' field in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3267 = h3262 on 18 Apr 1835 (along with NGC 3268) and recorded "eF; vS; R.  By a diagram made out of the meridian in which 4 nebulae are delineated, two of them being those determined in sweep 446, Nos. 6 and 7."  His position is 1.7' south of ESO 375-042.

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NGC 3268 = ESO 375-045 = MCG -06-23-041 = LGG 196-009 = PGC 30949

10 30 00.7 -35 19 32; Ant

V = 11.5;  Size 3.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 71°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, brighter core.  Fourth of five in the field within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) with NGC 3267 2' W, NGC 3269 6.0' N, NGC 3271 5.7' ESE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3268 = h3263 on 18 Apr 1835 (along with NGC 3267) and noted "F; S; R.  By a diagram made out of meridian..."  His position is 2.7' south of ESO 375-045.  The position was corrected by de Vaucouleurs in Mem. Commonwealth Obs., (Mt. Stromlo), No. 13, 1956.

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NGC 3269 = ESO 375-044 = MCG -06-23-040 = LGG 202-002 = PGC 30945

10 29 56.9 -35 13 29; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 2.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 8°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S.  Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SE end 0.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star at the NW end 0.5' from center.  Located 6' N of NGC 3268.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.5' NNW.  Third of five in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3269 = h3264 on 1 May 1834 and reported "F; S; R: bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more.  His position matches ESO 375-044.

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NGC 3270 = UGC 5711 = MCG +04-25-029 = CGCG 124-034 = PGC 31059

10 31 30.0 +24 52 10; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 3.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, extremely faint thin extensions with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3270 = H. III-331 = h719 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF; vS; very little brighter middle."  On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "F; E; gradually brighter in the middle" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3271 = IC 2585 = ESO 375-048 = MCG -06-23-044 = LGG 202-003 = PGC 30988

10 30 26.3 -35 21 35; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 106°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, small bright core.  Appears similar to NGC 3268 5.7' WNW which is the brightest in the group.  Fifth of five in the field in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3271 = h3265 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "F; S; lE; bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more."  His position is 23 sec of RA west of ESO 375-048, but this is one of the brightest galaxies in the cluster, so the identification is nearly certain.  Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3271, along with nearby galaxies in Mar 1882 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.  He included the faint star at the west edge of the galaxy.

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again on an Arequipa plate and assumed it was new, so it also acquired the designation IC 2585.  The numbers are equated in ESO and Corwin's Southern Galaxy Catalogue.  The correct position was given by de Vaucouleurs in Mem. Commonwealth Obs., (Mt. Stromlo), No. 13, 1956.

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NGC 3272 = ADS 7827

10 31 48.1 +28 28 07; LMi

Size 4"

 

= **, Gottlieb.  Misidentified in RNGC.

 

Herman Schultz discovered NGC 3272 = Nova VI on 9 Mar 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory.  His micrometric position is a perfect match with a close double star (mag 12.7/13.7 at 4").  In the notes section of his monograph "Micrometrical Observations of 500 Nebulae" Schultz describes "an insignificant object; preceding [NGC 3277] about 68s and 160" s; a * 10m f 0s.2 and 135" n."

 

A mag 11 star is exactly 135" north of the double star and the offset with NGC 3277 also matches, so there is no doubt of this identification.  On the night this double star was found, Schultz recorded the sky conditions as "Aurora.  Images dull."  This probably contributed to the close double star appearing nebulous, although a number of Schultz' objects are single or double stars.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 31115 as NGC 3272 at 10 32 10.4 +28 28 59.

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NGC 3273 = ESO 375-049 = MCG -06-23-045 = LGG 200-002 = PGC 30992

10 30 29.1 -35 36 39; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 97°

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.1'x0.5', bright core.  Located 15' S of NGC 3271 in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (NGC 3257-3281) with NGC 3271 15' N.  Located 19' E of NGC 3258.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3273 = h3259 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "F; R; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 12".  The 4th and last of a group."  He was uncertain of the minute of time, which should be 10 22 48.7 (for 1830).

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NGC 3274 = UGC 5721 = MCG +05-25-020 = CGCG 154-024 = WAS 13 = PGC 31122

10 32 17.1 +27 40 07; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100°

 

17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, brighter core appears slightly offset.  Forms the east vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' NNW and 2' SW.  A double star mag 11.5/13.5 at 13" lies 4' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3274 = H. II-358 = h720 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL".  John Herschel made 4 observations and noted the double star HJ 484 to the southeast.

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NGC 3275 = ESO 375-050 = MCG -06-23-046 = AM 1028-362 = LGG 203-005 = PGC 31014

10 30 51.6 -36 44 14; Ant

V = 11.8;  Size 2.8'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, bright core.  Located 2.9' N of a mag 10 star within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3275 = h3266 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; lE; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 20 arcsec."  His position matches ESO 375-050.

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NGC 3276 = ESO 317-040 = PGC 31031

10 31 09.1 -39 56 41; Ant

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 74°

 

18" (2/19/09): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 9.3 star (HD 91213) 2.8' N detracts from viewing.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3276 5' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3276 = h3267 on 3 Mar 1835 and noted "F; S; has a * 8m, np."  His position and description matches ESO 317-040.

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NGC 3277 = UGC 5731 = MCG +05-25-022 = CGCG 154-026 = LGG 197-005 = PGC 31166

10 32 55.4 +28 30 42; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, even moderate concentration, bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 5.1' WSW and a mag 10 star 6.9' SW.  Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3277 = H. II-359 = h721 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "pB, pS, almost R, bM."  John Herschel made three observations and d'Arrest recorded 5 accurate positions and measured a mag 12 star that precedes by 23 seconds of RA and 1' south.

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NGC 3278 = ESO 317-043 = MCG -07-22-021 = PGC 31068

10 31 35.3 -39 57 20; Ant

V = 12.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 62°

 

18" (2/19/09): brighter of a pair with NGC 3276 located 5' W.  At 175x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', contains a slightly brighter core.  Located just SW of a wide, bright pair (h4326 = 9.8/10.6 at 39").

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3278 = h3268 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; sp a coarse double star."  His position and description matches ESO 317-043.

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NGC 3279 = IC 622 = UGC 5741 = MCG +02-27-027 = CGCG 065-059 = FGC 1100 = Todd 30 = Holm 201a = PGC 31302

10 34 42.8 +11 11 50; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 2.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 152°

 

24" (4/15/23): fairly faint and relatively large edge-on, ~2.0' x 20" NNW-SSE. Broad, weak concentration but no core. Very nice.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.6' N of center.

 

17.5" (4/13/91): faint, moderately large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. UGC 5737 lies 12' W.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3279 = Todd 30 on 5 Mar 1878 using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  There is nothing at his postion, but roughly 2 minutes of RA east is UGC 5741 and his discovery sketch of an elongated galaxy and nearby stars, so this identification is certain.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 29 Jan 1890 and reported it as new in list IX-23 (later IC 622).  Swift's description reads "vF; pS; E; *9m s[outh].", though he confused the orientation as the bright star is 3.7' north.  UGC and MCG label this galaxy as IC 622 and don't apply the NGC designation.

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NGC 3280 = NGC 3295 = IC 617 = MCG -02-27-006 = MCG -02-27-007 = PGC 31153 = PGC 31156

10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (3/29/03): this is a triple system listed as NGC 3280A/3280B/3280C in NED and NGC 3280/3280A/3280B in the second edition of the Uranometria DSFG.  At 262x there was a confused glow, ~1' diameter.  Within the glow, two small knots (NGC 3280w and NGC 3280e), ~0.4' and 0.3' were resolved, oriented E-W, with the larger component on the west side (separation is 40" between centers).  At moments there was a impression of the very small and faint third component squeezed between these two galaxies.  In a small group with NGC 3296 4.8' S and NGC 3297 7.1' ESE.  Located 4.6' NE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Andrew Ainsley Common discovered NGC 3280 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and described a "F double neb with 2 stellar centres".  Common's position is poor, but the description clearly refers to the triple system MCG -02-27-006, -007 and -008. Common probably observed -006 and -008, the two brightest of the trio.

 

Six years later (26 Feb 1886), Francis Leavenworth made an independent discovery with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory, though his rough position for LM 1-173 (later NGC 3295) was off by 2.7 minutes of RA.  Leavenworth remarked, "D neb or sev st inv in neb", echoing Common's description.

 

Finally, Stephane Javelle found this trio again on 19 Apr 1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice, assumed J. 1-179 (later IC 617) was new and measured an accurate position.  He also mentioned "D or st involved", so partially resolved the components.  So, NGC 3280 = NGC 3295 = IC 617.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes and Malcolm Thomson's IC Research Database.

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NGC 3281 = ESO 375-055 = MCG -06-23-050 = AM 1029-343 = LGG 203-002 = PGC 31090

10 31 52.4 -34 51 19; Ant

V = 11.7;  Size 3.3'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 140°

 

18" (4/25/09): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.6', bright core, fainter extensions.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, large bright core gradually brightens to the center.  A mag 13-14 star is off the NW extension and a mag 11.5-12 star is 2.8' S of center.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.  Largest in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3281 = h3269 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "eF; E; gradually little brighter middle; 60" l; 40" br."  His position and description matches ESO 375-055.

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NGC 3282 = ESO 568-016 = MCG -04-25-013 = PGC 31129

10 32 21.9 -22 18 08; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 82°

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', weak concnetration.  A mag 13-14 star is at the tip of the eastern extension.  Located 9' SE mag 8.2 HD 91261.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3282 = Sw. 3-56 on 5 Mar 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; middle one of 3 eF stars involved in neby.  Two B stars point to it.".  His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 568-016 and the description applies, thoiugh only 1 star is attached (1 other mentioned by Swift is the nucleus).

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NGC 3283 = ESO 263-048 = AM 1029-455 = PGC 31035

10 31 11.6 -46 15 05; Vel

V = 11.5;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 168°

 

18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'.  Contains a relatively large, bright core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo, elongated N-S.  Located 6.9' SE of mag 8.8 HD 91215 and 6' S of a mag 10.1/10.4 pair at 5".  Located in a rich star field.  ESO 263-047, an extremely low surface brightness galaxy 7' WSW, was highly suspected as a very small patch attached to a faint star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3283 = h3271 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "pF, S, R, gradually brighter in the middle, 25".  RA coarsely taken by an auxiliary star".  The given position (updated to 2000 coordinates) is 10 32 47 (approximate), -46 15 14.  JH also made a 10' error in declination (too far north) in the GC, which was copied into NGC.

 

ESO couldn't find a suitable candidate and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  But assuming the RA was rough, I looked at ESO galaxies and found a likely candidate ESO 263-G48 located at 10 31 11.5 -46 15 05 (J2000).  This galaxy is 1.6 tmin preceding JH's rough RA and a nearly perfect match in declination.  It is also fairly bright (V = 11.5), so it's unlikely it would have been missed in his sweep.  Both NED and HyperLeda use this identification.

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NGC 3284 = NGC 3286 = MCG +10-15-112 = CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433

10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

See observing notes for NGC 3286.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3284 = H. III-912 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "extremely faint, very small, 300x confirmed it and showed it very plainly."  His position is 2' SW of NGC 3288 and 5' S of brighter NGC 3286, both observed by Herschel the following night.

 

Dreyer comments in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that "it precedes III-913 (NGC 3408) 16.0 tmin, 5' N, so it is no doubt identical to either III.917 or III.918 [NGC 3286 or NGC 3288] which were observed the following night (sweep 1039) without any mention of III.912.  Harold Corwin states the GC/NGC position of NGC 3284 is 10 seconds of RA too small and that NGC 3284 is likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3286.  See Corwin's notes.

 

Karl Reinmuth equated NGC 3284 with a "*14 npp 1.5' of NGC 3288; no neb seen; nothing sp of NGC 3288."  This conclusion was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her NGC correction paper and it is repeated by the RNGC.  It's more likely WH picked up one of the nearby galaxies.

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NGC 3285 = ESO 501-015 = AM 1031-271 = MCG -04-25-019 = PGC 31217

10 33 35.8 -27 27 19; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 2.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 108°

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and stellar nucleus, much fainter halo, ~1.6'x1.0'.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright nucleus.  Located 7' SSW of mag 7.7 SAO 178978.  This member of AGC 1060 forms a trio with NGC 3285A 12' WSW and NGC 3285B 18' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3285 = h3270 on 24 Mar 1835 NGC 3285 and noted "pB; E; gradually brighter in the middle."  He measured the position four times (including the next two sweeps), so it was well determined.

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NGC 3286 = NGC 3284 = MCG +10-15-112 = CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433

10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, moderate even concentration with a bright core and nonstellar nucleus.  Located 4.9' NW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 3288 3.9' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3286 = H. III-917 = h722 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-918 = NGC 3288], both vF, pS, R, little brighter in the middle."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "vF; pS; R; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 15" [diameter]." His position is within 1' of CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433.  NGC 3284 is likely a duplicate observation.  See that number.

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NGC 3287 = UGC 5742 = MCG +04-25-032 = CGCG 124-038 = PGC 31311

10 34 47.3 +21 38 54; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 20°

 

48" (5/9/21): excellent, very elongated, dusty barred spiral in the field with the beautiful colored (gold/blue) double STF 1448 6.5' SW.  At 375x, NGC 3287 appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, at least 1.5'x0.5'.  A bright irregular bar runs along the major axis.  Appeared mottled with a sharp light cut-off (due to dust) on the east side of the bar.  A fairly large, slightly brighter patch was noticed on the NNE end of the galaxy.

 

13.1" (4/16/83): faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated N-S, even surface brightness.  A bright double star STF 1448 = 7.6/9.0 at 11" is 7' WSW.  NGC 3301 lies 30' NE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3287 on 1 Jan 1862 and made observations on 3 different nights.  He noted the bright double star STF 1448 was 24 seconds of time preceding and 3 3/4' south. Édouard Stephan made observations on 4 Mar 1878 and 25 Mar 1879.

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NGC 3288 = UGC 5752 = MCG +10-15-114 = CGCG 290-057 = PGC 31446

10 36 25.8 +58 33 23; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.7' WSW of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a pair with NGC 3286 3.9' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3288 = H. III-918 = h723 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-917 = NGC 3286], both vF, pS, R, little brighter in the middle."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; very gradually little brighter middle; 12"." His position is within 1' of UGC 5752 = PGC 31446.  WH may have observed this galaxy the previous night and recorded it as H. III-912 = NGC 3284, though that number may apply to brighter NGC 3288, which is 4' north.

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NGC 3289 = ESO 375-065 = MCG -06-23-054 = LGG 196-013 = PGC 31253

10 34 07.4 -35 19 24; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 2.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 153°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star is off the SW side, 50" from the center and two mag 14.5 stars flank the galaxy on the NNW end.  Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) and situated at the eastern end of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3289 = h3272 on 20 Apr 1835 and noted "eF: R; 15"."  His position is 1.6' north of ESO 375-065.

 

Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on a couple of occasions in 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "It is pF, S, R, gradually brighter in the middle, a little mottled.  Once star 16m precedes nebula by 5s and in the same declination.  Also a star 13mag precedes nebula by 3s and is 40" south of it.  Another minute star 16m follows neb by 2s and is 20" north of it - this star, the nebula and the star 13 mag are in a straight line, bearing about 40°."

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NGC 3290 = Arp 53 = MCG -03-27-020 = PGC 31346

10 35 17.4 -17 16 36; Hya

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 60°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  In field with mag 8.4 SAO 156083 7' N and mag 7.8 SAO 156089 9' SW which detract from viewing.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3290 = LM 2-422 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.4' dia, lE 180°, gradually brighter in the middle, * 7.5 n 6'."  His position is 0.5 min west of MCG -03-27-020 = PGC 31346 and a mag 8 staris  5' north, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 3291 = Holm 202b

10 36 06.4 +37 16 28; LMi

 

= * 3.5' SSW of NGC 3294, Carlson and Corwin.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3291 = Big. 44 on 5 Apr 1885.  His position is 5' southwest of NGC 3294, and falls between two mag 12.6 and 14.9 stars with a separation of 1.3'.

 

Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3291 with the mag 14.9 star 3.5' SSW of NGC 3294 based on Bigourdan's offsets.  Dorothy Carlson also arrived the same conclusion in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.

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NGC 3292 = MCG -01-27-023 = PGC 31370

10 35 34.4 -06 10 46; Sex

V = 14.1;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 175°

 

18" (3/29/03): at 260x, very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.4'.  Either has a faint stellar nucleus or there is a faint star superimposed.  Forms a close double system with MCG -01-27-022 0.9' WSW which was not noticed.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3292 = Sw. 6-36 on 16 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; vS; lE."  His RA was 28 seconds of RA too small.  Herbert Howe provided an accurate position with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3293 = ESO 128-5 = Cr 224 = Gum 30 = Gem Cluster

10 35 49 -58 13 30; Car

V = 4.7;  Size 10'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunningly rich and bright open cluster, situated 2° northwest of the Eta Carina nebula.  At 105x, 60-70 stars are packed into 7' with many of the stars seemingly arranged in concentric circles!  Appears compact and well-detached, even in a rich Carina star field.  A striking linear trio of mag 6.5-7.5 stars (total length 1.5') runs SW-NE to the center including an orange star (mag 7.2 supergiant V361 Car) on the SW end, a blue star and a white star at the center (mag 6.5 B0-type supergiant HD 91969).  A mag 6.7 star (HD 91943) is on the NW side, 2.2' from center.  NGC 3293 is one of the top southern clusters and a worthy rival in beauty to the Jewel Box, though historically has received much less acclaim. Visible naked-eye and resolved in the 9x50 finder.  The large HII region/cluster NGC 3324 = Gabriela Mistral Nebula lies 30' SSE.

 

12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this very rich, young cluster is situated just NW of the Eta Carina complex and is one of the top open clusters in the southern sky.  It is bright, compact and very rich with a half-dozen mag 6-8 stars over a rich background of dozens of mag 10-13 star in a 10' diameter.  Appears somewhat similar to the Jewel Box including a mag 7 reddish supergiant, but with even a more compact appearance.  The listed 40' diameter is much larger than the visual impression.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3293 = Lac II-8 = D 321 = h3276 in early 1752, using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He described a "Small heap of 4 small stars forming a lozenge."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster 4 times (first on 29 Apr 1826) and described "a very small cluster of very small bright stars; round figure, about 4' diameter; rich in extremely small stars resembling faint nebula".  His published position was poor -- 17' WSW of the cluster.

 

John Herschel only has a rough position in the Cape catalogue using his small refractor (surprisingly he made no published observations with his 18-inch!) and he noted "a fine, bright, rich, not very L cluster. (Equatorial zone review)."  A corrected RA was given in the IC 2 notes (Harv. Ann., xxvi, p207).  Neither Lacaille nor Dunlop are listed as discoverers in the Cape catalogue, GC or NGC!

 

Henry Chamberlain Russell coined the nickname the "Gem" Cluster in an 1879 paper published in volume 13 of the Journal and proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales.  Russell wrote, "..the beauty and symmetry of form in which the brightest stars are arranged - a double curve fairly representing the letter M, with a miniature Southern Cross in the centre and a bright red star at the foot - combine to make this a little "Gem," which, in the estimation of many observers, is quite equal to the well-known Kappa Crucis ("Jewel Box" cluster)."  Russell compiled a catalogue of stars in "Gem" Cluster, as well as a map.

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NGC 3294 = UGC 5753 = MCG +06-23-021 = CGCG 183-030 = Holm 202a = PGC 31428

10 36 16.1 +37 19 30; LMi

V = 11.8;  Size 3.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 122°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, large brighter core but no nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.5' W and a mag 11 star 4.8' SSW.  Located 5.5' WSW of mag 9 SAO 62151.  NGC 3304 lies 18' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3294 = H. I-164 = h724 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and recorded "cB, E from 30° np to sf, 3 or 4' long and 1 1/2' br, easily resolvable, almost uniformly bright."  Caroline's reduced position is 20 sec of RA east of UGC 5753. On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel noted, "pB; mE; gradually little brighter middle; 2' l, 45" br."

 

On 5 Mar 1851, LdR and Bindon Stoney recorded "an appendage at south side.  LdR thought at times the nebula extended beyond this."  The sketch shows a single spiral arm on the west side, curling clockwise to the south.

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NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 = IC 617 = MCG -02-27-006 MCG -02-27-007 = PGC 31153 = PGC 31156

10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya

V = 14.1;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

See observing notes for NGC 3280.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3295 = LM 1-173 on 26 Feb 1886 and described a "D nebula or several stars involved in nebula".  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~2 1/2 min of RA following NGC 3280 (discovered in 1880 by Andrew Ainslie Common and also a poor position!).  Leavenworth's description clearly applies to this triple system.  So, NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 and IC 617 is a third identity.

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NGC 3296 = IC 618 = PGC 31155

10 32 45.4 -12 43 03; Hya

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to a starry center.  Forms a trio with NGC 3280 5' N and NGC 3297 7' ENE.  Located 4.7' ESE of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3296 = LM 1-174, along with I-173 = NGC 3295 and I-175 = NGC 3297, on 26 Feb 1886.  All 3 were given same rough position to the nearest min of RA.  His position for LM 1-174 is 2.7 min of RA following PGC 31155 (typical error in the first discovery list), but the identification is secure.

 

Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1892 and naturally assumed  J. 1-180 (later IC 618) was new.  Herbert Howe measured a corrected position for NGC 3296 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section), which clearly establishes NGC 3296 = IC 618.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3297 = PGC 31189

10 33 11.8 -12 40 18; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 160°

 

18" (3/29/03): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 20"x10", situated between two mag 13.5-14 stars SSW and NE (4.3' separation).  In a group with NGC 3280 (triple system) 7' WNW and NGC 3296 7' WSW. This galaxy is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3297 = LM 1-175, along with NGC 3295 and NGC 3296.  His single rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2.3 min of RA following PGC 31189.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 3296 with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and he added "I could only suspect NGC 3297."  RNGC misclassifies NGC 3297 as nonexistent.

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NGC 3298 = MCG +08-19-043 = CGCG 240-065 = CGCG 241-001 = PGC 31529

10 37 12.3 +50 07 15; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 138°

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round (core only viewed), 0.4' diameter, contains a very small brighter nucleus.  A very faint star lies 1' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3298 = H. III-767 = h725 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He recorded "very faint, pretty small, irregularly elongated.  May be a patch, or a few stars too small to be perceived."  His position is 6' south of MCG +08-19-043 = PGC 31529.  This was the first of 13 galaxies discovered in a northern sweep in Ursa Major.

 

On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel noted, "vF; two distant star nearly on parallel".  His position was 1.3' too far SE.  Because of the difference in positions, he questioned if h725 was identical to his father's III-767.

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NGC 3299 = UGC 5761 = MCG +02-27-029 = CGCG 065-064 = KTG 30A = LGG 217-001 = PGC 31442

10 36 23.8 +12 42 27; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 3°

 

24" (4/20/14): faint, fairly large, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~1.6'x1.2'.  No noticeable core or zones.  First in the KTG 30 trio (not physically related) with NGC 3306 11.8' SE and CGCG 065-069 11' ENE.  Redshift-independent distance of 17.6 million l.y and part of the M96 Group.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): very faint, fairly large, unusually large low surface brightness galaxy with a very weak concentration making detection difficult.  Appears at least 1.5' in diameter and roughly circular.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3306 12' ESE.  Required averted but once identified I could hold it most of the time with concentration and averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3299 = H. III-54 = h726 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and logged "eF, cL, R, r, without nucleus."  There is nothing at his position but 42 sec of RA east and 3' south (10' ESE) is UGC 5761 = PGC 31442 and this galaxy fits his description.  On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), John Herschel noted, "pL; so faint as to be barely perceptible, but a sure observation."

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NGC 3300 = UGC 5766 = MCG +02-27-030 = CGCG 065-066 = PGC 31472

10 36 38.5 +14 10 15; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 173°

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, bright core, stellar nucleus, fairly small diffuse halo slightly elongated ~N-S.  Surrounded by several brighter stars including a mag 10 star 4.2' NNW, a mag 9.5 star 6.4' E and mag 8.1 SAO 99207 7.8' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3300 = H. III-55 = h727 = h3273 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177).  His description reads, "vS, r, lE and unequally bright.  It is surrounded with brilliant stars at the same time in the field with it."  John Herschel made observations both at Slough and the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3301 = NGC 3760 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497

10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 52°

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 3.5'x0.7', good concentration with a small very bright core and bright stellar nucleus, halo is brighter on the ENE side.  Off the north side is a thin isosceles triangle of mag 10-11 stars consisting of two mag 10 stars 2.9' N and 5.7' NNW, and a mag 11 star 4.2' N.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, very elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3301 = H. II-46 = h728 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "not very faint, small.  North of it is a small triangle of pB stars."  Caroline's reduced position is 8' north of UGC 5767, but his description clinches the identification.

 

John Herschel made three observations under h728 (first on 24 Feb1827), though apparently was uncertain if this was the same as his father's H. II-46, so assigned two different GC designations.  The NGC position is accurate and Dreyer comments in the Notes section that JH's and d'Arrest's positions agree.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest also found the galaxy on 21 Feb 1863, but made a 1 hour error in RA (uncovered by Harold Corwin).  Once corrected, the position of NGC 3760 matches NGC 3301 (the same error was made with NGC 3575).

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NGC 3302 = ESO 437-007 = MCG -05-25-020 = AM 1033-320 = PGC 31391

10 35 47.4 -32 21 31; Ant

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 118°

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the NW edge.  ESO 437-014 lies 14' E.  Outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636), though its redshift indicates it may lie in the background.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3302 = h3274 = h3275 on 28 Jan 1835 and reported it again on 16 Feb 1865.  His first observation reads "vF; S; R; 15"." and the later observation "eF; S; R."  The two positions are very similar (after a typo was corrected for h3274 in his errata list), so I'm surprised he didn't combine the entries in the GC.  But Dreyer combined the two GC numbers into NGC 3302.

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NGC 3303 = Arp 192 = VV 71 = UGC 5773 = MCG +03-27-066 = CGCG 094-096 = PGC 31508

10 37 00.0 +18 08 09; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 3.5'x2.4';  Surf Br = 15.6

 

48" (2/19/12): Arp 192 is a highly disturbed double system with a enormous irregular plume to the south and diffuse haze off the east side.  At 488x, the size of the main body was ~1.0'x0.7', extended NNW-SSE and split into two components.  LEDA 93104 is a large knot with a stellar center on the northwest side of the main core.  It is likely the core of an interacting companion.  The plume or tail was visible as a diffuse, fairly wide extension attached at the south-southeast end and extending south for ~1.0', roughly doubling the length of the galaxy.  A mag 15 star lies 1.6' S.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core but no nucleus.  Overall fairly low surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3303 = H. III-66 = h730 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vF, S, E, r.  240 showed it no better than 157, though larger."  John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3304 = UGC 5777 = MCG +06-23-026 = CGCG 183-032 = CGCG 184-001 = PGC 31572

10 37 37.9 +37 27 20; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 158°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with small bright core surrounded by faint extensions.  A mag 14 star is 2.1' E.  NGC 3294 lies 18' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3304 = H. III-615 = h729 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "eF, vS, er."  On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel noted, "vF; S; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 12"."

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NGC 3305 = ESO 501-030 = MCG -04-25-031 = PGC 31421

10 36 11.8 -27 09 44; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small brighter core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12/12.5 double star at ~7" separation is 1.6' W.  Located 17' N of NGC 3308 and 20' NW of naked-eye mag 4.9 HD 92036

 

13.1" (2/23/85): faint, very small, round, no details.  Located ~15' N of NGC 3308 in AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3305 = h3277 on 24 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; S; R.  The 2nd of a group scattered over more than one field."  HIs position matches ESO 501-030 = PGC 31421.

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NGC 3306 = UGC 5774 = MCG +02-27-032 = CGCG 065-068 = KTG 30C = LGG 207-005 = PGC 31528

10 37 10.2 +12 39 09; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 138°

 

24" (4/20/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', relatively large brighter core.  Brightest in a trio (KTG 30) with CGCG 065-069 7.2' SSE and NGC 3299 11.8' WNW.

 

17.5" (3/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 11 star lies 1.9' NE.  NGC 3299, a very low surface brightness galaxy, lies 12' WNW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3306 = Sw. 3-57 on 27 Apr 1886 and recorded "F; S; R; sf of [NGC 3299]."  His position is 1.5' too far south.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at Vienna.

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NGC 3307 = ESO 501-031 = MCG -04-25-029 = PGC 31430

10 36 17.2 -27 31 47; Hya

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 28°

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 24"x18", very low even surface brightness.  Easily the faintest of the 6 NGCs in the core of AGC 1060.  Situated 4.2' W of NGC 3309.

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x, this member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located in the core of the cluster, ~5' W of the NGC 3309/3311 pair and 9.5' NW of mag 6.6 HD 91964.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3307 = h3278 on 22 Mar 1836 and "eeF. The 3rd of a group [with NGC 3285 and NGC 3270]."  He only recorded this object once in 4 different sweeps of the cluster and his position falls in a blank region, 5' south of ESO 501-031 = PGC 31430.  He commented in the Cape that his original figure was 5' further north but due to some confusion it was crossed out.  But the original declination matches ESO 501-031.  MCG does not label -04-25-029 as NGC 3307.  I am surprised the Herschel picked up this galaxy as it's easily the faintest one he saw in the cluster.

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NGC 3308 = ESO 501-034 = MCG -04-25-032 = LGG 206-004 = PGC 31438

10 36 22.3 -27 26 17; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 32°

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a small, very bright core, ~1.0'x50". Slightly fainter than NGC 3309.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Furthest NW in the core of AGC 1060 and 11.5' WSW of the mag 5 star in the core.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, small weak concentration.  First of five in a 20' field in the core of AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3308 = h3279 on 24 Mar 1835 and simply noted "F".  Less than a week later he added "One of a group; 7 of which were seen and laid down in a careful diagram."

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NGC 3309 = ESO 501-036 = AM 1034-271 = MCG -04-25-034 = LGG 211-005 = PGC 31466

10 36 35.7 -27 31 06; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 94°

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, moderately bright, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0', contains a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  Highest surface brightness core of the main galaxies in the central region of the Hydra I cluster and noticeably higher than NGC 3311 just 1.7' ESE.  A mag 13.4 star is at the east edge (30" from center) and a mag 15 star is close WSW [48" from center].

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, moderately large, well-concentrated with a bright 40" core, halo increases with averted from 1.2'x1.0' to 1.5'x1.2' oriented SW-NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3311 1.7' ESE in the core of AGC 1060.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, small, round.  A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3311 1.7' E.  Second of five in the core of AGC 1060.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3309 = h3280 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "B: L; double [with NGC 3311]."  Less than a week later he added "A double nebula, or rather two distinct nebulae near together.  By diagram, both pL, R, pos about 10° np or sf, and nearly equal."

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NGC 3310 = Arp 217 = VV 356 = VV 406 = UGC 5786 = MCG +09-18-008 = CGCG 267-004 = PGC 31650

10 38 45.8 +53 30 10; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 3.1'x2.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

48" (5/16/12): extremely bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a large, very bright, slightly elongated N-S core, ~1' diameter.  The core appears mottled with a couple of "stellarings" or small knots.  The core is surrounded by a larger, much lower surface brightness irregular halo, extending the central portion to nearly 2'.  An outer spiral arm is attached on the north side of the halo and was most evident near the halo.  Occasionally, a very large, very low surface brightness looping arm was glimpsed, rotating 180° clockwise and ending west of the core, ~1.7' from center.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): bright, moderately large, roundish, sharply concentrated with a relatively large, very bright core that dominates the galaxy and a smaller, much fainter halo.  The core has a slightly elongated uneven surface brightness.  A nag 12 star is 3' N and mag 5.5 HD 92095 is 10' NNE.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, moderately large.  Unusual appearance as contains a very bright, very large central core with uniform high surface brightness with only a very faint, fairly small halo, elongated NW-SE.  Located 10.4' SSW of mag 5.5 HR 4165 at the edge of the 220x field.  A mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3310 = H. IV-60 = h731 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He recorded "very bright, round, planetary, but very ill-defined.  About 1' dia of it is equally bright, and 1/4 of a minute hazy or ill-defined round the margin."  On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324),  John Herschel wrote, "B; R; very suddenly much brighter middle, so as to form almost a disc 15" diam. Surrounded by a very feeble atmosphere."

 

On 5 Mar 1848, Lord Rosse and William Rambaut observed NGC 3310 (the earliest observation in LdR's 1861 monograph) and reported, "See minute points in it at intervals, also spiral arrangement well seen."  Six nights later they wrote, "Nebula well resolved into little stellar points.  Saw a broad band across the bottom distinctly and two at the top."  NGC 3310 was included in the list of nebulae having dark regions.  Later observations mentioned the possibility of this object being a cluster.  A detailed observation was made on 20 Feb 1868: "Three principal branches f, nf and np towards a * np [probably a HII region].  Dark cavity on nf side.  Mr De la Rue, who was with me, saw it as a bay between 2 horns, and much neby surrounding it, with many stars exterior and involved.”

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NGC 3311 = ESO 501-038 = AM 1034-271 NED02 = MCG -04-25-036 = PGC 31478

10 36 42.9 -27 31 41; Hya

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x2.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly large, roundish core but slightly elongated halo, the brighter central region is relatively large, the outer halo extends ~1.5' (second largest in the central region).  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3309 1.7' WNW.  A mag 13.4 is 1.2' WNW (at the edge of NGC 3309's halo).

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration, slightly elongated SSW-NNE.  Outer halo increases to 2.0'x1.5' but has a slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3309 as the core is not as concentrated.  NGC 3312 is less than 5' SE and NGC 3308 is 7' NW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): third of five in the core of AGC 1060 = Hydra I.  Fairly faint, small, even surface brightness.  Appears larger than NGC 3309 1.7' W but with a lower surface brightness.  NGC 3312 lies 4.8' SE.  Located 7.7' N of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3311 = h3281 on 30 Mar 1835 and noted as "The following neb of a double one [with NGC 3309]."  He actually noted both objects in his observation on 24 March, but didn't list the objects separately for that sweep.

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NGC 3312 = IC 629 = ESO 501-043 = AM 1034-271 NED3 = MCG -04-25-039 = LGG 210-002 = PGC 31513

10 37 02.5 -27 33 54; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 3.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175°

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S.  Sharply concentrated with a reasonably large oval core (N-S).  The diffuse halo extends roughly 2.0'x0.8' (largest in the cluster) with averted vision.  A faint star, perhaps 15th magnitude, is superimposed just southeast of the core.  The NGC 3309/3307 pair is 5' to 6' NW and NGC 3316 lies 8' ESE.  Mag 4.9 HD 92036 is 9.5' NNE, but not in the field at higher power.

 

18" (4/9/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  Contains a fairly bright, roundish core ~20" diameter with fainter extensions 1.2'x0.6'.  The core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus.  A small isosceles triangle of stars is close SE.

 

13.1" (2/18/04) - Costa Rica: moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration.  Possible a brighter knot is at the north end or a star may be near the edge of the halo.  Three stars are close SE including two mag 11/12 stars 2' SE and 3' ESE of center.  In the core of AGC 1060 with NGC 3311/3309 5' NW.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fourth of five in the core of AGC 1060.  Moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE.  NGC 3311 lies 4.8' NW.  Located 7.0' NE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3312 = h3282 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; pmE; the last of 4 in the field at once with two stars 6m near them, one above and one below them (which serves to identify the object beyond doubt)."  His declination, only measured on one of two sweeps, was 3.4' too far south.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 26 Feb 1887, assumed it was new, and recorded it as Big. 158.  Apparently neither Bigourdan nor Dreyer questioned the equivalence of IC 629 with NGC 3312, but there is no doubt.

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NGC 3313 = ESO 501-050 = MCG -04-25-044 = UGCA 213 = LGG 209-004 = PGC 31551

10 37 25.5 -25 19 10; Hya

V = 11.4;  Size 3.9'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 55°

 

48" (5/9/21): at 488x; bright, large, roundish spiral.  At first, I thought there was an intensely stellar nucleus, but realized a very bright star was superimposed on the N edge of a small, bright nucleus!  A low contrast bar extends WNW through the center. The halo is large, between 2' and 3' diameter, with a low surface brightness.  A mag 13.5 pair at ~8" separation is 3.5' WSW.

 

ESO 501-044, situated 5' WSW (collinear with the pair), appeared faint, moderately large, very elongated at least 6:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness, ~0.9'x0.15'.

 

18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, large, round.  Sharply concentrated with a small very bright core surrounded by a large, low surface brightness halo, ~1.5'-2' in diameter, which fades into the background.

 

Outlying member of the Hydra I cluster and member of the group LGG 209, along with NGC 3331 and NGC 3335.  On photos, this is a beautiful, face-on barred spiral with an inner ring and two main long spiral arms.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3313 = LM 1-176 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a good match with ESO 501-050.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver around the turn of the century and noted the "* 15 north 3 arcseconds is really south of the nebula."  But I'm not sure what star either observer was referring to!

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NGC 3314 = ESO 501-046 = AM 1034-272 = MCG -04-25-041 = LGG 210-003 = PGC 31531

10 37 12.8 -27 41 01; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 143°

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.4', brighter core.  Roughly spindle shaped but tapers more on the northwest end.  Irregular surface brightness (slightly brighter along the south side), but the foreground galaxy could not be distinguished.  A mag 13.5 star is just north of the NW tip.

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.35' spindle.  Modest concentration with a slightly brighter bulging central region.  A mag 13.5 star is situated at the northwest tip [36" from center].

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, spindle-shaped, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.5'.  A mag 13 star is at the NW tip.  Located 7' ESE of a mag 6.7 star which detracts from viewing.  Similar to NGC 3312 in the core of AGC 1060, but slightly smaller.

 

13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of five in the core of AGC 1060.  Fairly faint, small, elongated ~NW-SE.  Located 6.8' ESE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.  NGC 3312 lies 7.6' NNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3314 = h3283 on 24 Mar 1835 and simply noted "the 8th of a group."  His position is an exact match with ESO 501-IG046A/B.  Pietro Baracchi recorded this object as "pF; S; R; gradually brighter in the middle.  A star 14m close n.p. Also a star 16m also np." (10 Mar 1886, GMT)

 

NGC 3314 consists of a face-on galaxy (NGC 3314B) superimposed on an edge-on galaxy.  The HST has a remarkable image showing the dust within the foreground galaxy visible because it is silhouetted against the light from the object behind it.

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NGC 3315 = ESO 501-048 = MCG -04-25-042 = LGG 206-018 = PGC 31540

10 37 19.2 -27 11 30; Hya

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center.  A mag 11 star is off the west side [42" from center].  Similar to NGC 3305. Located 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.3'x0.2'.  Located 40" SE of a mag 11 star and 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.  HCG 48 lies 9' NE.  This member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) has a disputed identification due to a poor discovery position.

 

Edward Austin discovered NGC 3315 = HN 40, along with NGC 3097 and 3317, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #207).  There is nothing at his position. RNGC (as well as Laubert's 1981 ESO list) identifies ESO 501-047 as NGC 3315.  While this identication is possible, Austin mentioned a "star 1' NW" which does not apply to this galaxy and no mention is made of the bright star which would have interfered with the observation.

 

However, 30' N of Austin's position is ESO 501-048 at 10 37 19.2 -27 11 30 (2000) which has a 10th magnitude star 1' NW.  Based on Austin's visual description and a probable digit error in declination, this identification appears more likely and is the one used in ESO-Uppsala and RC3.  Corwin originally listed this number as a duplicate of NGC 3314 (which Austin observed the same night) but now agrees the 30' error in declination is was more likely.  This galaxy was listed by Knox-Shaw in a table of new nebulae (1912) found on plates taken at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11.  The RNGC candidate for NGC 3315 is 17' south of ESO 501-048.

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NGC 3316 = ESO 501-054 = AM 1035-271B = MCG -04-25-046 = LGG 211-006 = PGC 31571

10 37 37.3 -27 35 39; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness with a thin low surface brightness halo, contains a very small bright nucleus that increases to a stellar pip.  Fifth and smallest of 5 brighter galaxies nearly on a line in the core of AGC 1060.

 

18" (4/9/05): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a small, brighter core.  On a line with NGC 3312 8' WNW and a mag 11 star 4.8' WNW.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration, no well-defined core.  A mag 11.5 star lies 3' SSE and two mag 13.5 stars are 1.2' S and 1.7' SE of center.  Situated in the core of AGC 1060 and forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with much brighter NGC 3314 7.5' SW and NGC 3312 8' WNW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3316 = h3284 on 26 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; R."  In a later note he mentions "This numerous and very interesting group has been made out by a careful collation of diagrams made in sweep 564 and 689, for the purpose of identification, from which if appears that though in each diagram only 7 were seen and laid down, yet there are in reality at least 9 in the whole group."  Harold Corwin notes there are only 7 galaxies he likely picked up, and the remaining two are unknown or may not exist.

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NGC 3317 = ESO 501-055

10 37 43 -27 31 12; Hya

 

24" (2/22/14): this ~9" pair of stars (in the AGC 1060 field) was difficult to resolve at 260x (partially due to the low elevation) and seems more like a small nebulous glow.  It was resolved at 375x, though the (single) companion on the south side was quite faint (mag 15.5-15.8) and sometimes not distinctly seen as a star but as an indistinct glow.  The northern component (very close pair) was not resolved.

 

Edward Austin discovered NGC 3317 = HN 41, along with NGC 3097 and 3315, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #210).  The description reads "nebulous star 5' N of [NGC 3316]".  Very close to Austin's position is a close double star, with the northern component an overlapping pair on the DSS.  RNGC classifies NGC 3317 as a double star (from Dorothy Carlson's paper) and a triple star in ESO/Uppsala (2+1).  NGC 2000 misidentifies ESO 501-047 (located just 3.5' S of a mag 4.9 HD 92036) as NGC 3317.

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NGC 3318 = ESO 317-052 = MCG -07-22-026 = LGG 199-008 = PGC 31533

10 37 15.5 -41 37 40; Vel

V = 11.6;  Size 2.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 78°

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 30" (probably the core only due to the low elevation), very weak concentration. A very faint star or stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 18' S of mag 7.0 HD 92057.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3318 = h3285 on 2 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; pmE; gradually very little brighter middle; 2'."  His mean position (2 observations) matches ESO 317-052.

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NGC 3319 = UGC 5789 = MCG +07-22-036 = CGCG 212-033 = PGC 31671

10 39 09.3 +41 41 14; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 6.2'x3.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 37°

 

48" (5/1/19): at 488x; very large barred spiral, extending 2:1 SW-NE and ~5.5' along the major axis!  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated  high contrast bar, extending 1' SSW-NNE!  A fairly easy section of a spiral arm parallels the bar on the south side of the galaxy. A couple of easy knots, ~6" and 10" in size, along with a faint star, are at the SW end  of this arm [1.9' SSW of center].  The arm vaguely bends at a right angle to the NW and contains a bright, 12" knot [V = 16.6] . A low contrast arm is west of the bar, also running parallel (SSW-NNE).  Another low surface brightness arm is NE of the bar.  It curls sharply counterclockwise to the east and occasionally contained an extremely faint HII knot. An ill-defined, diffuse glow (part of this arm) extends further northeast to the outer edge of the halo.  SQM 21.85.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  The brightest portion is a large bar with a knotty extension attached at the SW end and extending on a right angle to the south.  At this position on the POSS are several bright knots.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3319 = H. III-700 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "cF, L, irr E, about 4' long and 2 1/2' br, much brighter south of the middle."

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NGC 3320 = UGC 5794 = MCG +08-20-010 = CGCG 241-005 = PGC 31708

10 39 36.6 +47 23 53; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SSW end 40" from center and a mag 11 star is off the NNE end 2.1' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3320 = H. II-745 = h732 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 822) and recorded "cF, pS, E.  Mixed with some stars visible, but probably not belonging to it. A pL star north and a little following the nebula."  His position is 5' north of UGC 5794 (similar offset as other nebula in the sweep).  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), "F; mE; between a *10m and one of 14 m."

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NGC 3321 = NGC 3322 = MCG -02-27-010 = UGCA 214 = PGC 31653

10 38 50.6 -11 38 55; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 2.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 36°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, diffuse, elongated nearly 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', low surface brightness halo, weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge. Located 2.9' N of a mag 11 star on the Hydra-Sextans border.

 

Francis Leavenworth found NGC 3321 = LM 2-423 on 3 Jan 1887 and recorded "mag 15.7, 1.0' dia, vE 160°, * np end."  His position is ~35 sec of RA preceding MCG -02-27-010 = PGC 31653 and the star is just where he placed it.  His PA, though, should read 35°, instead of 160°.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver (given in the IC 2 Notes section).

 

This galaxy was originally discovered by Andrew Ainslie Common in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector, but his position for NGC 3322 was 16' too far north.  So, NGC 3322 = NGC 3321.

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NGC 3322 = NGC 3321 = MCG -02-27-010 = UGCA 214 = PGC 31653

10 38 50.7 -11 38 55; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 3321, Howe and HC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3322 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector and recorded "F, irregular shape, f star."  There is nothing at his position, but 16' S is PGC 31653.  The "f star" in his description is at the NW end of this galaxy.

 

Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 3 Jan 1887 and reported it in the Leander McCormick observatory's second paper.  Leavenworth's RA for NGC 3321 was 35 seconds too small.  Howe was unsuccessful in searching for Common's object on two nights though he notes "Probably = NGC 3321 as their descriptions are fairly similar and their RA's agree fairly."  So, NGC 3322 = NGC 3321, with discovery priority to Common. See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3323 = UGC 5800 = MCG +04-25-036 = CGCG 124-049 = PGC 31712

10 39 39.0 +25 19 21; LMi

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness.  Located just east of the midpoint of a mag 11 star 2.2' WNW and a close double star 2.3' SE (mag 13/14 at 10" in PA 40°).

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3323 = St. 9-22 on 9 Feb 1877.  His published micrometric position (which he measured on 15 Mar) is accurate.

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NGC 3324 = ESO 128-006 = Gum 31 = Ced 108 = IC 2599 = Cr 225 = Gabriela Mistral Nebula

10 37 19 -58 39 36; Car

V = 6.7;  Size 16'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I only took a quick look at the "Gabriela Mistral" Nebula at 200x and a UHC filter, but the brightest portion appeared like a cartoon drawing of a whale with a huge, very bright bulbous "head" forming the northern end of the nebula.  The brightest portion is perhaps 15'x6' in size, but quite an extensive amount of fainter nebulosity spreads out the east and southeast of the main body, significantly increasing the size to ~15'x11', elongated N-S.  Some faint nebulosity also spreads to the west of the main portion.  At the south end is the mag 5.5 star HD 92207.

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): striking HII region and cluster 30' SE of NGC 3293 and 90' NW of the center of the Eta Carina nebula! (this is an outlying piece of the Eta Carina complex)  At 105x and UHC filter this huge, elongated, irregular nebula is quite bright, perhaps 15'x6' in size and tapers towards the south end where mag 5.5 HD 92207 is embedded.  The nebula widens to a well-defined bulbous mass on the north end.  Faint nebulosity hooks off the north end and spreads to the east and northeast.  This HII region is ionized by mag 8 HD 92206 = h4338 (an 8.2/9.2 pair at 5") situated near the center of the nebula.  Unfiltered, a scattered group of stars is superimposed but this just appears to be a random star grouping in the Carina section of the Milky Way.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3324 = D 322 = h3286 on 1 May 1826 and described a "star of the 7th magnitude, involved in faint nebula."  His position was roughly 6' too far NW.

 

John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery and reported on 1 Apr 1834 (sweep 435), "A double star involved in nebula, which is one of the outliers of the great nebula about Eta Argus. It extends to a star 6.7 mag half a field distant southwards, and almost as far north; pretty bright; irregular figure; fine object."

 

IC 2599, found by Williamina Fleming on a Harvard College Observatory plate in May 1893, refers to the southern portion of this nebula.

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NGC 3325 = UGC 5795 = MCG +00-27-036 = CGCG 009-093 = PGC 31689

10 39 20.4 -00 12 01; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core.  A mag 13 star is 1.3' W of center.  Located 11' WSW of mag 8.6 SAO 118422.  IC 633 lies 11' S.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3325 = St. 10-25 on 13 Mar 1874.  He misidentified it as "Lassell 198" [= NGC 3339], but this a single faint star discovered by Marth.  He made a second observation on 25 Mar 1879 and reduced an accurate position (list 10, #25) on 19 Mar 1880.

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NGC 3326 = UGC 5799 = MCG +01-27-025 = CGCG 037-104 = Mrk 1260 = PGC 31701

10 39 31.9 +05 06 27; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is 2.4' W of center.  Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 9.5 star.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3326 = m 196 on 22 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, eS, stellar."  His position matches UGC 5799.

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NGC 3327 = UGC 5803 = MCG +04-25-038 = CGCG 124-051 = PGC 31729

10 39 58.1 +24 05 29; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate even concentration to a very small bright core.  A faint star is almost attached at the west side 25" from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3327 = H. II-348 = h734 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S, lE."  On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel noted, "vF: S; has either a star which gives it an apparent elongation in parallel, or is a double nebula."  The star is at the west edge.

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NGC 3328

10 39 54.2 +09 18 01; Leo

 

= *, Gottlieb.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 3328 on 27 Mar 1880 while making observations for a star catalog with the 13.5" refractor at the Litchfield observatory in New York.  At his position is a mag 14.8 star with a fainter companion 20" west and there are no nearby objects he might have picked up.  Corwin equates NGC 3328 with this pair of stars.  On 21 May 1879 Wilhelm Tempel found an object ~30 seconds of RA preceding NGC 3332.  Near this location (mentioned in the narrative portion of paper V) is a pair of 15th magnitude stars.  In 1892 Spitaler measured an accurate position for Tempel's pair (given in the IC 1 Notes), but it's unlikely this pair is the same as NGC 3328.

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NGC 3329 = NGC 3397 = UGC 5837 = MCG +13-08-033 = CGCG 351-034 = PGC 32059

10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, broad concentration but no sharp nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' NW.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3329 = h733 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep 171).  On 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414) he recorded, "pretty bright; little extended; gradually brighter middle; 25" diameter."  His position is accurate.

 

William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096 with large systematic errors).  His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals H. I. 284 = NGC 3397 is identical to NGC 3329.  The modern designation is NGC 3329, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3397.

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NGC 3330 = ESO 168-11 = Cr 226 = Harvard 4

10 38 48 -54 06 54; Vel

V = 7.4;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~30 stars mag 10-13 in a 6'x3' group elongated N-S.  Three brighter mag 10 stars are on the south side but the main group of stars is on the north side including another mag 10 star.  This was an easy object in my 10x30 IS bincoculars and was partially resolved in the 9x50 finder.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint but easily seen, a couple of stars were resolved at the edges.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3330 = D 355 = h3287 on 29 Apr 1826.  His summary description (based on 4 observations) is "a triangular group of small stars resembling faint nebula, with several stars in it of some considerable magnitude."  NGC 3330 was one of his first few discovered.  John Herschel recorded on 6 Apr 1834 (sweep 438) as "The chief star (9th mag) of a poor cluster of 20 or 30 stars."

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NGC 3331 = ESO 501-072 = MCG -04-25-056 = PGC 31743

10 40 09.0 -23 49 13; Hya

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (4/21/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration, no distinct core.  The NGC position is 24 tsec too far west and this galaxy follows NGC 3335 situated 10' SW.  Member of nearby group LGG 209 (6 galaxies).  IC 625 (faint edge-on) 10' NW was not seen.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3331 = LM 2-424 in 1886 and noted "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, vlE 180°."  His position is 0.4 min of RA west of ESO 501-72 = PGC 31743 and his position angle (N-S) is a good match.

 

A "corrected" position by Ormond Stone (repeated in the IC I Notes section) is 1.1 min of RA too far west!  Herbert Howe's measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3332 = NGC 3342 = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080 = Todd 24 = PGC 31768

10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

24" (4/15/23): at 229x and 327x; fairly faint, moderately large, round, at least 1.0' diameter, much brighter central region increases to a small bright core and sharp stellar nucleus.  The halo has a low surface brightness.  A 13th mag star is 1.2' SE of center and a mag 15.6 star is a similar distance to the W of center.

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Even concentration to a brighter core and a nearly stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.2' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3332 = H. I-272 on 4 Mar 1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus.  This discovery was made after he abandoned his sweeps in 1794 (until Nov. 1797), although even by 1790 and married for two years they had become much less frequent.  He used Uranus as the offset reference and recorded the nebula as "considerably bright, small, irregularly round, much brighter middle, bright nucleus."  Since the discovery was not made during a sweep, it was not recorded in Caroline's revised sweep records, but it was included in his third catalogue. Similar discoveries occurred with NGC 3080 (III. 934) and NGC 3107 (II. 898).

 

In the NGC notes, Dreyer states the nebula observed by Schönfeld on 26 Apr 1862 and by Vogel in 1867 differ a good deal in place from H. I-272, while the vF neb found by Tempel in Arcetri on 21 May 1879 and by Peters (AN 3328) is nearly in Herschel's place.  The NGC position (also measured by Engelhardt) is accurate.

 

This galaxy was probably first discovered by Herschel on 18 Jan 1784 (early sweep 83) and catalogued as H. III-5 (later NGC 3342), but his position was very poor and he called it "The faintest and smallest nebula imaginable."  See notes on NGC 3342.  Interestingly, this galaxy was also picked up by David Todd on 26 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet, but his position for object #24 is about 3 minutes of RA too small.  Nevertheless, Todd's sketch is an exact match with the surrounding field stars for this galaxy.  Dreyer didn't include Todd #24 in the NGC.  So, it appears this galaxy was independently "discovered" three times.

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NGC 3333 = ESO 376-002 = MCG -06-24-001 = PGC 31723

10 39 49.8 -36 02 12; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 2.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 160°

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, thin edge-on NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'.  A mag 15 star appears to be superimposed at the SSE end.  Occasionally, there is a strong impresssion that a second very faint star is superimposed, though the second point is probably a faint stellar nucleus.  Member of a group (Klemola 16 = LGG 213) along with NGC 3347, NGC 3354 and NGC 3358.  NGC 3347 lies 40' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3333 = h3288 on 2 Feb 1835 and noted "eF; vS; mE; appended like a tail to a * 15m."  His position and description match the edge-on galaxy ESO 376-002.

 

Swift probably found this galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. 11-115 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; sf of 2."  His position was only 1' SW of NGC 3333.  Herbert Howe has a note in his reexamination of NGC/IC objects around 1900 that "Swift says in a letter that these [Sw. 11-115 and 116] are to be dropped.  The former is evidently identical with the h nebula 3333.  The '* 15 att' is of mag. 13, and directly south of the nebula." As a result, Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation.  Finally, Swift called NGC 3333 the "sf of 2" in the large AN table and "f of 2" in his earlier lists, though its unclear what the other object he had in mind.  See Corwin's comments on NGC 3260 for more on Swift's objects.

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NGC 3334 = UGC 5817 = MCG +06-24-004 = CGCG 184-005 = PGC 31845

10 41 31.2 +37 18 46; LMi

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, almost even surface brightness.  A nice evenly matched mag 11.5 pair at 28" lies 3' ENE.  Situated in an interesting field consisting of several fairly bright stars.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3334 = H. II-641 = h735 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "F, vS."  His RA was 34 seconds too large.  John Herschel's position on 7 Feb 132 (sweep 401) is fairly close.

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NGC 3335 = ESO 501-071 = MCG -04-25-055 = PGC 31706

10 39 34.1 -23 55 21; Hya

V = 13.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 130°

 

17.5" (4/21/01): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, weak even concentration to a small, brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with slightly fainter and smaller NGC 3331 10' NE.  Member of nearby group LGG 209.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3335 = LM 2-425 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  He noted "mag 13.5, 0.4' dia, irregularly round, gradually brighter in the middle" and his position is 0.7 min east of ESO 501-071 = PGC 31706.  Ormond Stone's corrected RA (given in the IC 1 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3336 = ESO 437-036 = AM 1037-273 = MCG -05-25-036 = LGG 211-007 = PGC 31754

10 40 17.0 -27 46 36; Hya

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 123°

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', very weak concentration but no core or nucleus.  This member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) is located ~45' ESE of the core of the cluster.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3336 = h3289 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; lE; gradually little brighter middle."

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NGC 3337 = CGCG 037-119 = PGC 31860

10 41 47.6 +04 59 18; Sex

V = 14.5;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Two mag 11.5 stars lie 1.8' and 3.1' SW.  Located 11.4' WSW of NGC 3341.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3337 = m 197 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."  His position matches CGCG 037-119 = PGC 31860.

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NGC 3338 = UGC 5826 = MCG +02-27-041 = CGCG 065-087 = PGC 31883

10 42 07.5 +13 44 49; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 5.9'x3.6';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 100°

 

18" (4/14/12): at 280x appeared fairly bright, large, elongated E-W, ~2.8'x1.6'.  Broad concentration to a round brighter core but no distinct nucleus.  The halo fades out gradually (nearly face-on spiral) and there is a hint of mottling, though no clear spiral structure.  Mag 8.9 HD 92622 lies 2.7' WNW of center, beyond the western edge of the galaxy.  UGC 5832 = Arp 291 lies 20' SE.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration to an elongated brighter core with a brighter nucleus embedded, hints of internal structure.  The fainter outer halo is elongated 3:2 E-W in the direction of mag 8.7 SAO 99253 which lies 2.7' W of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3338 = H. II-77 = h737 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "a considerable, pB, E, resolvable nebula, brightest about the middle." On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel logged, "F; E; pL; very gradually brighter middle; follows a * 7m 10s."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Mar 1854, noted "B Nucl, R, about 2' dia, light irr, has a second minute Nucl preceding the L one?  Spiral?"  There is no second nucleus, but he was correct about the spiral structure.

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NGC 3339 = Holm 210b

10 42 10.0 -00 22 08; Sex

 

= * 2.1' WNW of NGC 3340, Corwin.  Misidentified in the RNGC as NGC 3340.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3339 = m 198, along with NGC 3340, on 30 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, stellar."  A single mag 15.4 star is very near his position.  This star was also measured at Birr Castle on 4 Mar 1877 and called "eF, S."

 

The data in the RNGC listed under NGC 3339 applies to NGC 3340, MCG misidentifies MCG +00-27-042 as NGC 3339 and UGC mislabels NGC 3340 as NGC 3339 = NGC 3340.

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NGC 3340 = UGC 5827 = MCG +00-27-042 = CGCG 009-101 = Holm 210a = PGC 31892

10 42 18.0 -00 22 37; Sex

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (4/29/00): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core.  The halo fades into the background.  Located 12' SW of uneven double ∑1464 = 8.2/10.9 at 5".  This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 3339 in the RNGC.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3340 = m 199 on 30 Jan 1865 and noted "F, S, R."  His position matches UGC 5827.  NGC 3339 is a faint star 2.1' west-northwest.  UGC and CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 3339 = NGC 3340, although only NGC 3340 should apply.

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NGC 3341 = UGC 5831 = MCG +01-27-031 = CGCG 037-124 = PGC 31915

10 42 31.5 +05 02 38; Sex

V = 14.0;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 24°

 

48" (5/9/21): NGC 3341 is an advanced triple merger with a Seyfert 2 AGN in NGC 3341B, one of the secondary dwarf companions.  At 610x, the main galaxy was moderately bright, relatively large, irregular shape, elongated ~5:3 SSW-NNE, ~45" in length, small brighter core.  The "B" nucleus appeared as an extremely faint "knot", ~6" in diameter, close to the NE edge [10" from center].  The "C" nucleus also popped as a 6" knot [15" N of center] at the edge of the halo.  A mag 12.8 star is 1' NW and a mag 14.7 star is at the SW edge.

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', smooth surface brightness.  A mag 11.5 star is 1.0' NW and a mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 25" from center.  Located 21' NW of mag 5.8 35 Sex.  NGC 3337 lies 11.4' WSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3341 = m 200 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position corresponds with UGC 5831 = PGC 31915.

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NGC 3342 = NGC 3332: = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080

10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

See observing notes for NGC 3332.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3342 = H. III-5 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 83). He logged the following long description: "The faintest and smallest nebula imaginable.  I viewed it a long while and with a higher power than the sweeper.  Having no person at the clock, I went in to write down the time and found it impossible to recover the nebula.  It appeared like a vS nebulous star, and is probably of the cometic sort; there was another vS star south-following (I think, or rather, am pretty sure), and it preceded a pretty bright star.  It should have been secured before I went into the light.  Its place must be about 2 1/2 deg following rho Leonis and about 10 arcmin more north than that star.''

 

His position falls on a blank part of the sky, but Harold Corwin notes that Herschel's description matches NGC 3332 = H. I-272, discovered on 4 Mar 1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus (during a period where he was disengaged from sweeping).  This implies his RA for III-5 was off by over 2 minutes of time (RA) and 15' in dec, not an unusual error for his early sweeps, though the description "faintest and smallest nebula imaginable" is at odds with "considerably bright" for H. I. 272.

 

This galaxy was independently found by David Todd (#24) on 26 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  Because of Herschel's poor position, this galaxy was not recovered by Spitaler or Bigourdan and Reinmuth equated the number with a 15th mag star.

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NGC 3343 = UGC 5863 = MCG +12-10-073 = CGCG 333-051 = PGC 32143

10 46 10.4 +73 21 10; Dra

V = 13.4;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 55°

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a very small 15" bright core which increases to a stellar nucleus.  Forms the vertex of a right angle with a 23" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars situated 4.5' NE and a mag 10.5 star 4' WNW.  NGC 3348 lies 30' S and NGC 3403 is 40' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3343 = H. III-317 = h736 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, vS, requires attention to be seen." On 4 Nov 1831, John Herschel noted, "not vF; R; gradually brighter in the middle."

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NGC 3344 = UGC 5840 = MCG +04-25-046 = CGCG 124-060 = PGC 31968

10 43 31.0 +24 55 20; LMi

V = 9.9;  Size 7.1'x6.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

17.5" (1/19/91): fairly bright, large, about 4'x3' extended ~E-W.  Unusual appearance as two bright stars are involved on the east side.  Sharply concentrated with a faint outer halo and a well-defined much brighter core.  A mag 10.5 star is on the east side 52" from the center and a mag 10 star is at the east edge of the halo 1.6' from the center.  Also a mag 13.5 star is superimposed about 30" SSE of the core.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, large, low surface brightness.  Two mag 10 stars are at the east edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3344 = H. I-81 = h739 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, cL, milky, very near and preceding 2 stars; a small part of the nebula is considerably brighter than the rest; the 2 stars and the brightest part of the nebula are all within 2' and nearly in one parallel.  The greatest part of the milkiness is preceding the bright part, and the termination of it is imperceptible."  He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 2) as an illustration of "Nebulosities joined to Nebulae."

 

On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "pB; L; gradually brighter in the middle; has (?) a star excentric within it and a double star closely following it."  Bindon Stoney, observing on 3 Mar 1851, called it a "spiral, vF, has a branch from p edge round to n and f."

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NGC 3345

10 43 31.9 +11 59 07; Leo

 

= **, Carlson.  =M95 = NGC 3351, WS.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3345 = h740 on 24 Mar 1830, while searching for his father's H. I-26 (see below).  He simply noted "eF, hardly visible."  At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at 18" separation.  Peters also reported the same position.  Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections, identifies NGC 3345 as a double star.  As John's description was so disparate from his father's, Dreyer added two question marks to the equivalence of h740 with H. I-26.

 

William Herschel found H. I-26 on 19 Mar 1784 and recorded "cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the ends."  There is nothing at his position, but ~10' south is M95, which was not observed in the sweep, and Dreyer notes in his 1912 notes to WH's catalogues that I-26 is probably a duplicate of M95.  Wolfgang Steinicke emphasizes the identity with M95, but Harold Corwin feels JH's observation should not be ignored.

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NGC 3346 = UGC 5842 = MCG +03-28-001 = CGCG 094-116 = CGCG 095-003 = PGC 31982

10 43 39.0 +14 52 19; Leo

V = 11.7;  Size 2.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, 3.0'x2.5', fairly low almost even surface brightness, just a weak broad concentration.  A pair of mag 11-12 stars are 2.6' WSW and 3.5' due west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3346 = H. V-7 = h3290 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, vL, almost R, resolvable."  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "vF; L; R; very gradually very little brighter middle; 3' or 4' diam.  A soft globe of light, resolvable with the left eye."  His position matches UGC 5842.

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NGC 3347 = ESO 376-013 = MCG -06-24-007 = LGG 213-004 = PGC 31926

10 42 46.6 -36 21 12; Ant

V = 11.3;  Size 3.6'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 173°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S, bright nucleus.  First of three with NGC 3354 3.4' E and NGC 3358 10' ESE.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3347 = h3291, along with NGC 3354, on 1 May 1834 (sweep 446) and recorded, "pF; S; R; very suddenly much brighter middle to a * 12m."  He observed this group on four nights.

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NGC 3348 = UGC 5875 = MCG +12-10-077 = CGCG 333-054 = PGC 32216

10 47 10.1 +72 50 22; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.0'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, 1' diameter, slightly elongated E-W.  Unusual appearance because at first glance there appears to be a double nucleus.  Instead a mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east side of the halo.  The core of the galaxy is close west and a small halo surrounds the star with averted vision.  Using direct vision the star is slightly brighter than the core.  A mag 11 star lies 1.7' WNW.  Straddles the UMa/Dra border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3348 = H. I-80 = h738 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390). He recorded "considerably bright, small, irregularly elliptical."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 383), John Herschel noted, "B; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 40"; has a * 11m pos 22.8°, Delta RA = 20 seconds."

 

Sherburne Burnham measured the separation of the star and the nebula at 22" in 1910.  Karl Reinmuth called this was a double galaxy (based on Heidelberg plates).

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NGC 3349 = VV 514 = MCG +01-28-002 = CGCG 038-002 = PGC 31989

10 43 50.6 +06 45 47; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 1.0'x0.7'

 

17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  Located 5.3' W of brighter NGC 3356.  An extremely faint mag 15 "star" is just off the SE edge [38" SE of center].  On the POSS this "star" is a compact companion (LEDA 2800964) with very faint disrupted arms.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3349 = m 201 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS."  His position matches the triple system VV 514.

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NGC 3350 = CGCG 155-002 = CGCG 154-044 = PGC 32035

10 44 22.9 +30 43 29; LMi

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  Located just north of a wide pair of mag 9.5 and 10 stars (SAO 62223 and 62226) and 19' W of 5.4-magnitude 42 Leo Minor.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3350 = h742 on 10 Apr 1831 (sweep 342) and recorded "eF; vS; very difficult, but a certain observation; is n of 2 st 9 or 10m."  His position matches CGCG 154-044 = PGC 32035.

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NGC 3351 = M95 = UGC 5850 = MCG +02-28-001 = CGCG 066-004 = LGG 217-002 = PGC 32007

10 43 57.8 +11 42 14; Leo

V = 9.7;  Size 7.4'x5.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 13°

 

48" (4/21/17): at 375x; extremely bright, very large, dominated by an intensely bright, round nucleus/core and a prominent central bar running nearly E-W.  A strong, round ring is attached at the ends of the bar, forming a striking "Theta" shape.  A well defined darker region is inside the ring to the north and south of the bar though the contrast is higher on the north side of the bar.  Surrounding the ring is a very large, low surface brightness outer halo extending SSW-NNE, perhaps 5.5'-6' by 4'.  With averted vision, low contrast spiral arm structure was noticed in the outer halo, particularly on the southwest side.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very bright core. The outer halo is 4.5'x3.0' oriented SSW-NNE.  A bar is highly suspected extending WNW-ESE of the central core with inner ring structure suspected extending from this bar.   M96 (brightest in the group) lies 40' ENE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.

 

8": bright, fairly large, round.

 

Pierre Méchain discovered M95 = H. I-26 = h743 on 20 Mar 1781.

 

William Herschel first observed M95 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 73) and logged "a large extended, fine nebula. It seems to be Messier's 98th..but it appears that Mechain has not seen the whole of it, for its feeble branches extend about 1/4°, of which no notice is taken.."  He observed M95 again on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded a "fine, bright nebula, much brighter in the middle than at the extremes, of a pretty considerable extent, perhaps 3 or 4' or more. The middle seems to be of the magnitude of 3 or 4 stars joined together, but not exactly round; from the brightest part of it there is a sudden transition to the nebulous part, so that I should call it cometic."  Just a week later (19 Mar 1784) Herschel observed it during a sweep and assumed it was new!  He included it in his first catalogue as H. I-26: "cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the ends."  There is nothing at his position, but ~20' S and 1 minute of RA E is M95, which is mssing in the sweep.  Dreyer concluded H. I-26 was likely a duplicate of M95 in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogoues.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 16 Feb 1858, noted "I sev times thought it had two spiral arms, p and f."  Sir Robert Ball commented on 10 Feb 1867, "The central bright section seems rather more complex than usual.  It may be divided into two ellipses, the inner one is uniform in light and brighter than the other one."  This appears to describe the core and the surrounding inner ring.

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NGC 3352 = UGC 5851 = MCG +04-25-048 = CGCG 124-061 = PGC 32025

10 44 15.0 +22 22 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, very small, round, brighter core.  A mag 14 star is 1.8' WNW.  NGC 3363 lies 21' SE.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3352 = St. 10-26 on 8 Mar 1869.  His unpublished position was off by 2' SE.  He published an accurate micrometric position made on 19 Mar 1880.

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NGC 3353 = UGC 5860 = MCG +09-18-022 = CGCG 267-009 = Mrk 35 = PGC 32103

10 45 22.4 +55 57 37; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 45°

 

24" (7/11/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.45', very small bright nucleus, occasionally a brighter spot was seen on the west side. 

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to an irregular brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is 1.6' S of center.

 

8": faint, small, round.  A mag 13 star is 1' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3353 = H. III-842 = h741 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "vF, vS, R."  His RA is 30 sec too large.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded, "pB; S; R; pretty gradually brighter middle; 15"; a small star 90" S."

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NGC 3354 = ESO 376-014 = MCG -06-24-008 = LGG 213-005 = PGC 31941

10 43 02.8 -36 21 46; Ant

V = 13.2;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.  Second of three with NGC 3347 3.5' W and NGC 3358 7' ESE.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3354 = h3292 on 1 May 1834 and recorded (two sweeps later) "vF; S; little brighter middle; 8".  The 2nd of 3 [with NGC 3347 and NGC 3358]."  Pietro Baracchi wrote, "pB; S; R: very little brighter middle almost flat.  A star 14m close north." (3 Feb 1886, Melbourne).

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NGC 3355

10 43 30 -23 12; Hya

 

= Not found, RNGC.  =MCG -04-25-058 = ESO 501-G79?, ESO.

 

Samuel Langley found NGC 3355 = HN 29 on 12 Apr 1866 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at Harvard Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #215).  He simply noted "found in search for Biela's comet; place approximate."  There is nothing near his position (the only NGC credited to Langley).  NGC 3355 is not listed in any modern catalogue except ESO, which lists ESO 501-079 as a possible identity.  This galaxy is located 2 minutes of RA west and 11.4' south of Langley's position, so is very poor match.

 

Harold Corwin suggests a more likely candidate is IC 625 = ESO 501-G80, a "normal'' early-type object with a surface brightness two magnitudes brighter than ESO 501-G79.  Either of these identifications are pretty speculative as IC 625 is 45' S of Langley's position.  So, I've listed this number as lost.

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NGC 3356 = UGC 5852 = MCG +01-28-004 = CGCG 038-005 = VV 529 = PGC 32021

10 44 12.3 +06 45 32; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 102°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE.  A mag 11 star is 2.9' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3349 5.3' W.  NGC 3362 lies 13.8' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3356 = H. III-107 = h744 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 196) and recorded "A suspected, extremely faint, pretty large [nebula].  Too much daylight remaining to verify it; but I do not much doubt it."  Apparently it wouldn't be fully dark for another half-hour and his position was poor.  He looked for it again but was unsuccessful on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 497): "I am pretty sure it does not exist as the morning is very favourable."   Finally, on 12 Apr 1801 (sweep 1098) he confirmed it as "faint, round, small, bright middle." His original position was about 2 1/2 minutes of time too small.

 

On 27 Dec 1827 (sweep 117), John Herschel wrote, "eF; R; bM; 30"; a * 9m south dist 2' or 3'."

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NGC 3357 = UGC 5206 = UGC 5854A = MCG +02-28-002 = CGCG 066-006 = PGC 32032

10 44 20.7 +14 05 03; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration to an ill-defined brighter 15" core.  A mag 12 star is 2.3' W of center.  A wide pair of evenly matched mag 9.5 stars lies 8.5' NE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3357 = m 202 = T. 5-5 on 5 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, mbM." His position is 1' north of UGC 5206.  Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Feb 1865, noted the mag 13-14 star 10 seconds of time due west and measured a very accurate position.  Wilhelm Tempel made another discovery on 18 Nov 1881 while looking for Denning's Comet and included it in his 5th discovery paper.

 

UGC incorrectly gives the RA as 9h instead of 10h, although identifies this UGC 5206 as NGC 3357.  In the UGC addenda, NGC 3357 is listed again as UGC 5854A, as the corrected position falls between UGC 5854 and 5855.

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NGC 3358 = ESO 376-017 = MCG -06-24-009 = LGG 213-006 = PGC 31974

10 43 32.9 -36 24 37; Ant

V = 11.4;  Size 3.3'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 141°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, prominent core, fainter elongated halo.  Several stars are near.  Third of three with NGC 3354 7' WNW and NGC 3350 10' WNW.  Member of the Klemola 16 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3358 = h3293 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R: close to a vS star; the last of 3 [with NGC 3347 and 3354]."

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NGC 3359 = UGC 5873 = MCG +11-13-037 = CGCG 313-033 = PGC 32183

10 46 36.7 +63 13 28; UMa

V = 10.6;  Size 7.2'x4.4';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 170°

 

48" (2/21/12): at 375x, this beautiful barred spiral contains a prominent central bar extending ~1.3' N-S, with a bright, elongated core.  A spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar.  It quickly rotates and sweeps northeast (clockwise) for 1.5', dimming out 1' E of center.  A longer, beautiful arm is attached on the north end of the bar and sweeps south along the west side of the galaxy.  This arm is brightest where it attaches to the bar.  The western arm passes well south of the central bar and includes a couple of HII knots towards the end.  The brightest is a faint 10" knot, situated 1.4' SW of center.  This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 42 in Hodge's 1969 paper "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies".  Just south of this knot the arm fades out, but brightens slightly again at the tip (2' S of center), where there is a very faint, low surface brightness knot, ~12" diameter.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; moderately bright, large, oval ~3:2 N-S, ~4.5'x3' with averted vision. Contains a large, brighter central region.  Although there wasn't a well defined core, a brighter N-S bar was occasionally noticed.  The halo has a moderately low, fairly even surface brightness, except at the periphery.  No brighter stars are nearby.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE.  A brighter bar is visible through the center along the major axis!  Has a large, diffuse halo about 5'x3' which fades into the background.  The brighter core has an irregular surface brightness.  Two mag 14 stars are 3.4' WNW and 2.8' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3359 = H. V-52 = h745 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1102 under the pole).  He recorded "considerably bright, large, little extended in the meridian, very gradually brighter middle, about 5' long and 3' broad.  The nebulosity seems to be of the milky kind [unresolvable], it loses itself imperceptibly all around.  The whole breadth of the sweeps seems to be affected with vF nebulosity."  His position was 3.5' too far north.

 

On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E in merid; gradually little brighter middle; 2.5' l, 2' br."  On 21 Feb 1874, Birr Castle assistant Ralph Copeland made two sketches showing both a striking "S" shaped spiral and a "figure 8".  No description accompanied the diagrams.

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NGC 3360 = MCG -02-28-003 = PGC 32026

10 44 16.1 -11 14 33; Sex

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (4/21/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Low, nearly even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8'  NE.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3360 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter."  There is nothing at his position, but 10' north is MCG -02-28-003 = PGC 32026, which forms a pair with NGC 3361 = MCG -02-28-004 about 3.8' NE.

 

Herbert Howe's published position in his series of MN articles matches MCG -02-28-003, although it is incorrect in the IC Notes.

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NGC 3361 = MCG -02-28-004 = PGC 32044

10 44 29.1 -11 12 27; Sex

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration.  A mag 15 star is close preceding.  Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8' SW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3361 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter."  There is nothing at his position, but 10' north is MCG -02-28-004 = PGC 32044, which forms a pair with NGC 3360 about 3.8' SW.  The position angle 160° given in the NGC description is accurate, though it was not given in Common's list.

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NGC 3362 = UGC 5857 = MCG +01-28-005 = CGCG 038-007 = PGC 32078

10 44 51.8 +06 35 48; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', broad concentration.  Located 3.8' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 118472 3.8' ESE.  NGC 3356 lies 13.8' NW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3362 = m 203 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, R."  His position is within 1' of UGC 5857.  Stephan observed the galaxy on 14 Mar 1872 (perhaps aware of Marth's earlier discovery) and reported it as new in his 12th discovery list (#39) with a measure taken on 18 Mar 1882.  He questioned if it was equivalent to GC 5534 [NGC 3362] in the notes section.  Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3363 = UGC 5866 = MCG +04-26-002 = CGCG 125-003 = PGC 32089

10 45 09.5 +22 04 42; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' E of center and 1.0' off the edge.  NGC 3353 lies 21' NW.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3363 = St. 12-40 on 4 Mar 1878.  His published position (list 12, #40) was reduced on 22 Mar 1882 with description, "F, pS, irregularly round, little brighter middle, r."

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NGC 3364 = UGC 5890 = MCG +12-10-082 = CGCG 333-056 = PGC 32314

10 48 29.7 +72 25 30; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with a mag 13/13.5 double star at 29" separation located 4' N.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3364 = H. III-318 = h746 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, pL, r."  His position was ~2.5' east of UGC 5890.  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 482), John Herschel wrote, "eF; L; R; very gradually brighter middle; 60"; a coarse double star sf [about 5'] points back directly to it."

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NGC 3365 = UGC 5878 = MCG +00-28-006 = CGCG 010-008 = FGC 1131 = PGC 32153

10 46 12.6 +01 48 48; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 4.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 159°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, 4.0'x0.6'.  Appears as a low surface brightness streak, very weak concentration with a small slightly brighter core.  Surprisingly faint for the listed magnitude.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3365 = h747 on 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144) and recorded, "eF; L; 2' long, 20" broad; very gradually very little brighter middle; a ray nebula."  His position was 1.4' too far south.  The NGC has a typo in the RA hour (19).

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NGC 3366 = IC 2592 = ESO 264-007 = MCG -07-22-024 = LGG 204-003 = PGC 31335

10 35 08.4 -43 41 30; Vel

V = 11.3;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 37°

 

18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.4'.  NGC 3366 is located just 1.7' S of mag 6.1 HD 91805 and the combination of low elevation and the glare of the bright star severely hampered viewing the galaxy.  At 225x I was able to place the star just outside the edge of the field which increased the visibility, though only viewed the brighter central region.  This galaxy is located 1.3° ENE of NGC 3256 and is probably part of the southern group Klemola 12 (NGC 3256, 3256B, 3261, 3262 and 3263 were observed from Costa Rica).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3366 = h3294 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded ""F; E; gradually brighter in the middle; close to a * 6.7m.  The minute of RA is doubtful.  The written record makes it 47; but as this is impossible from the context, 37 is assumed."  Corwin proproses that his assumed RA is still 10 minutes too large. Once corrected it matches ESO 264-007 in position and description so this identification is nearly certain.

 

DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy on an Arequipa plate around 1899 and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 2592.  So, NGC 3366 = IC 2592.  See Harold Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3367 = UGC 5880 = MCG +02-28-005 = CGCG 066-011 = LGG 216-001 = PGC 32178

10 46 34.8 +13 45 02; Leo

V = 11.5;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, fairly large, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated ~E-W.  NGC 3377 lies 20' NE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated, slightly brighter core.  Located about 25' SSE of 5th magnitude 52 Leonis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3367 = H. II-78 = h748 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and simply noted "pB".  His position was off by 15' (too far northwest), but he measured a more accurate position on a later sweep.  On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), John Herschel noted, "pB; vL; irreg R; very gradually brighter middle; 2' diam" and measured an accurate position in sweep 338.  The description under h748 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) also probably refers to NGC 3379.

 

On 23 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney noted "probably spiral, dark spaces in it and * suspected in preceding edge."

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NGC 3368 = M96 = UGC 5882 = MCG +02-28-006 = CGCG 066-013 = LGG 217-003 = PGC 32192

10 46 45.5 +11 49 18; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 7.6'x5.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, 5'x3.5', small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in the Leo group (M96 Group) with M95 40' WSW and M105/NGC 3384 ~50' NNE.

 

17.5" (5/23/98): observed SN 1998bu in M96, which was very close to maximum brightness of 12th magnitude.  It was located 4" E and 55" N of center.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.

 

8" (3/28/81): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.

 

Pierre Méchain discovered M96 = NGC 3368 = h749 on 20 Mar 1781.  Four nights later it was confirmed by Messier.  William Herschel observed M96 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "A fine, bright nebula, much like the former [M95], but the brightest part in the middle is more joined to the nebulosity than in the former, and the bright part is rather longer, though not quite so vivid as in the former. It may still be called cometic, though it begins to depart a little from that kind."

 

George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, noted "Is, I think, certainly a spiral." (3 Mar 1850).  A year later, Bindon Stoney added "vBM, perhaps shaped like an S reversed." A sketch clearly shows a spiral arm curving counterclockwise on the east side towards the south.  It also shows a darker strip just west of the central region between the western arm.  M96 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.

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NGC 3369 = ESO 501-095 = MCG -04-26-009 = PGC 32191

10 46 44.6 -25 14 39; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 117°

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, 0.5'x0.4'.  Outlying member of the Hydra I (AGC 1060) cluster to the NE of the main group.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3369 = LM 1-177 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) matches ESO 501-095.  Howe's corrected position in 1899-00 (given in the IC 2 Notes section) is accurate.

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NGC 3370 = UGC 5887 = MCG +03-28-008 = CGCG 095-019 = PGC 32207

10 47 04.0 +17 16 24; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.2'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 148°

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly weak concentration, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.  The nucleus is displaced to the west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3370 = H. II-81 = h750 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "pB, pL, not R, r."  John Herschel made two observations, recording on 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), "pB; R; bM; r."

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NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 = UGC 5911 = MCG +02-28-012 = CGCG 066-021

10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3384.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3371 = h751 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 282) and recorded "F, R. The second of 3 [with h748 and h753 = NGC 3373] in a triangle."  NGC 3367, situated ~7' WSW of Herschel's position, is the only galaxy in the vicinty.  Christian Peters claimed that "[N3371] was distinctly seen by me 1880, Mar. 2; but [GC]2198, the third of the 'triple nebula,' could not be found."  Most likely he saw a faint star hear Herschel's position.  But if the positions for all 3 objects are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south, they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and NGC 3389.  Perhaps while observing NGC 3379, he used the position of NGC 3367 and measured offsets to obtain positions of other two galaxies.  So, h748 (sweep 282) = NGC 3379, NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 = NGC 3389.  His position angles (given under h748) also match these 3 galaxies.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

 

NGC 3371 and 3373 were reported as not found by Pease on plates taken with the 60" reflector in 1917 and 1919.

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NGC 3372 = ESO 128-013 = Gum 33 = 109a = RCW 53 = Carina Nebula = Keyhole Nebula

10 45 09 -59 52 00; Car

V = 4.8;  Size 120'x120'

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this observation of the Homunculus was made at 350x in good seeing with the 24".  Eta Carinae appeared an iridescent electric-orange color surrounded by the bipolar blowouts of the Homunculus.  The brighter and larger lobe, which is expanding in our direction, extends to the southeast and was pretty circular (a bit flattened on the end), but punctured by a small, elongated hole that splits the lobe near Eta, creating a small 6" loop (connected on the SE end).  The NW blowout is fainter and smaller with an unusual "fountain" or "fan" appearance (also referred to as the "paddle" in schematics of the Homunculus), tapering in and dimming to an extremely narrow bridge at Eta and then spreading out to the NW.  The NW edge of this lobe is rounder, creating a "fan" appearance.  The two lobes create empty notches near Eta and extending into the NE notch between the two lobes is a very thin, short spike (referred to as equatorial debris or "skirt) that was not difficult to view but the SW "spike" was only intermittently visible.  Just west of Eta is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula".

 

18" (7/4/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): spectacular detail within the Homunculus nebula at 293x.  The bright 6" lobe to the SE of Eta is split by a dark lane (forming the two "legs" of the Homunculus).  This lane actually consists of two darker "holes" with the outer dark hole more prominent.  In moments of good seeing the outer periphery of the lobe has a slightly tattered or scalloped structure and it is flattened on the SE end.  Jutting out a few arcseconds to the NE is a small, thin spike that was visible continuously with averted vision.  On the opposite SW side, only a small, brighter extension or oval nodule bulges out slightly from the SE lobe.  The fainter NW lobe has a more translucent appearance with a pinched "key" or "bust" outline as the nebulosity is very weak or absent in the middle of the sides (this lobe forms the "head" of the Homunculus).  At the center of this remarkable sight is the bright, quasi-stellar, reddish-orange Eta Carinae.

 

Bochum 10 is located 40' NW of Eta Carinae and just north of the huge wedge of nebulosity that extends north of Eta. About two dozen stars, including 7 of 9th magnitude, were resolved in the main group, which extends ~5'x2'.  The cluster is fairly scattered and distributed in the two subgroups oriented NW and SE, with the SE group containing most of the stars.  Visually it was much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'.  Situated just 5' NW of mag 5.4 HD 92964 and just south of the southern arc of the HD 92809 Wolf-Rayet ring, which may be associated with Bochum 10.

 

This huge Wolf-Rayet bubble was surprisingly easy at 76x with an H-beta filter, although without prior knowledge I would have assumed it was an outer extension of the Eta Car nebula.  A huge, 35' semicircular annulus of nebulosity was easily traced.  The south side of the rim is bright, well defined and oriented roughly E-W as it passes north of Bochum 10.  With careful viewing, very faint nebulosity continues to spread out from the east end.  On the west side of this E-W strip, there is a short break and then it continues as a large, fairly prominent arc that curves northward.  This arc is sharply defined on both the interior and exterior edge and widens and fades at the north end, although a small locally brighter patch is at the NW tip.  The nebulosity curves back east on the north side but this section is quite faint and simply appears as low surface brightness haze.  A relatively prominent 4'x3' oval patch of nebulosity is isolated on the SE side, just within the interior.  Very faint haze also spreads out within the interior but the eastern half of the rim is completely missing. The OIII filter significantly dims the curving NW quadrant of the loop.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): I spent quite a bit of time on the Eta Carina complex, particularly examining the remarkable Homunculus Nebula. This is easily the largest bright emission nebula in the sky and a very prominent naked-eye object within the amazingly rich Carina Milky Way.  Dark lanes or rift separate bright islands of billowing nebulosity and the entire complex overfilled the 105x field at the eyepiece.

 

The surface brightness of the various sections is fairly uniform and pretty high, though it lowers in the outskirts.  No section is comparable in intensity to the central heart of the Orion Nebula, but the large wedge that contains Eta Car is quite prominent.  A UHC filter enhances the nebulosity without significantly dimming the stars.  Just west of Eta (within the central wedge) is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula" that extends ~5' length, elongated N-S (not as contrasty as when John Herschel named it in the 1830's).  Eta Carina's orange color and the small bipolar blowouts are quite stunning at high power.  Several clusters are involved with the nebula. The most prominent is Tr 16, situated just south of Eta Car.

 

Tr 14 is a rich group of ~30 stars mag 7 and fainter stars including the double star h4356 (7.2/8.9 at 2.8", with brighter component HD 93129A) within a 4' diameter.  There are several additional mag 8/9 stars and a swarm of mag 12 stars!  Tr 14 is situated just 12' NW of Eta Carinae within the bright, huge triangular section of nebulosity to the NW of Eta.  The cluster is the second most massive in the Carina nebula and contains ten O-type stars.  HD 93129Aa (the brighter spectroscopic component of HD 93129A) is one of the most luminous and massive known stars with ~80-100 solar masses and ~2,500,000 times the sun's luminosity.  The "Mystic Mountain" region, a remarkable star-forming pillar of gas and dust captured by the HST, is at the north edge of the cluster.

 

Tr 16 is the most massive cluster in the Carina nebula complex and contains the majority of the O-type stars.  Visually, Tr 16 is a rich group of stars trailing immediately south of Eta Carinae itself and close southeast of the dark Keyhole Nebula, all within the same bright triangular wedge.  At 166x, about three dozen stars mag 9-13 were resolved within 4'.  A number of the stars are arranged in chains and groups.  Eta Car itself is considered part of the cluster.  Mag 8.8 WR 25 = HD 93162 is about 7' W of center of the cluster.  The primary is considered the most luminous known star in our galaxy.

 

Tr 15 consists of roughly 15 stars (a half-dozen members are O-type supergiants) crammed into a 2' group including a neat triple h4364 (mag 8/9/11 at 8" and 9" in a string with brightest member HD 93249) on the north side.  Situated within a streamer of nebulosity just 20' NNW of Eta Carina itself.

 

At 200x, the Homunculus Nebula surrounding Eta Carina was remarkable in excellent seeing on the last evening of observing.  Both Eta and the nebula were a uniquely vivid color - an amazing fluorescent orange-tangerine.  Extending to the SE of Eta is the brighter lobe, perhaps 6" in diameter with a sharp outline that was flattened along the southern edge in a mushroom shape.  There appeared to be a partial darker lane in the interior.  Extending to the NW was a smaller (4"-5") and much fainter lobe that faded with increased magnification.  A tiny spike of nebulosity jutted out along to the NE between the two lobes.  A couple of very close and faint companions lie just NE of Eta.  This bi-polar reflection nebula resulted from the most recent outburst of supermassive Eta Car in 1841.

 

20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): Using a 20 Nagler (127x) and UHC filter, the field of Eta Carina was a breathtaking sight.  The outer wings and streamers extended well outside the 39' field.  The turbulent nebulosity had a curdled, electric appearance with a strong 3-dimensional effect as brighter streaks, wings, fainter masses and dark lanes were mixed together throughout the field.

 

The best overall view of the nebula in the 20" was at 80x (32 mm) using a UHC filter.  Even at this low power, the Eta Carina nebula still overfilled the field with contrasty dark lanes and amazingly structured islands of nebulosity.  I stared into the eyepiece quietly, somewhat stunned by its beauty.  With this aperture at 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula was an astounding sight.  The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent.  They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the western lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the eastern lobe more circular.  A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.

 

Tr 14 is a rich group of stars mag 7 and fainter stars in a 5' region, situated ~12' NW of Eta within one of the sections of nebulosity. Contains the binary h4356 (7.2/8.9 at 2.8").  The brighter spectroscopic member of the mag 7.2 star (HD 93129Aa) is one of the most massive stars known and rivals Eta Car in mass and luminosity.  A triple system h4360 just 2' SE includes a 2" pair.  Cr 232 is a small, scattered group of ~20 stars in a 4' region just following Tr 14.  The brightest star is mag 7.7 HD 93250, a 04-type supergiant.  Tr 16, the most massive cluster in the Carina complex, is a triangular group of stars just south of Eta and includes a chain of a half-dozen brighter stars.  Tr 15 is a fairly small group of a couple dozen stars mag 8.5 and fainter, less than 30' N of Eta Car. A half-dozen members are O-type supergiants.

 

Cr 228 is a large, scattered cluster ~25' SSW of Eta Carina in the southern part of the complex.  It includes two mag 6.5 stars with brightest member 6.2-6.5 QZ Carinae and the Wolf-Rayet star HD 93131.  Includes a number of mag 8-9 stars spread over a 15'x10' field.  The group is elongated SW-NE.

 

Bochum 10 is a group of two dozen stars in a ~5'x2' region.  It includes 7 mag 9 stars that dominate the group.  Fairly scattered and distributed in the two subgroups NW and SE with the SE group containing most of the stars.  Located just 5' NW of mag 5.4 HD 92964 and just south of the southern arc of the HD 92809 Wolf-Rayet ring.  Situated just north of the huge wedge that extends north of Eta, ~40' NW of the star.  Visually the cluster appears much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'.

 

At 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula surrounding Eta Carina was an astounding sight.  The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent.  They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the NW lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the SE lobe more circular.  A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.

 

12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): My first views of the Eta Carina nebula through Les Dalrymple's 12.5" and Gary's 20" were truly breathtaking and dwarfed the Orion Nebula in size and detail.  The nebula is broken into 4 or 5 main separate masses of varying sizes, shapes and surface brightness by three wide, dark obscuring dust lanes.  The mottled nebulosity has an amazing 3-dimensional curdled appearance and is riddled with dark bays and rifts.  Outer loops and brighter streaks complete an amazing vista.

 

The brightest section forms a triangular wedge isolated by prominent dark lane that cuts at a striking right angle.  This wedge contains the centerpiece Eta Carina which has an amazing orange color.  Extending from Eta are the two small lobes (one is brighter), referred to as the "Homunculus nebula" and appearing as an explosive event from the early 19th century in a HST image.  Just preceding Eta is an elongated N-S, curving dark lane nicknamed the "Keyhole Nebula" by John Herschel, as well as the open cluster Tr 16 just south of Eta.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered (telescopically) NGC 3372 = Lac III-6 = D 309 = h3295 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.  He recorded a "Large group of a great number of small stars, little compressed, and filling out the space of a kind of a semi-circle of 15 to 20 minutes in diameter; with a slight nebulosity spreading in that space."  Of course, the nebula and embedded clusters is a prominent naked-eye object, so was certainly known by southern sky watchers.

 

James Dunlop observed it at least 13 times beginning on 30 Mar 1826.  His summary description reads "(Eta Roboris Caroli, Bode) is a bright star of the 3rd magnitude, surrounded by a multitude of small stars, and pretty strong nebulosity; very similar in its nature to that in Orion, but not so bright... I can count twelve or fourteen extremely minute stars surrounding Eta in the space of about 1'; several of them appear close to the disk: there is a pretty bright small star about the 10th magnitude N.f. the Eta, and distant about 1'. The nebulosity is pretty strongly marked; that on the south side is very unequal in brightness, and the different portions of the nebulosity are completely detached, as represented in the figure [plate III, figure 14]. There is much nebulosity in this place, and very much extensive nebulosity throughout the Robur Caroli, which is also very rich in small stars."

 

John Herschel commented "It is not easy for language to convey a full impression of the beauty and sublimity of the spectacle which this nebula offers, as it enters the field of the telescope fixed in R. A., by the diurnal motion, ushered in as it is by so glorious and innumerable a procession of stars, to which it forms a sort of climax, and in a part of the heavens otherwise full of interest."

 

During a 5-year period in the 1840's and '50s Eta Car brightened from 1.5 to -1 (chronicled by John Herschel) and was temporarily the second brightest star in the sky, nearly rivaling Sirius. This outburst later created the double-lobed Homunculus Nebula, discovered in 1944.  In 1863, Francis Abbott, using a 4-inch refractor at his private observatory in Hobart, Tasmania, claimed a decrease in the size and brightness of the main nebula and a displacement relative to Eta Carinae.  A number critical responses followed that strongly refuted any significant changes, including Lt. John Herschel (son of JH), and both Airy and Lassell in 1871. But Abbott persisted in his position, publishing 6 different papers in 1871.  Interestingly, the dark "Keyhole Nebula" does appear to have lost contrast based on JH's sketches and descriptions.  David Frew made a detailed analysis of the historical light curve of Eta Car at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/pdf/2004JAD....10....6F.

 

In Nov. 1874, Charles Burton (former assistant at Birr Castle) sketched the nebula with a 12" silver-on-glass reflector while at the island of Rodriquez on a transit of Venus expedition.  He reported that he detected some changes (differences) with Herschel's sketch, though doubted if there was any significant changes.

 

As far as the origin of the nickname "Keyhole Nebula" it's generally assumed that JH coined the phrase and his sketch of the elongated dark patch near Eta certainly appears like a perfect classic "keyhole".  But a search through his Cape Observations and articles about the brightening of Eta Car and the possible variability of the nebula reveals he used the term "lemniscate" to describe the shape (must have been his early mathematical training), and that's the term that Burton used in 1874..

 

In an 1873 issue of Appletons' Journal, Emma Converse, who reported on astronomical topics for the popular press, summarizes the dispute about changes in the nebula in an article titled "Eta Argus".  She mentions "In the middle of the brightest part of the nebulous light there was a dark vacancy, of a form resembling a keyhole, or the geometrical figure called a lemniscate, around which the light of the nebula was not uniform." Later she mentions "The southern loop of Herschel's lemniscate, or keyhole-shaped cavity had bulged out into the vacuity, forming an isthmus that trended north-south."  Agnes Mary Clerke refers to the "Key-Hole Nebula" in her "The System of the Stars" (second edition, 1905), plate XVII taken with the Bruce 24-inch at Arequipa in 1896.

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NGC 3373 = NGC 3389 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = PGC 32306

10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3389.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3373 = h753 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 282) and recorded "F, R, the last of 3 [with h748 and h751 = NGC 3371] in a triangle."  NGC 3367, situated ~7' WSW of Herschel's position, is the only galaxy in the vicinty.  But if his 3 positions are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south, they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and NGC 3389.  Perhaps while observing NGC 3379, he used the position of NGC 3367 and measured offsets to obtain positions for the other two galaxies.  So, h748 (sweep 282) = NGC 3379, NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 = NGC 3389.  His position angles (given under h748) also match these 3 galaxies.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 3374 = UGC 5901 = MCG +07-22-066 = CGCG 212-057 = PGC 32266

10 48 01.1 +43 11 11; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 142°

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round though difficult to pin down an orientation, 0.7'x0.6'.  Broad, weak concentration with no noticeable core.  Located 16' NE of mag 7.3 HD 93271 and 18' NW of mag 7.8 HD 93663.  Forms a pair with CGCG 212-055 2.3' SSW (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3374 = H. III-701 = h752 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "vF, vS, iF."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; S; R; 12"."

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NGC 3375 = MCG -01-28-008 = PGC 32205

10 47 00.8 -09 56 29; Sex

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 153°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright 15" core, stellar nucleus.  No brighter stars in the 20' field at 220x.

 

Édouard Stephan  discovered NGC 3375 = T. 1-26 = T. V-6 = St. 11-9 on 14 Mar 1874.  His position was 1.5' NW of center.  He didn't publish the discovery until his 11th discovery list (#9) in 1881, based on a more precise position taken in April.  In the meantime,  Wilhelm Tempel made an independent discovery on 21 Feb 1878 and called it class II-III with a stellar nucleus.  He reported the discovery in his first discovery list (#26), as well as his 5th list (#6).  Tempel was credited first in the NGC, although Stephan's initial observation was earlier. MCG doesn't label MCG -01-28-008 as NGC 3375.

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NGC 3376 = UGC 5891 = MCG +01-28-007 = CGCG 038-013 = PGC 32231

10 47 26.5 +06 02 53; Sex

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, moderate surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.3' N which has a very faint companion close west.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3376 on 19 Feb 1863.  His position, measured on 2 nights, is an exact match with UGC 5891.

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NGC 3377 = UGC 5899 = MCG +02-28-009 = CGCG 066-016 = LGG 217-006 = PGC 32249

10 47 42.3 +13 59 08; Leo

V = 10.4;  Size 5.2'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 35°

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, well concentrated to a small bright nucleus. Member of the Leo I Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated SW-NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3377 = H. II-99 = h754 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "pB, S, r."  John Herschel made three observations and called it "first Class".  Auwers and d'Arrest also measured precise positions.

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NGC 3378 = ESO 318-012 = MCG -07-22-029 = PGC 32189

10 46 43.3 -40 00 59; Ant

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (3/28/09): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3378 = h3296 on 1 Feb 1835 and noted "pB; R; bM.  Out of limit of sweep.  Place rough.  He measured a more accurate position on 3 later sweeps.

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NGC 3379 = M105 = UGC 5902 = MCG +02-28-011 = CGCG 066-018 = Holm 212a = KTG 33A = LGG 217-004 = PGC 32256

10 47 49.6 +12 34 54; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 5.4'x4.8';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, ~3.0'x2.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant core containing to an intense nucleus, which increases towards the center.  First in a prominent trio with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.8' ESE.   M105 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group (LGG 217), along with NGC 3384.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, very small bright core, slightly elongated.  First of three bright galaxies in the field with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.7' ESE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round.

 

Pierre Méchain discovered M105 = H. I-17 = h757 on 24 Mar 1781, four days after he discovered M95 and M96.  It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication (in the 1784 Connaissance des temps) but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume. Méchain wrote, "Mr. Messier reports in the Connoissance des temps 1784, p. 264 & 265 two nebulous stars, which I have discovered in the Leo [M95 and M96]; I find nothing to change for my positions which I have established by comparing these nebulae to Regulus; but there is also a third one to the north; it is a bit more beautiful [brighter] than the 2 others; I have discovered it on March 24, 1781, 4 or 5 days after the other two. On April 10, I compared it to Gamma Leonis & I have concluded the right ascension 159d 3' 45"; the declination 13d 43' 58" north."

 

William Herschel independently discovered M105 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164).  He recorded "Three nebula in the field together [with NGC 3384 and 3389].  The two preceding ones [M105 and NGC 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96], but considerably less."  It was assumed to be new and catalogued as H. I-17.  A second observation and sketch was made 8 nights later (sweep 177), with a total of 5 observations during his sweep campaign.

 

John Herschel's earliest observation was on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2). The NGC position is accurate (measured by Auwers and d'Arrest).

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NGC 3380 = UGC 5906 = MCG +05-26-012 = CGCG 155-015 = PGC 32287

10 48 12.2 +28 36 06; LMi

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.3'x0.8'.  Gradually increases to a brighter core which rises suddenly to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star lies 2.1' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3380 = H. II-360 = h755 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL, irregular.".  John Herschel made 5 observations – once calling NGC 3380 "faint" and twice calling it "bright".  Four observations were made by Lord Rosse's assistants, though other than the elongation, no structural details were mentioned.

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NGC 3381 = UGC 5909 = MCG +06-24-015 = CGCG 184-016 = LGG 218-001 = PGC 32302

10 48 24.8 +34 42 41; LMi

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration, no distinct core.  Located near midpoint of two mag 13 stars 5.5' NNW and 5.2' SSE. Forms a pair with IC 641 6' W (not seen).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3381 = H. II-565 = h756 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "pB, cL, little brighter middle, iF."  Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 5909.  John Herschel made two observations and three were made at Birr Castle.  On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell noted, "I think there is a B streak through it."  This likely refers to the bar running east-west. The NGC description is in error stating "1st of 3", which applies to NGC 3379.

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NGC 3382

10 48 24.9 +36 43 46; LMi

 

= **, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3382 on 5 Apr 1874 and described "About 4 min p [NGC 3432]. pF, cL, R, bM, *14 mag in centre. *9 Pos 238.0, Dist 173.7."  There is no nebula near his position. A second observation on 24 Mar 1878 reads "4m. p and 6'± n of [NGC 3432].  vF, S, irr R, only a S group of st, *9m Pos 192 deg, Dist 162.9"  This second position corresponds with a wide pair of mag 14/15 stars at 38" separation and a mag 10 star to the SSW (not mentioned in the first observation).  So this pair of stars might correspond to the second observation only or perhaps the reference galaxies were misidentified.  Dreyer didn't include this object in the GS Supplement.  See Harold Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 3383 = ESO 501-097 = MCG -04-26-010 = LGG 223-005 = PGC 32224

10 47 19.2 -24 26 18; Hya

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 24°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', weak concentration.  A mag 15-15.5 star is at the SW edge of the halo.  Located 7' NNE of mag 8 HD 93474.

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.8'.  Low, even surface brightness with just a weak concentration.  Observation made through thin clouds.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3383 = h3297 on 20 Mar 1835 and noted "F; pL; irreg R; gradually little brighter middle; 40"; moonlight."  He also recorded it on the next sweep and his mean position matches ESO 501-097 = PGC 32224.

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NGC 3384 = NGC 3371 = UGC 5911 = MCG +02-28-012 = CGCG 066-021 = Holm 212b = KTG 33B = LGG 217-005 = PGC 32292

10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo

V = 9.9;  Size 5.5'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 53°

 

24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, elongated at least 2:1 SW-NE, ~3.2'x1.5' though the outer halo increases in size with averted vision.  Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant, rounder core that gradually increases to the center.  Forms a prominent trio with M105 7.4' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE.  NGC 3384 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group, along with M105.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): bright, bright stellar nucleus, elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  Second of three with M105 7.3' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE.

 

8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round, moderately large.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3384 = H. I-18 = h758, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3389, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164).  He recorded, "Three nebula in the field together.  The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] resolvable and of a longish form, elongated.  These three together form a beautiful sight."    A second observation and sketch was made 8 nights later (sweep 177).

 

John Herschel made three observations, each time calling it "very bright".

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NGC 3385 = UGC 5908 = MCG +01-28-009 = CGCG 038-015 = PGC 32285

10 48 11.6 +04 55 40; Sex

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 97°

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 30"x15", weak concentration, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.8 star is just off the south side [20" from center].  NGC 3386 lies 4.2' N and CGCG 38-19 is 8.8' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration, diffuse ill-defined halo.  A mag 10.5 star lies 5' NE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3386 4.3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3385 = h760, along with NGC 3386, on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; R; bM; 15"."  On 15 Mar 1830 (sweep 238), he called it "eF, E[longated.", so the conditions or transparency were likely worse.

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NGC 3386 = MCG +01-28-010 = CGCG 038-016 = PGC 32284

10 48 11.9 +04 59 55; Sex

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 20"x16", weak concentration.  NGC 3385 lies 4.3' S.  A mag 11 star lies 3.0' SE.

 

17.5" (3/28/92): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3385 4.3' S.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3386 = h759, along with NGC 3385 = h760, on 9 Apr 1828 and noted, "vF; R."  His position matches CGCG 038-016 = PGC 32284.

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NGC 3387

10 48 16.5 +04 58 03; Sex

V = 14.2/15.7;  Size 7"

 

24" (3/22/14): at 375x a faint unequal double star at 7" separation was resolved.  The brighter component on the SW side is mag 14.2 and the fainter component is mag ~15.5.  Although sometimes the pair was cleanly resolved into two sharp points, when the seeing was softer the fainter component appeared as a vague, dim spot so I can see how John Herschel might have called this pair a "suspected nebula".  Located 2.1' SE of NGC 3386 and 2.7' NNE of NGC 3385.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3387 = h762 on on 15 Mar 1830 and noted a "suspected nebula.  Has a bright star near." Just 30" northwest of his position is a 7" pair of mag ~14/15.5 stars and a mag 11 star (probably Herschel's "B* near") is 1.3' ENE.  There is a very faint galaxy less than 1' SW of pair, but it's almost certainly too faint to have been picked up by Herschel. 

 

Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Heinrich d'Arrest (single observation), who placed the nebula just off the southeast side of NGC 3386. He noted the observation was uncertain and there is nothing there.

 

The RNGC misidentified a mag 17.5 galaxy on the northwest edge of the halo of NGC 3386 as NGC 3387.  MCG and CGCG also misclassify NGC 3386/3387 as double nebula.  Corwin originally classified this 7" pair as a "star (SE) + compact galaxy (NW)?", but Brian Skiff confirms the northwest component is a star.  The brighter star is itself a 4" double with the fainter component 18th mag.

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NGC 3388 = NGC 3425? = UGC 5967 = MCG +02-28-021 = CGCG 066-044

10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3425 (possibly equivalent).

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3388 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  He mentions his RA was roughly taken (estimate to the nearest minute of RA), and there is nothing near his position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3388 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 = III 108, discovered by WH on 17 Apr 1784.  This galaxy has a similar declination but located 3 min of RA east.

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NGC 3389 = NGC 3373 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = Holm 212c = KTG 33C = PGC 32306

10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 112°

 

24" (4/20/14): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', brighter core.  The surface brightness is irregular with a very mottled appearance.  A knot is embedded on the SW side. A mag 15.8 star is 50" south of center (outside the halo).  Faintest in a striking trio with M105 and NGC 3384.  The two apparent companions are member of the M96 or Leo I Group, but NGC 3389 lies in the background Leo II Group at 70 million l.y.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, diffuse.  Third and faintest of three with bright galaxies NGC 3384 6.4' NNW and M105 9.7' WNW.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3389 = H. II-41 = h761, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3384, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164).  He recorded "Three nebula in the field together.  The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated.  These three together form a beautiful sight."    A second observation and sketch was made 8 nights later (sweep 177).

 

John Herschel made four observations, describing it as "faint", "very faint" and "barely visible" on different sweeps.

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NGC 3390 = ESO 437-062 = MCG -05-26-007 = LGG 215-003 = PGC 32271

10 48 04.4 -31 32 00; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 3.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 177°

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on, at least 7:2 N-S, ~2'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  A faint star is at the north tip and a similar star is just beyond the southern extension.  Located 9.4' NNW of mag 5.9 SAO HD 93657.  The DSS image is similar to NGC 891 with a thin equatorial dust lane and bulging core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3390 = h3298 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "pF; S; pmE in merdian [N-S].  His description matches the edge-on galaxy ESO 437-062.

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NGC 3391 = UGC 5920 = MCG +02-28-014 = CGCG 066-027 = PGC 32347

10 48 56.4 +14 13 11; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE although appears irregular, broad weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is at the NE tip (about 15" from center) and an extremely faint mag 15.6 star is attached at the west end.  Lies 2.7' NW of a mag 10 star.  Member of a triplet (USGC U327) with NGC 3419 and NGC 3419A 38' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3391 = m 204 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "triple star in nebulosity." His position matches UGC 5920 = PGC 32347 and the description is accurate as two stars are involved (the third is the nucleus of the galaxy).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the galaxy on 1 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch at Copenhagen and noted it was between two stars. His two positions are very accurate.  The RNGC questions if a star or knot is involved, but the two superimposed objects are single stars.

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NGC 3392 = MCG +11-13-042 = CGCG 313-037 = PGC 32512

10 51 03.0 +65 46 53; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3394 4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3392 = H. III-88I = h763 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "vF, S".  His offset from II-872 = NGC 3394, the previous object in the sweep is accurate.  John Herschel measured an accurate position for h763 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and called it "eF; S; pretty suddenly brighter middle; near some stars."  But he placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east, instead of 24 seconds west.  MCG +11-13-042 should be labled as NGC 3392.

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NGC 3393 = ESO 501-100 = AM 1045-245 = MCG -04-26-011 = LGG 223-006 = PGC 32300

10 48 23.5 -25 09 43; Hya

V = 12.2;  Size 2.2'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a small, round, bright nucleus.  The galaxy precedes two mag 9 (HD 93674) and 11 stars 2.9' E and 1.6' E (nearly equally spaced with galaxy).  This observation (made through thin clouds) refers to the brighter core region and I probably missed the large, low surface brightness halo.  Outlying member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I), located 3.5 degrees northeast of the core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3393 = h3299 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R;  precedes two bright stars."  His position (3 sweeps) matches ESO 501-100.

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NGC 3394 = UGC 5937 = MCG +11-13-041 = CGCG 313-036 = PGC 32495

10 50 39.9 +65 43 38; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3392 4' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3394 = H. II-872 = h764 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004), along with III-881 = NGC 3392.  He recorded "F, cL, iR" and his relative offsets (21 sec in RA and 2' in dec) matches the pair.

 

John Herschel placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east of h763 = NGC 3392, instead of 24 seconds of RA west.  This caused the NGC RA to be 44 seconds east of the true position of NGC 3394.

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NGC 3395 = Arp 270 NED1 = VV 246b = IC 2613 = Holm 215a = UGC 5931 = MCG +06-24-017 = CGCG 184-018 = LGG 218-002 = PGC 32424

10 49 50.1 +32 58 58; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 50°

 

48" (5/4/16): this very bright, two-armed disrupted spiral forms an interacting, contact pair (Arp 270 = VV 246) with NGC 3396.  At 375x, it contains a large bright core that increases to the center.  On the north side of the core a spiral arm curls counterclockwise towards NGC 3396, nearly merging with the halo of the companion.  A brighter, more defined spiral arm is on the south side; it rotates sharply counterclockwise nearly 180°, ending on the east side of the galaxy.  A vague outer arm is at the south edge of the halo; it was visible as a low surface brightness extension to the southwest.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', fairly high surface brightness, broadly concentrated halo, core appears rounder, no nucleus, mottled texture.  This galaxy is slightly larger and brighter of a striking interacting pair, almost in contact with NGC 3396 at the NNE end 1.6' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3395 = H. I-116 = h765, along with NGC 3396, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487).  He recorded, "Two, the 1st [NGC 3395] cB, the 2nd [NGC 3396] pB.  The 1st considerably large, the 2nd pretty large.  Both a little and irregularly elongated.  Their extent makes an angle, the vertex of which is towards the north about 1' from each other at the vertex."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the pair on 9 Feb 1855 (plate XXVII, figure 15, 1861 publication).  His description reads "[NGC 3395] is, I think, a spiral with a left-handed twist; immediately foll it is [NGC 3396], which is B and well defined, E pf.  I suspect F neby extending from 3395 and running up throiugh 3396."  The sketch showes a spiral arm wrapping 270° counterclockwise from the north, east and south side, ending west of the core.

 

Stephane Javelle found the galaxy on 13 May 1896 but made a sign error in the RA offset from his comparison star.  So, Dreyer assumed it was new and NGC 3395 was catalogued again as IC 2613.  IC 2605, discovered by Bigourdan on 11 Apr 1899, apparently refers to the southwest spiral arm.

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NGC 3396 = Arp 270 NED2 = VV 246a = Holm 215b = UGC 5935 = MCG +06-24-018 = CGCG 184-019 = LGG 218-003 = PGC 32434

10 49 55.2 +32 59 27; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 3.1'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 100°

 

48" (5/4/16): NGC 3396 is the eastern member of a striking interacting double system (Arp 270 = VV 246) with NGC 3395 1.2' SW.  At 375x, it appeared bright, very elongated ~3:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.5', contains a very bright small core and quasi-stellar nucleus that's offset to the west side of the galaxy.  A much lower surface brightness glow extends east from the main body and appears slightly offset or bent in orientation to the main part of the galaxy.  The galaxy is virtually merged with NGC 3395 on the west end.

 

17.5" (3/12/94):  moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.3', brighter along the major axis, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core.  Forms a prominent double system with NGC 3395 almost attached just south of the west end!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3396 = H. I-117 = h766, along with NGC 3395, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487).  See notes on NGC 3395.

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NGC 3397 = NGC 3329 = UGC 5837 = MCG +13-08-033 = CGCG 351-034 = PGC 32059

10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 1.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 140°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3329.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3397 = H. I-284 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He recorded "considerably bright, very small, irregular figure." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  A corrected position matching UGC 5837 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.

 

John Herschel made an independent discovery on 2 Sep 1828.  He described h733 as "pretty bright; irreg round; pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 15" diameter."  His position (measured 3 times) clearly shows NGC 3397 (H. I. 284) = NGC 3329 (h733).  The modern designation for this galaxy is NGC 3329, despite William's earlier discovery of NGC 3397.

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NGC 3398 = IC 644 = UGC 5954 = MCG +09-18-038 = CGCG 267-018 = PGC 32564

10 51 31.5 +55 23 27; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 78°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): brighter of a pair of galaxies oriented N-S.  NGC 3398 is a faint, narrow edge-on streak 4:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.25'.  IC 646, 4.6' NNE, is very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.5'x0.4'.  Located 4.7' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 27802.

 

Some catalogues refer to this galaxy as IC 644.  UGC 5976 (identified as NGC 3398 in CGCG and UGC) lies 13' NNE (see observation).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3398 = H. III-792 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922).  He logged "very faint, small, elongated 20 deg sp nf, easily resolvable".  His re-reduced position with respect to 44 UMa is 10 51 27 +55 25.2 (2000), which is 5 seconds of RA west and 1.5' too far north.  This was first of 26 galaxies discovered on this night, which contained three sweeps in the north.

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 May 1890 and reported it in list Sw. 9-24 (later IC 644).  UGC, CGCG and RC3 label this galaxy IC 644.

 

CGCG and UGC misidentify UGC 5987 as NGC 3398 and the RC3 misidentifies IC 646 = MCG +09-18-039 as  NGC 3398.  The correct identification is given in MCG.  See UGC notes for NGC 3398 and Harold Corwin's identification notes for a complete analysis.

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NGC 3399 = MCG +03-28-012 = CGCG 095-031 = PGC 32395

10 49 27.6 +16 13 06; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5'

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.  Forms a pair with double system NGC 3405 4.0' ENE.  Located near one corner of an asterism of mag 13-14 stars in a rectangular outline with a mag 13 star 50" WNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3399 = m 205 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "F, vS".  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute of RA west is CGCG 095-031 = PGC 32395.  Marth made a similar error with NGC 3405, located 4' ENE.

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NGC 3400 = UGC 5949 = MCG +05-26-020 = CGCG 155-025 = PGC 32499

10 50 45.5 +28 28 09; LMi

V = 13.2;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.7'.  Fairly even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  Located 6.2' WSW of mag 9.1 SAO 81552.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3400 = H. II-361 = h768 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  John Herschel made 3 observations, calling it both "faint" (17 Feb 1827) and "pretty bright" (13 Apr 1831).

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NGC 3401

10 50 24 +05 48; Sex

 

= Not found.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3401 = H. III-88 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "Suspected but did not verify it, as I would lose no time in this place."  Dreyer commented in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues that III. 88 was "only seen in Sweep 191; place in NGC is that of Auwers from 56 Leonis.  In the sweep it is 1.9 min p[receding], 3' n of II. 131 [= NGC 3423].”  But on 30 Dec 1786 he found an object described as "cF, round, very gradually brighter middle, 4 or 5' diameter, almost condensed to a very large nucleus in the middle."  Caroline assumed it was the same nebula suspected on 13 Apr 1784 (based on position), but the observation applies to NGC 3423 (= IV-6 = II-131).  A similar situation occurred on 12 Apr 1801 (sweep 1098).  So Dreyer's comment is correct.  See Harold Corwin’s identification notes..

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NGC 3402 = NGC 3411? = MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479

10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya

 

See observing notes for NGC 3411, HC.  Misidentified in the RNGC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found NGC 3402 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  There is nothing at his position, but 10 sec of RA east and 10' south is NGC 3411.  This galaxy was discovered by WH on 25 Mar 1786.  RNGC misidentifies PGC 32444 (a much fainter galaxy) as NGC 3402.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3403 = UGC 5997 = MCG +12-10-089 = CGCG 333-062 = CGCG 334-004 = PGC 32719

10 53 55.1 +73 41 24; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 3.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 73°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated.  A mag 12.5 star is 3.1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3403 = H. II-335 = h767 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, cL, iE."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), John Herschel reported, "pF; L; E; very gradually brighter middle; 60" l, 40" br."

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NGC 3404 = IC 2609 = MCG -02-28-011 = PGC 32466

10 50 18.0 -12 06 31; Hya

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 84°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.3', bright core.  NGC 3421 lies 23' SW and NGC 3422.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3404 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector.  There is nothing at his position but 15' south is MCG -02-28-011 and his description of "pB, very long, pos 270 deg [E-W]" is a good match with this galaxy.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered this galaxy on 19 Apr 1898 while searching at Common's position, placed it correctly, and assumed it as new (Big. 403 = IC 2609).  MCG labels the galaxy IC 2609.  See Corwin's notes for more.

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NGC 3405 = UGC 5933 = MCG +03-28-014 = CGCG 095-033 = PGC 32414

10 49 43.3 +16 14 19; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x1.0'

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small.  At first glance appeared elongated 3:2 SW-NE but on closer inspection resolves into a very close pair of small faint galaxies with a 20" separation between centers.  The brighter component (NGC 3405) is at the SW end and is very small and round.  The fainter member (MCG +03-28-015) is just barely separated at the NE side.  NGC 3399 lies 4.0' WSW.  Forms an perfect equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' SW and 1.7' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3405 = m 206 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "F, eS, alm stell, close to S*."  Marth's RA is 1.0 minute too large.  The same offet error was made with NGC 3399.  This is a double system; 0.7' x 0.7' + 0.2' x 0.2', with a separation of 0.35' SW-NE.

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NGC 3406 = UGC 5970 = MCG +09-18-040 = CGCG 297-020 = Holm 271a = PGC 32580

10 51 44.2 +51 01 26; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  Visually this appeared as a double system with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus that was offset at the SW end and a faint extension to the NE of this core [SDSS reveals a strongly interacting double system, with nuclei separated by only 12"].

 

Located in a field with several mag 11 stars and situated between mag 9 SAO 277806 8' NE and mag 8.9 SAO 27796 4.8' SW.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3410 1.8' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3406 = h771 on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) and recorded "pB; 2nd class; R; pretty gradually brighter middle; among many stars.  His position matches UGC 5970.

 

C.E. Burton, LdR's observer on 17 Mar 1868, recorded "Suspected to be triple, principal Nucl being double in direction sp nf, B point in p edge of sp part.  Neby susp from this p with a 3rd knot in it."  On 1 Apr 1878 Dreyer observed the field again, discovered nearby NGC 3410, and noted "preceding one [NGC 3406] pB, pL irr R gradually much brighter middle.  2 points of condensation, brighter one sp centre..."  The fainter northeast nucleus is the merged companion LEDA 93106, though for some reason Dreyer didn't even note the galaxy as double in the NGC description.

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NGC 3407 = UGC 5978 = MCG +10-16-017 = CGCG 291-007 = PGC 32626

10 52 17.9 +61 22 46; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.  A mag 14 star just 1.1' NNE is collinear with the major axis of the galaxy.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3407 = H. III-919 = h769 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "vF, vS, near a vS star.  On 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; 6"[diameter]."

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NGC 3408 = UGC 5977 = MCG +10-16-016 = CGCG 291-006 = PGC 32616

10 52 11.7 +58 26 18; UMa

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration, diffuse, no sharp edges or nucleus.  A mag 15 star is 1.6' NE.  Located 4.2' NNE of mag 8.8 SAO 27804.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3408 = H. III-913 = h770 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "very faint, very small."  His RA, which I re-reduced, is 15 seconds too small.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded "vF; S; R: is north of 2 pB stars forming an isosceles triangle."

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NGC 3409 = MCG -03-28-012 = PGC 32470

10 50 20.3 -17 02 37; Hya

V = 15.0;  Size 1.1'x0.25';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 9°

 

18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.15'.  A faint star is just west of the south end of the galaxy.  Located 12' NNE of NGC 3420 and 13' WSW of NGC 3431 which are both brighter galaxies.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3409 = LM 2-426 (along with NGC 3420 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.3' dia, E 200°, 2 vF st inv in eF neb ". His position and PA of 20° matches MCG -03-28-012 = PGC 32470.

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NGC 3410 = MCG +09-18-042 = CGCG 267-021 = Holm 217b = PGC 32594

10 51 53.5 +51 00 23; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness, no concentration.  A mag 14 star is 2' SSE.  Located 1.8' SE of double system NGC 3406.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3410 on 1 Apr 1878 while observing GC 2222 = NGC 3406.  He reported "2 neb, pos 121.6°, dist 115.2".  The actual separation is ~110" and the identification with MCG +09-18-042 is certain.

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NGC 3411 = NGC 3402? = MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479

10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

18" (3/29/03): at 257x, moderately bright, moderately large, round, small brighter core, 1.0' diameter.  A line of 3 mag 14 stars is close west.  Forms a pair with IC 647 2.1' ESE.  At 300x this tiny companion appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, required averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3411 = H. III-522 = h776 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 545) and recorded "cF, S, little brighter middle, iR."  His position matches MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479.  Andrew Common's NGC 3402 is probably a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

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NGC 3412 = UGC 5952 = MCG +02-28-016 = CGCG 066-038 = LGG 217-007 = PGC 32508

10 50 53.3 +13 24 43; Leo

V = 10.5;  Size 3.6'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x1.5', smooth halo, sharply concentrated with a striking bright core.  The core is evenly concentrated to an almost stellar nucleus.  A mag 14 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.4' N of center.  Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3412 = H. I-27 = h774 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, S, lE.  It seems to have a nucleus or very bright place in the middle."  John Herschel made two observations and described it on 20 Mar 1830 (sweep 241) as "B; R; very suddenly much brighter middle almost to a *; 30" dia."

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NGC 3413 = UGC 5960 = MCG +06-24-024 = CGCG 184-027 = Holm 218c = PGC 32543

10 51 20.8 +32 45 58; LMi

V = 12.1;  Size 2.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 178°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration, no nucleus.  First of three in the field with NGC 3424 9.6' NE and NGC 3430 15' NE.  The NGC 3395/NGC 3396 pair lies 20' NW.  Based on redshift, this galaxy lies in the foreground of the grup.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3413 = H. II-493 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "F, S."   Within the next minute he also logged NGC 3424 and 3430.  Although his RA was 20 seconds too large, the NGC position (measured by d'Arrest) is accurate.  Still, Francis Pease listed it as a new nebula in his 1920 paper based on Mt Wilson plates taken with the 60-inch.

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NGC 3414 = Arp 162 = UGC 5959 = MCG +05-26-021 = CGCG 155-029 = PGC 32533

10 51 16.3 +27 58 30; LMi

V = 11.0;  Size 3.5'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 20°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright nucleus, fairly small.  Forms a pair with NGC 3418 8.5' NNE.  Located 18' E of 44 Leonis (V = 5.6).

 

8" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3414 = H. II-362 = h773 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and note "pB, pL."  John Herschel made four observations (h773) while 8 observations were made at Birr Castle.

 

Bindon Stoney, using LdR's 72" on 6 Mar 1851, noted "Another neb eF, S. 2' np."  Again on 23 Feb 1857 as well as 22 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell mentioned "about 1' np is vvF neb? lE." and "about 1.5' np [NGC 3414] there is a vvF patch of neby."  These observations clearly refer to 2MASX J10511304+2800221 = PGC 93597, although it was not assigned a GC or NGC designation!

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NGC 3415 = UGC 5969 = MCG +07-22-072 = CGCG 212-062 = CGCG 213-001 = PGC 32579

10 51 42.7 +43 42 44; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright but fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness overall.  Three mag 12 stars to the south form an equilateral triangle with the nearest star 56" S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3416 3' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3415 = H. II-718 = h772 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, S, stellar; the np corner of a small trapezium."  His position and description matches UGC 5969.  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "B; S; R; the 2nd and northern of a trapez of stars 11 and 12m."

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NGC 3416 = MCG +07-22-073 = CGCG 212-063 = CGCG 213-002 = PGC 32588

10 51 48.3 +43 45 51; UMa

V = 15.3;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3415 3' SSW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3416 on 30 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72", while observing NGC 3415.  He noted "[NGC 3415 is] elongated N-S, another neb [NGC 3416] north of it, about 3' dist." At this position is CGCG 212-063 = PGC 32588.  Interestingly, Dreyer's observation on 13 Apr 1876 observation states "[N3416] is about 6' nnf, eF, eS, but is only a star."  There is a faint star at this separation, so he may have missed NGC 3416.

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NGC 3417 = CGCG 066-039 = PGC 32520

10 51 01.7 +08 28 25; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  PA = 85°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.4'x0.25', slightly brighter core.  Located 8' SW of NGC 3425.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3417 = m 207 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell."  His position matches CGCG 066-039 = PGC 32520.  Tempel found NGC 3427 to the southeast as well reobserving NGC 3425, but missed this galaxy.

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NGC 3418 = UGC 5963 = MCG +05-26-023 = CGCG 155-030 = PGC 32549

10 51 24.0 +28 06 43; LMi

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 75°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated, diffuse, even surface brightness, held steadily with averted.  Located 8.5' NNE of NGC 3414.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3418 = H. II-363 = h775 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."  John Herschel made four observations, while the LdR assistants recorded this galaxy on 5 nights.

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NGC 3419 = UGC 5964 = MCG +02-28-018 = CGCG 066-041 = Ark 259 = LGG 216-003 = PGC 32535

10 51 17.7 +13 56 46; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 115°

 

28" (4/12/18): at 285x; moderately bright, fairly small, ~40 diameter, very sharp bright stellar nucleus.  A fainter star is superimposed on the east side of the halo [9" NE of the stellar nucleus].  Brightest in a trio (USGC U327 at z = .01) with NGC 3419A and NGC 3391.

 

NGC 3419A = UGC 5965, located 4.6' N, appeared  faint, extremely thin edge-on, at least 6:1 NW-SE, ~60"x10".  Contains a slightly brighter core (very elongated) with low surface brightness extensions using averted vision.  A mag 11.7 star is 1.6' SW.

 

17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core.  Forms the southwest vertex of a triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' N and 1.3' ESE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3419 = m 208 = T. 1-27 = T. 5-7 on 1 Apr 1864. He recorded "faint, very small, round, almost stellar, close to a small star."  Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered the galaxy on 15 Mar 1876 and included it in his first discovery list as "faint, small, class III, forms an obtuse triangle with the stars."  A micrometric position was published in his 5th discovery paper.

 

The original discovery, though, was made by William Herschel on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691).  He noted a "very faint, very small, most likely a small patch."  His position lands 2.7' SW of the galaxy, within his usual errors.  As he was uncertain, the discovery wasn't catalogued and Herschel wasn't credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3420 = MCG -03-28-011 = PGC 32453

10 50 09.7 -17 14 33; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 30°

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round, very low surface brightness halo is difficult.  Contains a 15"-20" core that is weakly concentrated surrounded by a hint of an larger halo.  NGC 3431 is 21' NE and NGC 3409 lies 12' NNE.  This group is located about 0.9 degrees SSE of 3.1-magnitude Nu Hydrae.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3420 = LM 2-427 (along with NGC 3409 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4, 0.2' dia, R, *8.5 6' S.".  His position is 30 sec of RA west of MCG -03-28-011 = PGC 32453 and the description matches (a mag 9.8 star is 5' south).  Herbert Howe's micrometric position measured in 1899-00 is accurate.

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NGC 3421 = IC 652 = MCG -02-28-013 = PGC 32514

10 50 57.6 -12 26 55; Hya

V = 13.7;  Size 2.0'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 175°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Possibly viewed the core only.  Forms a pair with NGC 3422 5.5' NE.  NGC 3422 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411/IC 647 is 25' SSW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3421 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and noted "Two, F, R".  His (rough) position is 13' N of MCG -02-28-013 and this galaxy has a companion (NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015) at 5.5' NE.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section). 

 

Stephane Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 19 Apr 1892 and recorded it in list 1-187 (IC 652), but Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence as Javelle's position was also poor (he misidentified his offset star), but NGC 3421 = IC 652.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015 = PGC 32534

10 51 17.3 -12 24 09; Hya

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 54°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only).  A mag 10.3 star is 42" SSW of center, just off the SW end.  Forms a pair with NGC 3421 5.5' SW.  NGC 3404 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411 29' SSW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3422 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector, along with NGC 3421.  The pair were simply noted as "Two, F, R".  There is nothing at his position, but 13' south is the pair MCG -02-28-013 (NGC 3421) and MCG -02-28-015 (NGC 3422).  Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver around the turn of the century, could not recover NGC 3422, although he viewed brighter NGC 3421.

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NGC 3423 = UGC 5962 = MCG +01-28-012 = CGCG 038-029 = PGC 32529

10 51 14.3 +05 50 24; Sex

V = 11.1;  Size 3.8'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 10°

 

48" (4/16/15): very bright, large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~3'x2.5', large bright core. A mag 15.8 star is superimposed on the SSW side, 1.2' from center.  Spiral structure is evident at 488x, particularly along a curving outer arm running from clockwise from east to north.  This arm contains three HII knots.

 

An obvious faint knot, 8"-10" diameter, is at the north end 1.1' from center.  The brightest knot is at the northeast end of the halo 1.1' from center, and it appeared fairly faint/faint, round, 12" diameter.  The faintest knot (SDSS J105118.10+055024.7) is directly east of center by 1.0' and noted as very faint, round, 6" diameter.  In addition to these three, a 4th knot is due south of center by 0.6'.  This HII region was very faint, round, 8" diameter.

 

Two additional objects were seen just off the south side of NGC 3423, but these are separate galaxies.  2MASX J10511769+0548323, situated 2.0' SE of the center, is fairly faint to moderately bright (V = 15.7), small, round, moderate surface brightness, 15" diameter. 2MASX J10511769+0548323, 2.0' S of center, is very faint (V = 17.1), very small, ~9"x6" SW-NE.  This latter galaxy has a redshift of z = .069 and lies far in the background at a light-travel time of ~920 million years.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 3'x2', fairly low surface brightness, elongated bright core appears offset to the west.  The faint halo seems more extensive to the east of the core.  Two mag 12/13 stars are off the NE edge with the mag 12 star 2.4' from the center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3423 = H. IV-6 = H. II-131 = h777 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 157). He recorded IV-6 as "faint, large, cometic with a bright point in the center.  The nebulous part is extremely faint."  His derived RA was 30 seconds too large.  He found the nebula again on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged II-131 as "pretty bright, very large, almost round, little brighter middle, resolvable."  The RA on this sweep was 1 min too large and 5' too far south, so Caroline assumed it was a new nebula.  Additional observations were made on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521), 17 Apr 1786, 30 Dec 1786 (sweep 675) and associated as IV-6.

 

John Herschel made three observations under h777 and equated his father's two entries, though he mistakenly also equated H. III-88 (NGC 3401). While compiling the NGC, Dreyer sorted out the identities H. IV-6 = H. II-131 = h777 = NGC 3423.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 7 Mar 1851 at Birr Castle, noted "2 knots [HII regions] on n side."  On the 29 Mar 1856 observation, R.J. Mitchell noted a "star in the south edge, another fainter in f edge, 2 knots in n edge.  I think it is resolvable."

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NGC 3424 = UGC 5972 = MCG +06-24-025 = CGCG 184-028 = Holm 218a = LGG 218-004 = PGC 32584

10 51 46.7 +32 53 59; LMi

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 112°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 2.1'x0.7'.  A mag 13.5 is superimposed at the east edge and a brighter mag 11.5 star is 1.4' SE of center.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3430 6.0' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3424 = H. II-494 = h778 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487), along with NGC 3413 and 3420.  He recorded "pB, pL, iR."  Although brighter NGC 3430 is only 6' NE, they weren't described together.  John Herschel made an observation on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128): "bright; little elongated in a wisp; the sp of 2 [with NGC 3420].

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NGC 3425 = NGC 3388? = UGC 5967 = MCG +02-28-021 = CGCG 066-044 = PGC 32555

10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, stellar nucleus.  Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 10 star 2.3' SE and a mag 11 star 2.7' SSW.  NGC 3417 lies 8' SW.

 

17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration.  View hampered by a mag 10 star 2.2' SE.  This star is collinear with two mag 11/13 stars to the WSW.  A faint companion off the south side was not noticed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3425 = H. III-108 = T. 1-28 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 197) and noted "eF, eS, r."  There is nothing at his position, but 30 sec of RA west and 3' north is UGC 5967 = PGC 32555.

 

Wilhelm Tempel couldn't find H. III-108 at H's position in 1877, but instead found two nebulae and assumed one was Herschel's III-108.  Dreyer chose the slightly brighter northern nebula as III-108 and catalogued T. 1-29 as NGC 3427.  Andrew Common's NGC 3388 (found in 1880) may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 (equivalence suggested by Harold Corwin).

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NGC 3426 = UGC 5975 = MCG +03-28-020 = CGCG 095-046 = PGC 32577

10 51 41.8 +18 28 50; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, sharply defined 30" halo, well concentrated to a small bright core.  A wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars (1.0' separation) are 2.2' and 2.8' N.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3426 = Sw. 6-37 on 23 Mar 1887 and recorded "pF; S; R: coarse double star near north."  His position is 7 sec of RA preceding UGC 5975 and his description of a "coarse double star near N" clinches the identification.

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NGC 3427 = UGC 5966 = MCG +02-28-020 = CGCG 066-043 = Todd 4 = PGC 32559

10 51 26.3 +08 17 55; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 77°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 327x; moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-ENE, contains a bright core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus. The extensions are much fainter and extend 0.8'x0.4'.  NGC 3436 = CGCG 38-39 is 20' SE.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small brighter core.  Situated just south of the line connecting a mag 11.9 star 1.7' ENE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W.  NGC 3417 lies 12' NW.

 

17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 40"x20", slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  With averted vision the halo increases to nearly 1.0'x0.5'.  Nestled in a 10' stream of stars oriented NW-SE between a mag 12 star 1.7' NE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W.  NGC 3425 lies 16' due north.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3427 = T. 1-29 in 1877, while searching for NGC 3425 (H. III-108).  He ran across two nebulae, one of which was NGC 3425 and the other was new. His position is 2' too far south.

 

David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Nov 1877 and listed it as object #4 in AN 2698 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet.  The surrounding field stars match this galaxy.  Tempel didn't give a specific date in list I, so either Tempel or Todd could be the discoverer.

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NGC 3428 = NGC 3429? = UGC 5968 = MCG +02-28-022 = CGCG 066-045 = PGC 32552

10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 170°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.  Located 5' NE of mag 7.9 SAO 118535.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3428 = m 209 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, S, lE, gradually little brighter middle."  His position matches UGC 5968.  The MCG declination has a typo, being 20' too far north.

 

Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy again in 1880 with his 36" reflector. See NGC 3429.

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NGC 3429 = NGC 3428? = UGC 5968 = MCG +02-28-022 = CGCG 066-045 = PGC 32552

10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3428.  Identification uncertain.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3429 in 1880 using his 36-inch silvered glass reflector.  His position is just 3 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 3428, which was discoverd by Marth on 25 Mar 1865.  So, likely NGC 3429 is a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

 

RNGC misidentifies PGC 32510 as NGC 3429.  This is a much fainter galaxy 8' WSW as NGC 3429.  Alister Ling and Harold Corwin feel the RNGC identification is unlikely and Common more likely recorded NGC 3428, the brighter of the pair.

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NGC 3430 = UGC 5982 = MCG +06-24-026 = CGCG 184-029 = Holm 218b = LGG 218-005 = PGC 32614

10 52 11.7 +32 56 59; LMi

V = 11.6;  Size 4.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x1.5', only a weak broad concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is off the south side 1.4' SE from the center.  Three bright stars are in the field; mag 8.6 SAO 62287 6.0' NNW, mag 7.5 SAO 62291 6.6' ENE and mag 9.1 SAO 62293 7.8' ENE.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3424 6.0' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3430 = H. I-118 = h779 = h782, along with NGC 3413 and 3424, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487).  He recorded "cB, cL, irregularly round, mbB."  Caroline apparently made a 1° error recording or copying the offset from 46 UMa.

 

Due this error, when John Herschel found h779 (NGC 3430) on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), he assumed it was new and logged it as a "Nova" with description "B; L; E; gradually brighter in the middle; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3424]."  Still looking for his father's H. I-118, he recorded it again as h782 on 3 Apr 1831 as a "Nova or I. 118" and described "B; L; the nf of 3 on a line [with NGC 3413 and NGC 3424].  The nebula may possibly be I. II8 as none exists in the place indicated by my Father."  He added designations for both of his observations in the General Catalogue (GC), as well as H. I-118.  Herschel has a long note in the GC regarding the probable 1° error in his father's sweep.  By the time of the NGC, Dreyer sorted things out and equated NGC 3430 = H. I-118 with GC 2236 and 2239, though GC 2233 is also an alias.

 

In February and April of 1855, Birr Castle assistant R.J. Mitchell reported seeing a possible "dark bay" south or southwest of the nucleus.  Photographs shows this is a darker gap between the core region and the southern spiral arm.

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NGC 3431 = MCG -03-28-014 = PGC 32531

10 51 15.0 -17 00 29; Crt

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 130°

 

18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.25', weak concentration.  A mag 13 star lies 1' NE and a similar star 2.8' SSW.  NGC 3409 lies 13' WSW while NGC 3420 is 21' SW.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3431 = LM 2-428 on 5 Jan 1887 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory.  His position and description (mag 15.0, 0.6'x0.2', E 130°, gradually brighter then suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus) matches MCG -03-28-014 = PGC 32531.

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NGC 3432 = Arp 206 = VV 11 = UGC 5986 = MCG +06-24-028 = CGCG 184-030 = PGC 32643

10 52 31.0 +36 37 09; LMi

V = 11.3;  Size 6.8'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 38°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 3'x0.5.  Irregular surface brightness and fainter on the southwest end.  Appears to have a sharper light cut-off on the north side (due to dust?).  A mag 12.5 star is 48" E of center and two mag 12/13 star are very close to the southwest tip 1.4' from center.  The galaxy appeared asymmetric and brightest just north of the mag 12.5 star near the core [this corresponds to an HII complex].  A very weak enhancement [this is the core] is close west-southwest of this star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3432 = H. I-172 = h780 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "cB, about 2' long and 1/2' broad from sp to nf.  In the preceding part a few stars pretty close together, and in the following part one, but unconnected." His position matches UGC 5986.

 

On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel recorded, "pB; vmE; 90" l, 12" br; pos = 44.2°  It southern extremity touches the large star of a double star [at the south end].  Can this nebula have moved?"  On 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401), he logged "vF; a long ray pos = 40.8°; has a double star class 4 in middle, and one more."  But the star at the east edge of the middle is only single.  Rudolph Spitaler measured the position of a knot or HII region at the northeast end in an observation at Vienna in 1891.

 

Friedrich Bidschof measured two micrometric positions at the Vienna Observatory in Feb 1892 - one for the center or core and a second at a knot (HII complex) I mentioned in my notes.

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NGC 3433 = UGC 5981 = MCG +02-28-023 = CGCG 066-048 = PGC 32605

10 52 03.9 +10 08 54; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 3.5'x3.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 50°

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, large, irregularly round, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low surface brightness, weak even concentration to small, slightly bright core and a faint stellar nucleus.  Appears to be a face-on spiral, though too faint to resolve the arms.  A mag 9.6 star is 8.5' E and 6' further NE of this star is NGC 3444.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated.  NGC 3438 lies 25' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3433 = H. III-20 = h783 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted as "vF, r[esolvable]".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 minute of RA east and 2' N is UGC 5981 = PGC 32605.  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Hershel recorded "eF; vL; R; very gradually little brighter middle; 2' diam."

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NGC 3434 = UGC 5980 = MCG +01-28-015 = CGCG 038-036 = PGC 32595

10 51 58.1 +03 47 31; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~1.3'x1.0'.  Located 4.6' NW of mag 9 SAO 118551. Contains a large, brighter, elongated core with a much fainter outer halo which grows with averted vision.  A mag 14 star lies 1.3' NNE of center.

 

Brightest in close trio with CGCG 38-37 2.7' N and CGCG 38-35 2.4' WSW.  CGCG 38-37 appeared extremely faint and small, round, required averted to glimpse.  Located 2.7' N of NGC 3434 and 1.5' N of a mag 14 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3434 = H. III-497 = h784 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513) and recorded "cF, S, R, very little brighter middle."  On 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142), John Herschel logged "pB; R; very gradually little brighter middle; 30"."

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NGC 3435 = UGC 6025 = MCG +10-16-022 = CGCG 291-012 = PGC 32786

10 54 48.4 +61 17 23; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3435 = H. II-887 = h781 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, pL, bM, iF."  His position is 3.8' southwest of UGC 6025 (similar offset as NGC 3407, the previous object in the sweep).  John Herschel's RA was 1 minute too small and this error was copied into GC and NGC.

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NGC 3436 = MCG +01-28-016 = CGCG 038-039 = Mrk 1266 = Todd 6 = PGC 32633

10 52 27.5 +08 05 38; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5'

 

24" (4/15/23): at 229x and 375x; between faint and fairly faint, small, roundish, diffuse but can hold steadily with averted.  The slightly brighter central region is 15"-20" and the halo swells to 30" with averted vision.  NGC 3427 is 20' NW.

 

17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, irregular.  Sometimes I had the impression that a very faint star was superimposed.  Located 7' S of mag 8.5 SAO 118552.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3436 = Todd 6 on 30 Nov 1877 (AN 2698) using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search of a trans-Neptunian planet.  There is nothing at his very rough position, but based on Todd's sketch, Corwin was able to identify NGC 3436 as CGCG 038-039.  This galaxy is located 2.2 min of RA following Todd's position and 9' north.  The offsets with the stars he sketched to the east and west are a perfect match, so the identification is secure.

 

RNGC places NGC 3426 at 10 42.4 +07 56 (2000) or 8.9 min west of Todd's position. There is nothing at this location in CGCG, MCG or RC3 and I couldn't identify any object at this position on the DSS!  I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #6.

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NGC 3437 = UGC 5995 = MCG +04-26-016 = CGCG 125-013 = PGC 32648

10 52 35.7 +22 56 04; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 122°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.8'.  Two mag 14 stars are near the NW end collinear with the major axis and a mag 13.5 star is off the SW side 3.0' from center.  Slightly brighter at the SE end and also just west of the weak core.  Appears slightly bowed out on the north side and flatter on the south side.  There is a sharp light cutoff along the north side with a strong impression of a dust lane. 

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, very elongated NW-SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3437 = H. II-47 = h786 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "pL, E, resolvable."  I think I can distinguish 3 or 4 stars in it, towards the middle, and in a row."  His position was 11 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north.  John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate RA.

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NGC 3438 = UGC 5988 = MCG +02-28-025 = CGCG 066-052 = PGC 32638

10 52 26.0 +10 32 50; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' SE.  NGC 3433 lies 25' SSW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3438 = m 210 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, eS, alm stell."  His position corresponds with UGC 5988.

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NGC 3439 = CGCG 066-050 = PGC 32634

10 52 25.7 +08 33 27; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.4'x0.3'

 

17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter.  This galaxy was surprisingly faint and required averted and could not hold steadily.  A mag 12 star lies 2.8' S.  Located 15' E of NGC 3425.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3439 = m 211 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."  His position corresponds with CGCG 066-050 = PGC 32634.

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NGC 3440 = UGC 6009 = MCG +10-16-019 = CGCG 291-009 = PGC 32714

10 53 49.6 +57 07 08; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 48°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3445 10.0' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3440 = H. III-914 = h785 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "very faint, small, little extended."

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NGC 3441 = UGC 5993 = MCG +01-28-017 = CGCG 038-040 = PGC 32642

10 52 31.1 +07 13 30; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 5°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', very weak concentration.  A mag 14 star lies 1.2' NE.  Located 4.9' W of mag 8.7 SAO 118560.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3441 on 6 Apr 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison, Wisconsin.  He simply noted "pB", but his position is fairly accurate (1' south of UGC 5993).

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NGC 3442 = UGC 6001 = CGCG 184-034 = Mrk 418 = LGG 218-006 = PGC 32679

10 53 08.1 +33 54 36; LMi

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness.  Even concentration but no well-defined core or nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 1.9' SE.  Forms a pair with MCG +06-24-034 8.5' NE. A mag 10 star is 7' ESE.  Located south and west of several bright stars including 18' S of 46 Leonis Minoris (V = 3.8).

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3442 = St. 13-59 on 15 Mar 1882 and described as "F, vS, R, mbM, r?  His published position was reduced on 25 Mar 1884 and matches UGC 6001.

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NGC 3443 = UGC 6000 = MCG +03-28-025 = CGCG 095-056 = PGC 32671

10 53 00.4 +17 34 30; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.8'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 145°

 

24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness halo with a small brighter core. A mag 13-13.5 star is 1.6' E.  NGC 3454/3455 pair is ~26' SE and NGC 3457 is a similar distance E.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, small very bright core, substellar nucleus.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3443 = Sw. 6-38 on 24 Apr 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "eeF; vS; R."  His RA is just 8 sec west of UGC 6000 = PGC 32671, but his declination is 8.3' too far south.  Furthermore, his description doesn't add any information about the field.  But there are no other nearby candidates, so this identification is the most likely.

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NGC 3444 = UGC 6004 = CGCG 066-055 = FGC 1148 = PGC 32670

10 53 00.1 +10 12 32; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 1.1'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 19°

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint, small, edge-on 3:1 SSW-NNE, 21"x7", low even surface brightness, not difficult.  Located 6' NE of a mag 9.6 star and 14' ENE of NGC 3433.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3444 = m 212 on 25 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and commented "eF, vS, pmE".  His position is 1' south of UGC 6004 and the description "pmE" applies to this edge-on.

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NGC 3445 = Arp 24 = VV 14a = UGC 6021 = MCG +10-16-023 = CGCG 291-011 = PGC 32772

10 54 35.9 +56 59 24; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (5/16/12): bright, moderately large, very irregular shape, roughly 1.2' diameter.  The brightest portion of the galaxy is on the north and east side and is very mottled with slightly brighter knots (a couple are on the east end).  Attached on the west side and spreading further south is a spiral arm, appearing more like a diffuse extension.  This "arm" fades out on the southeast side of the galaxy and just beyond is MCG +10-16-24, 1.2' SE of center.

 

MCG +10-16-24, an interacting companion, appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 5:2 E-W, 20"x8".  2MASX J10544552+5659588 lies 1.5' ENE, between the main galaxy and a mag 10.3 star just 2.2' NE of NGC 3445.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  The bright star detracted somewhat from viewing the fainter companions.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration, bright core.  Located 2.2' SW of a mag 10 star.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3458 13.9' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3445 = H. I-267 = h787 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He recorded "considerably bright, pretty large, irregularly round, about 1 1/4' dia.  The greatest part of it almost equally bright." On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel wrote, "pB; L; R; very gradually little brighter middle; has a star 10m 2' nf."  His position is accurate.

 

On 30 Mar 1856 Birr Castle assistant R.J. Mitchell recorded "[NGC 3445] is very curious, it is round with bright nucleus excentric and a dark curved passage sp this nucleus as in sketch.  [See Plate III, fig 6].  The neby outside this dark curve runs up perhaps to a streak sf which is vF, but of the existence of which I have doubt."  The "streak south-following", which was displayed on the sketch, is certainly MCG +10-16-024 = PGC 32784.  It was mentioned again in the 3 Apr 1858 observation as "a vF, S patch of neby sf."

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NGC 3446 = ESO 264-045

10 52 07 -45 08 24; Vel

Size 7'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): ~30 stars visible in a 6' group with a mag 8.7 star at the northeast corner. The richest part is a 3'x1' group elongated NW-SE on the northeast side of the cluster.  This subgroup includes a mag 10.6 star.  An unequal mag 10.2/13 pair at 19" is on the south side with another mag 10.5 star ~45" SW.  The brightest star in the field is mag 8.4 at ~10' NW.

 

The galaxy ESO 264-047 is situated just off the east side of the cluster, 2' E of the mag 10.6 star mentioned above.  It appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

24" (2/22/14): viewed on the meridian at an elevation of 8°, but not an optimal view.  At 200x, mag 8.7 SAO 222386 is at the NW edge.  A group of ~20 stars is south and east including four mag 10-11 stars in a 7' region.  The ESO galaxy just off the east edge was not seen.  Mag 8.4 HD 94198 is roughly 10' NW.  A number of stars are also scattered around this star including a couple of brighter ones, but this seems like an unrelated, random gathering.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3446 = h3301 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "The chief * (9m) of a cluster class VIII, 7' dia, not rich or comp.  Stars 10...13."

 

Brian Skiff gives a position of 10 52 07 -45 08.3 centered on CoD-44 6866 (mv 9.0) and suggests a diameter of 15' if a few bright stars to the west are included, though Herschel's "chief *" is part of a 7' group.  The galaxy ESO 264-G47 is at the east side, though was missed by Herschel.  RNGC classifies this object as non-existent.

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NGC 3447 = VV 252a = UGC 6006 = MCG +03-28-027 = CGCG 095-058 = LGG 225-001 = PGC 32694

10 53 23.9 +16 46 25; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 3.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.7;  PA = 0°

 

18" (3/29/03): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse glow.  Located 3' NE of mag 9.9 SAO 99342 and nearly collinear with mag 9.1 SAO 99340 8.3' SW.  This disturbed gas-rich system form a close pair with NGC 3447B = MCG +03-28-028 1.7' NE.  The companion was highly suspected at 300x but could not be confirmed with certainty.  An extremely distant galaxy PGC 32713 (z = .086) lies 7.8' NE.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse.  Three bright stars form an isosceles triangle to the SW; the closest is mag 9.2 SAO 9934 3.1' SW (very wide unequal double with a mag 13 star).  Forms a double system with NGC 3447B = MCG +03-28-028 1.7' NE (not observed).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3447 = h3300 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "eF; vL; very gradually very little brighter middle; 3' or 4' diam.  Has a bright coarse double star (9m) sp."  NGC 3447 is the most northerly discovery that Herschel made from the Cape of Good Hope (four galaxies in Leo were discovered on that date)  His position and description matches.

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NGC 3448 = Arp 205 = UGC 6024 = MCG +09-18-055 = CGCG 267-027 = PGC 32774

10 54 39.0 +54 18 19; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 5.6'x1.8';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 65°

 

48" (5/16/12): this interacting starburst galaxy appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, irregular shape, mottled appearance.  At the northeast end of the galaxy is a large, bright knot, ~25"x12", which is possibly the disrupted core of the galaxy.  Occasionally an extremely faint tidal tail could be glimpsed, extending perhaps 1.5' ENE.  The beginning of the tail near the bright knot was easily seen.  At the very tip was a marginally visible galaxy, perhaps glimpsed a couple of times.  The dim tail extends the length from 2.4' to 3.6'.

 

NGC 3448 is interacting with UGC 6016, a low surface brightness dwarf galaxy, 4.1' WSW.  The companion appeared as a faint to fairly faint, low surface brightness patch, elongated SW-NE (in the direction of NGC 3448) , ~1.2'x0.5', no concentration.

 

24" (1/31/14): viewed supernova 2014G, which was discovered on Jan. 14th. This SN is located at the SW tip (44" west and 20" south of center) and was quite easy. It was immediately noticed at 125x, but 200x provided a better view. It was listed at mag 14.0, but I thought it might be a bit brighter.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, halo increases to a small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star follows 3.1' from center.  An extremely faint knot is visible east of the core along the major axis about 35" from the center.  Located 19' SE of 44 Ursa Majoris (V = 5.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3448 = H. I-233 = h788 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922). He logged "pretty bright, pretty large, much brighter middle, elongated 30° south preceding to north following, resolvable.  On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel wrote,"B; mE; gradually brighter in the middle; no nucl; 1 3/4' l, 20" br; pos = 67°."

 

NGC 3448 was observed 7 times at Birr Castle.  On 1 Feb 1851 and 3 Mar 1851, darker divisions (dust) were noted by one of the Stoney brothers on both sides of the core.  The one on the northeast side was more obvious.  R.J. Mitchell, observing on 8 Mar 1856, recorded "mE, certainly dark spaces on each side of the nucleus, but not well seen; the following one rather more distinct.  A sketch or diagram matches the photographic appearance with brighter knots at each ends of the extensions.

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NGC 3449 = ESO 376-025 = MCG -05-26-010 = KTS 41B = LGG 222-003 = PGC 32666

10 52 53.7 -32 55 39; Ant

V = 12.2;  Size 3.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 148°

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Moderate, even concentration to a stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Situated 6' NW of mag 8.5 HD 94389.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3449 = h3302 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; 15".  Has a * 6.7m sf."  His position and description matches ESO 376-025.

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NGC 3450 = ESO 569-006 = MCG -03-28-004 = UGCA 218 = LGG 220-001 = PGC 32270

10 48 03.4 -20 50 57; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.5'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 128°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, nearly round, 1.8'x1.5'.  Situated between two mag 12/13 stars 3.4' N and 3.4' S.  DSS reveals a face-on symmetric barred spiral.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3450 = h3303 on 22 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; L; R; very gradually little brighter middle; r; 90"."  There is nothing near his position, though ESO 569-023 is exactly 3.0 min of RA east.  RC3, ESO-LV and ESGC identify ESO 569-006 = PGC 32270 as NGC 3450.  ESO 569-006 is 5.2 minutes of RA west of Herschel's position, but is a much brighter galaxy and a better fit with the description."  This identication was first suggested in the 1921 Helwan list, based on photographs taken with the 30" reflector in 1914-16.  MCG doesn't identify this galaxy as NGC 3450.  The other objects observed in the sweep (NGC 3514, 3528 and 3529) show no large errors in RA.

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NGC 3451 = UGC 6023 = MCG +05-26-028 = CGCG 155-035 = PGC 32754

10 54 21.0 +27 14 22; LMi

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weakly concentrated but no core.  A mag 11.5 star is 4.2' NW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3451 = H. II-364 = h789 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, lE, brightest towards the sf part."  John Herschel made 4 observations; on one occasion calling it "eF" and on another "pB".

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NGC 3452 = MCG -02-28-019 = PGC 32742

10 54 13.9 -11 24 18; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 65°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, very small streak, 20"x6", elongated ENE-WSW in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1' ENE of center.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3452 in 1880 with his silvered-glass 36" reflector and logged "eF, R, n of small star".  His position is 30 sec of RA west and 3' north of MCG -02-28-019 = PGC 32742.  A mag 13 star is close east-northeast, so Common probably confused the orientation.

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NGC 3453 = ESO 569-017 = MCG -04-26-013 = LGG 220-002 = PGC 32707

10 53 40.4 -21 47 35; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 4°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.9'x0.7', slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3453 = h3304 on 21 Mar 1835 and logged "F; S; R; bM; 15"."  His position matches ESO 569-017 = PGC 32707.

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NGC 3454 = UGC 6026 = MCG +03-28-030 = CGCG 095-060 = FGC 1155 = Holm 221b = LGG 219-004 = PGC 32763

10 54 29.4 +17 20 38; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 116°

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, very thin edge-on ~6:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.25', low nearly even surface brightness with only a very weak central concentration.  Forms a nice pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S with a mag 11.0 star between.

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.3', weak concentration, tapers at the tips.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S, with a mag 10.5-11 star directly between the pair.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint edge-on streak 5:1 WNW-ESE, fairly small, slightly brighter along the major axis.  Forms a pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S.  Located 1.7' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3454 = h790 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pF; lE; the np of two [with NGC 3455].  His position is accurate, so there's no question of the identification, but I'm surprised he didn't describe this galaxy as very elongated.

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 28 Mar 1856, called it "the n one is a long narrow ray np-sf."

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NGC 3455 = UGC 6028 = MCG +03-28-031 = CGCG 095-062 = Holm 221a = LGG 219-005 = PGC 32767

10 54 31.0 +17 17 04; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 80°

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5', slightly brighter nucleus, slightly brighter along the major axis.  Forms an excellent pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N with a mag 11.0 star midway.

 

24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration, no distinct core but an irregular surface brightness.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N.  A mag 10.5-11 star is directly between the two galaxies.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, broad concentration, oval elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.0' N of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N.  The bright star is symmetrically placed between the galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3455 = H. II-82 = h791 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded ""F, S, lE, r.  It's situation is south of a pB star."  On 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), John Herschel wrote, "pB; E; gradually brighter in the middle; The south-following of 3 [with NGC 3454]; a *9-10m between them."

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NGC 3456 = MCG -03-28-018 = PGC 32730

10 54 03.2 -16 01 39; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 85°

 

18" (3/29/03): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9', brighter core.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge.  Located just over one degree ENE of mag 3.1 Nu Hydrae.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3456 = H. IV-29 = h792 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371). He recorded "a small star with an extremely faint brush towards the preceding side, or a vF nebula close to and preceding the star.  I perceived it in stopping to gage [count stars], otherwise should certainly have overlooked it.  240 shewed the the same."  There is nothing at his position, but 40 seconds of RA east and 4' further south is MCG -03-28-018 = PGC 32730, and the description applies.

 

On 16 Dec 1828 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote,  "a *12m with an extremely faint nebulous appendage.  At first it seemed to envelope the *; but Mr Dunlop, to whom I showed it, considered it be detached."  Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 1.75' x 0.75', E 80°; spiral with sharp nucleus."

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NGC 3457 = NGC 3460 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787

10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

24" (2/22/14): bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus.  NGC 3461 lies 5.4' NNE.  IC 655, a faint double star (actually a triple plus a dim galaxy), lies 4.4' E.  NGC 3454 and 3455, an excellent pair, lies ~20' S.  CGCG 095-061 (interacting pair) lies 10' NW and PGC 3090337 is 7.6' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, small, round, compact, high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3455 lies 20' SSW.

 

Francis Baily discovered NGC 3457 = h793 on 25 Mar 1827 using John Herschel's 18.7-inch reflector.  John Herschel wrote, "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a nebulous blur observed by Mr. Baily."  Baily was the President of the Astronomical Society of London at the time and a regular guest of Herschel.  The position is an excellent match (0.9' SE) with UGC 6030, but the description doesn't match this fairly bright galaxy.  It applies well, though, to IC 656, a small clump consisting of three faint stars and a dim galaxy just 4' E, though how could the more prominent galaxy be missed?

 

R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, also observed UGC 6030 on 27 Mar 1854.  He described a "A S neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [UGC 6030], distance about 5' or 6'."

 

Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883, though his RA in his first discovery paper (#9) was 25 seconds too large.  Swift's and Mitchel's observations were combined by Dreyer into NGC 3460.  So, most likely NGC 3457 = NGC 3460, despite the very poor description of NGC 3457.  Perhaps Baily noted the clump, but John Herschel measured the galaxy?  See Harold Corwin's discussion.

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NGC 3458 = UGC 6037 = MCG +10-16-026 = CGCG 291-014 = PGC 32854

10 56 01.5 +57 07 01; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, very small, round, very bright stellar nucleus, very faint small halo.  Forms a wide galaxy pair with NGC 3445 13.9' SW in the field.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3458 = H. I-268 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He recorded a "very bright, very small, round stellar nebula."  He included a small sketch in his 1811 PT paper (fig. 39) and noted "this may be a former planetary in a higher state of condensation."

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NGC 3459 = MCG -03-28-022 = PGC 32782

10 54 44.2 -17 02 31; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 156°

 

18" (3/29/03): appeared as a ghostly streak 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.3', slightly brighter center but no well-defined core.  Collinear with a mag 14 star 2' NNW of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3459 = LM 2-429 on 5 Jan 1887 and recorded "mag 14.0, 1.0'x0.3', gradually brighter then suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus."  His position is ~20 sec of RA west of MCG -03-28-022 = PGC 32782 and the description matches.

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NGC 3460 = NGC 3457 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787

10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3457.

 

R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3460 = Sw. 1-9 on 27 Mar 1854.  His description reads, "A small neb [NGC 3461 = PGC 32793] north of a bright one [NGC 3460 = PGC 32787]. distance about 5' or 6'."  Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883, though the RA in his first discovery paper is 25 seconds too large.  These two observations were combined into NGC 3460.

 

Most likely John Herschel or observing guest Francis Baily first discovered this galaxy on 25 Mar 1827, and it was catalogued as h793 = NGC 3457.  The Slough Catalogue position is accurate, though the description "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a nebulous blur observed by Mr. Baily", appears to describe IC 656, a small clump consisting of three faint stars and a dim galaxy just 4' east.

 

Mitchell's observation clearly refers to NGC 3460 = UGC 6030 and NGC 3461.  Later, on 22 Mar 1878, Dreyer mentions finding an "eS cl , with a *12 in Pos 175 deg, dist 305 arcsec".  It's most likely that this observation is not related to the galaxy but may refer to the 3 faint stars + galaxy 4.5' following NGC 3457 (mentioned above).  RNGC has a typo and equates NGC 3557 = NGC 3460.  See Corwin's notes for further discussion.

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NGC 3461 = PGC 32793

10 54 55.3 +17 42 29; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4'

 

24" (2/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.  Can just hold steadily with averted vision at 260x.  Located 5.4' NNE of NGC 3457 = NGC 3460.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3461 on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72" and recorded "A small neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [NGC 3460]. distance about 5' or 6'."  On 4 Apr 1878, Dreyer also logged this faint galaxy, "..I found a neb [NGC 3457 = NGC 3460] pB, pL, R, gradually brighter in the middle with a vF, diffused nebula [NGC 3461] in position 17°, distance 326".  At this offset is PGC 32793.  Although Mitchell's observation is in the 1861 publication, there was no offsets to compute a position and it was not included in the GC or GC Supplement.

 

NGC 3461 is not included in the CGCG, MCG or RC3.  RNGC misidentifies LEDA 1537008, an extremely faint galaxy very close to 3 stars (IC 656), as NGC 3461.

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NGC 3462 = UGC 6034 = MCG +01-28-019 = CGCG 038-049 = Todd 5 = PGC 32822

10 55 21.1 +07 41 48; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 60°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 229x and 327x; moderately bright, contains a bright core that increases to the center, slightly elongated, 40" diameter. The galaxy forms the NW vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 8.3 HD 94704 9' E and a mag 10.6 star 9' SE.

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, 0.8'x0.7', very small bright core, stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3462 = H. II-16 = h794 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 102) and recorded "a small cometic nebula.  I am not sure whether it is cometic or not."  On 17 Apr 1830 (sweep 250), John Herschel logged it as "vF; S; R: pretty suddenly brighter middle; 12"."

 

David Todd also picked up this galaxy on 13 Nov 1877 and recorded it as #5 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698).  The surrounding field stars are an exact match.

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NGC 3463 = ESO 502-002 = MCG -04-26-014 = LGG 223-001 = PGC 32813

10 55 13.4 -26 09 26; Hya

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 77°

 

18" (4/29/06): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4', weakly concentrated.  Nearly collinear with a pair of mag 13/14 stars ~5' N (at 17" separation).  An identical distance to the south is a mag 10.5 star with the galaxy at the midpoint of these stars.  Located ~4.5° ESE of Hydra I cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3463 = h3305 on 26 Mar 1835 and logged "F; R; gradually little brighter middle; 20"."  His position matches ESO 502-002 = PGC 32813.

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NGC 3464 = ESO 569-022 = MCG -03-28-021 = UGCA 222 = LGG 220-003 = PGC 32778

10 54 39.9 -21 04 00; Hya

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 112°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint but moderately large, roughly oval, 1.7'x1.2' WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a hint of mottled structure.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3464 = LM 1-178 on 14 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 1.3'x0.4', E 125°."  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA east of ESO 569-022 and the description applies. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3465 = UGC 6056 = MCG +13-08-048 = CGCG 351-050 = KTG 34A = PGC 33099

10 59 31.3 +75 11 29; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 171°

 

24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 30"x22", contains a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 14-14.5 star is just 40" SE.  First in the KTG 34 triplet with NGC 3500 9' E and NGC 3523 14.5' ESE.

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, ~0.7'x0.5', contains a small, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is off the SE side and a 29" pair of mag 12 stars lies 3.5' NE.  First in a trio with NGC 3500 9' E.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round.  First of three in trio with NGC 3500 9' E and NGC 3523 14.5' ESE.  Appears as a low surface brightness spot of 25" diameter (probably viewed core) with little or no concentration.  Observation of the group was severely affected by hazy skies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3465 = H. III-967 = h795, along with H. III-968, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He only recorded a single position and noted "Two, the 1st [NGC 3465] very faint, very small.  The 2nd, extremely faint and smaller than the first.  It is a little more north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  Corrected positions matching UGC 6056 and UGC 6090 were published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated the corrected positions in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.  In the NGC, Dreyer assigned both III-967 and III-968 to NGC 3500 (calling it a "Double neb, very near").

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3465 on 4 Apr 1832.  He logged h795 as "extremely faint; pretty large; round; very gradually little brighter middle; 30", a double star north following points to it."  His position and description clearly applies to UGC 6056.  JH was credited with the discovery of NGC 3465 in the GC and NGC, though his father should probably receive credit.

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NGC 3466 = UGC 6042 = MCG +02-28-028 = CGCG 066-065 = PGC 32872

10 56 15.5 +09 45 16; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', weak even concentration.  A mag 11 star is 3.0' due west.  Forms a pair with NGC 3467 7.0' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3466 = h796 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) and recorded "vF; has another [NGC 3467] still fainter following; has also a * 9m preceding the same parallel."  His position and description matches UGC 6042.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured the difference in RA to the star as 13.3 seconds and the difference in Dec as 15".

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NGC 3467 = UGC 6045 = MCG +02-28-030 = CGCG 066-067 = PGC 32903

10 56 44.1 +09 45 32; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter.  Appears slightly smaller than NGC 3466 located 7.0' W but has a sharper concentration with a small bright core.  A mag 11 star lies 3.5' NW (similar brightness to the mag 11 star preceding NGC 3466).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3467 = h798 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), along with NGC 3466.  His position matches UGC 6045.

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NGC 3468 = UGC 6048 = MCG +07-23-006 = CGCG 213-010 = PGC 32940

10 57 31.2 +40 56 46; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 8°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' ENE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3468 = H. III-632 = h797 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "cF, vS, R, gradually much brighter middle."  On 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) he added "lE in the meridian [north-south]."  On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "not vF; S; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 12"; a *13m near."

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NGC 3469 = MCG -02-28-024 = PGC 32912

10 56 57.7 -14 18 03; Crt

V = 13.1;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 115°

 

18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentratin with a very small slightly brighter core.  Located 6' SSE of a mag 9 star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3469 = h3306 on 7 May 1836 and simply noted "eeF; S."  His position matches MCG -02-28-024 = PGC 32912.

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NGC 3470 = UGC 6060 = MCG +10-16-038 = CGCG 291-016 = PGC 33040

10 58 44.9 +59 30 39; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 170°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3470 = H. II-888 = h799 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, S, R, bM."

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NGC 3471 = UGC 6064 = MCG +10-16-039 = CGCG 291-018 = Mrk 158 = PGC 33074

10 59 09.1 +61 31 51; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 14°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, broad concentration, faint elongated halo.  Located 35' WSW of Alpha Ursa Majoris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3471 = H. III-972 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1102, under the pole).  He recorded "very faint, very small, round, brighter middle."  His position is 4' north of UGC 6064, the only nearby galaxy.

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NGC 3472 = ESO 569-26

10 57 18 -19 38; Crt

 

= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3472 = LM 1-179 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.4' dia, R, gradually brighter in the middle." with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA).  Harold Corwin was not able to identify a likely candidate, but lists ESO 572-025 as a possibility. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3473 = UGC 6052 = MCG +03-28-041 = CGCG 095-079 = PGC 32978

10 58 05.2 +17 07 27; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 40°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Unusual appearance due to nearby foreground stars.  A mag 12.5 star is attached at the NNE tip 0.5' from the center and the galaxy extends to the SW almost to a fainter mag 14 star 45" from center. Appears unconcentrated with a low surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3474 1.9' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3473 = H. III-67 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181). He noted "a suspected nebulosity reaching from one star to a smaller which is about 2' south of it; 240x [eyepiece No. 4] confirmed it." His sketch (reproduced in Wolfgang Steinicke's book on Herschel) shows an elongated nebula between two apparent stars (or stellar cores).  The northern star is at north edge of the halo and the southern star is probably the mag 13.6 star 1' S.  Wolfgang suggests Herschel's southern star is NGC 3474, but that seems unlikely as the mag 13.6 star is more evident.  In his 1814 PT paper (fig. 2), Herschel stated the arrangement was too unusual to be a pure line of sight coincidence, and the stars had formed within the nebula.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position and similar to Herschel described NGC 3473 as "between 2 st 14 and 15m, the brighter one attached to the north limb."

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NGC 3474 = MCG +03-28-042 = CGCG 095-081 = PGC 32989

10 58 08.8 +17 05 44; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core.  Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 3473 1.9' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3474 = Sw. 6-39 on 24 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; pS; R; GC 2267 [NGC 3473] near north."  His RA is 8 seconds too large.  William Herschel and d'Arrest both missed this galaxy.

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NGC 3475 = UGC 6058 = MCG +04-26-022 = CGCG 125-017 = PGC 33012

10 58 25.3 +24 13 34; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 65°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): easily picked up at 100x while scanning the field.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~WSW-ENE.  Well concentrated with a bright, round core and an ill-defined diffuse halo at least 1' along the major axis.  A mag 13 star is 1.4' N.  A couple of nearby faint companions were not seen but MCG +04-26-023 located 9' N was observed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3475 = H. III-332 = h800 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, about 1' north aof a small star."  Caroline's reduced position falls nearly 4' south of UGC 6058.  On 28 Mar 1832 (sweep 407), John Herschel wrote, "vF; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 2' s of a * 12m."  His position was fairly accurate.

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NGC 3476 = NGC 3480? = MCG +02-28-032 = CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987

10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' E of center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3477 3.7' SSE.  There is faint pair of mag 14.5/15 stars 1.5' SSE at 14" separation which appeared nebulous at first glance.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3476 = m 213, along with NGC 3477, on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell." His position is 4' N of CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987.  This is the same offset as NGC 3477 so this identification appears solid.

 

NGC 3480, found by Andrew Common in 1880, may be a duplicate observation.  See notes on this number.

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NGC 3477 = CGCG 066-074 = PGC 32997

10 58 12.6 +09 13 03; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3';  PA = 70°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE (difficult to determine PA as requires averted vision to glimpse).  A faint pair of mag 15 stars lies 2.3' N.  At the SE edge of the 220x field is a matched pair of mag 9.5 stars at 16" separation. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3476 3.7' NNW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3477 = m 214 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, eS, stell."  His position is 4' north of CGCG 066-074 = PGC 32997, the same offset he made with nearby NGC 3476.

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NGC 3478 = UGC 6069 = MCG +08-20-059 = CGCG 241-051 = PGC 33101

10 59 27.3 +46 07 21; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 132°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.75', large brighter middle but no defined nucleus.  A pair of mag 11 stars are 3.9' S and 5.5' SSW with a separation of 2.0'.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3478 = H. III-705 = h801 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and simply noted "vF".  His position was 1.5' too far north (similar offset as NGC 3583, the next discovery in the sweep). On 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139), John Herschel logged "F; S; R" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3479 = NGC 3502: = MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053

10 58 55.5 -14 57 41; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 175°

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.1'x0.8'.  Broad, weak concentration to a relatively large, slightly brighter core.  NGC 3502 may be a duplicate observation of this galaxy.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3479 = LM 1-180 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 30 tsec west of MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).

 

NGC 3502 = LM 1-181, found by Leavenworth, is probably an independent observation with an error of 2.5 minutes in RA.  This galaxy was found again by Stephane Javelle on 24 Mar 1909 and included in his unpublished 4th catalogue (J. 1670).

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NGC 3480 = NGC 3476? = MCG +02-28-032 = CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987

10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3476.  Identification uncertain.

 

Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3480 in 1880 with his 36" silvered glass reflector and simply noted "S, stellar."  There is nothing at his position, though 12' southwest is NGC 3476.  Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding NGC 3480.  Because of the scant description, the identification NGC 3476 = NGC 3480 is uncertain.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3481 = MCG -01-28-016 = PGC 33097

10 59 26.6 -07 32 40; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 136°

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, smooth surface brightness.  Located 5' NW of mag 8.8 SAO 137930 (wide yellow/blue unequal double).  Also nearby is a mag 10.7 star 2' W and a mag 11 star 3.5' N.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3481 = LM 2-430 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.3' dia, rr; prob vF Cl; *9 in PA 120° [east-southeast] at 5'."  His position is 0.3 min of RA west and 2' south of MCG -01-28-016 = PGC 33097 and the description clinches the identification.

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NGC 3482 = ESO 264-056 = PGC 33025

10 58 34.3 -46 35 03; Vel

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 14°

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, ~50"x30", broad concentration to a small brighter core.  Situated in a rich Vela star field 8.8' WNW of mag 8.2 HD 95274.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3482 = h3308 on 1 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 30"."  His position is within 1' of ESO 264-056 = PGC 33025.  RNGC calls it an unverified southern object.

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NGC 3483 = ESO 438-001 = MCG -05-26-016 = PGC 33060

10 59 00.2 -28 28 37; Hya

V = 12.1;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105°

 

18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness.  Well concentrated with a small bright core that brightens to the center.  Forms the southern vertex of a small triangle with mag 9 HD 95183 1.8' NE and a mag 11.5-12 star 1.3' NNW.

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', irregular halo.  Increases to a small bright core and stellar  nucleus.  Located 1.8' SW of mag 9 HD 95183.  Completing a triangle with the galaxy is a mag 12 star 1.3' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3483 = h3307 on 10 May 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15". Among stars."  His position matches ESO 438-001 = PGC 33060.

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NGC 3484

11 03 00 +75 49; Dra

 

= Not found, Carlson.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3484 = h802 on 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414) but noted it was "A very doubtful object."  He apparently was looking for H. III-967 as he queried if this was his father's object.

 

In the 1911 Monthly Notices paper on William Herschel's 15 objects discovered on 2 Apr 1810, it was noted "Nothing shown [for NGC 3484] on the photographic [Greenwich plate]" and Dreyer repeats this in his 1912 NGC Correction list.

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NGC 3485 = UGC 6077 = MCG +03-28-044 = CGCG 095-085 = PGC 33140

11 00 02.4 +14 50 28; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, moderately large, fairly diffuse, oval slightly elongated WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 1.7' W of center.  Possible member of the Leo group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3485 = H. II-100 = h804 = h3309 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, pL r."  John Herschel made three observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope.

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 9 Apr 1852 at Birr Castle "suspected a dark curved passage sp centre."  Also on 15 Mar 1855, R.J. Mitchell "suspect[ed] a knot in p and one in f edge.  Query, a ring with a Nucl in centre?"

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NGC 3486 = UGC 6079 = MCG +05-26-032 = CGCG 155-041 = PGC 33166

11 00 23.8 +28 58 30; LMi

V = 10.5;  Size 7.1'x5.2';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 80°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, slightly elongated E-W, 4'x3', diffuse outer halo with a brighter core.  Located 15' SW of mag 7.9 SAO 81621.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3486 = H. I-87 = h805 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded "very bright, very large, the brightness decreasing very gradually."  John Herschel logged a total of 10 observations of this galaxy!

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 7 Mar 1856, wrote "pB, R, B central Nucl, light mottled about Nucl?

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NGC 3487 = UGC 6092 = MCG +03-28-047 = CGCG 095-089 = PGC 33195

11 00 46.6 +17 35 15; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 153°

 

24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~45"x18".  Appears brighter along a thin spine of the major axis.

 

Arp 198 = UGC 6073, an overlapping pair consisting of face-on spiral and a thin edge-on that extends directly to the nucleus of the face-on, lies 15' WNW.  At 260x and 375x, it appeared as a very faint, fairly small, very elongated glow,  ~0.4'x0.1', extending to the southwest of a mag 12.3 star.  The pair has an unusual "spike" appearance, with a very small "knot" (core of VV 267a = UGC 6073b, the face-on spiral) at most 10" diameter at the northeast end close to the mag 12 star [28" SW of the star].  The spike or tail (VV 267b = UGC 6073a) extends southwest with the combined glow collinear with the star!

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.25', nearly even surface brightness.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3487 = Sw. 3-58 on 5 Mar 1886 and logged "eeF; pretty small; round; extremely difficult; in vacancy."  His position is 35 seconds of RA too far west.

 

Stephane Javelle found it again on 10 Apr 1907 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory.  He included it as J. 1667 in his unpublished 4th catalogue.  At the same time he discovered CGCG 095-086, which is 14' SW.

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NGC 3488 = UGC 6096 = MCG +10-16-045 = CGCG 291-022 = PGC 33242

11 01 23.6 +57 40 39; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 175°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, gradually brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the SSE edge 1.0' from center.  Forms a pair with CGCG 291-021 7' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3488 = H. I-269 = h803 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038).  He logged "considerably bright, round, about 1' dia, just north of a small star."  He included a simple sketch (fig. 11) in his 1811 PT paper as an example of a round nebula.  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "It is north of a *13, just at the edge of the nebula."

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NGC 3489 = UGC 6082 = MCG +02-28-039 = CGCG 066-084 = LGG 217-008 = PGC 33160

11 00 18.6 +13 54 04; Leo

V = 10.3;  Size 3.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 70°

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.25'.  Sharply concentrated with a round, intense core (relatively small) highlighted by a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' WSW of center, just outside the halo.  Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).

 

17.5" (4/1/95): very bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.5'.  Unusually bright, round core dominates view with an almost stellar nucleus with direct vision.  The halo nearly reaches to a mag 13 star 1.5' SW of center.

 

8" (12/6/80): fairly bright, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3489 = H. II-101 = h806 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pretty bright, small, much brighter middle than at the extremes."  A sketch was included in his 1814 publication (fig. 11) as an example of a round nebula with the description (based on a later observation) "a pretty large, round, extremely faint, easily resolvable nebula. I can almost see the stars in it."

 

John Herschel made two observations at Slough and four were made at Birr Castle. JH and d'Arrest commented this galaxy should have been placed in William's 1st class.

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NGC 3490 = MCG +02-28-036 = CGCG 066-080 = PGC 33128

10 59 54.4 +09 21 42; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared as a faint, very small, round glow, just 15" diameter.  The surface brightness was fairly low and occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus was glimpsed.  Located 1.5' NW of a mag 12 star.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3490 in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector.  His approximate position is 0.4 min of RA west of CGCG 066-080 = PGC 33128.  Neither MCG or CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 3490.  See Thomson's CGCG Corrections and Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3491 = UGC 6088 = MCG +02-28-041 = CGCG 066-089 = PGC 33180

11 00 35.4 +12 09 42; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very small bright core.  Located in a blank region bordered by brighter stars forming a circular pattern 16'-18' diameter.  The brightest of these are mag 8 SAO 99401 10' SE and SAO 99398 12' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3491 = H. III-21 = h807 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted "vF, S.  I could not be sure till I put on 240x."  His position was ~50 seconds of RA preceding UGC 6088.  On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel simply noted "eF; R" but he measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3492 = UGC 6094 = MCG +02-28-045 = CGCG 066-093 = VIII Zw 116 = PGC 33207

11 00 57.3 +10 30 21; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 100°

 

17.5" (4/25/98): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.0'x0.8'.  Weak, even concentration to a slightly brighter core and nucleus.  This galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1142 with IC 664 4.1' NW, IC 663 6.4' SW and IC 666 4.6' SE.  Observation made in hazy skies.

 

This system is a post-merger with two main nuclei separated by 10" SW-NE and two fainter nuclei involved.

 

Christian Peters discovered NGC 3492 around 1880 with the 13.5" refractor at the Litchfield observatory in New York. The discovery, probably made while making observations for a star catalog and atlas, wasn't published in either of his two lists in 1881 and 1882, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer.  The NGC position is accurate.

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NGC 3493 = UGC 6099 = MCG +05-26-036 = CGCG 155-044 = PGC 33249

11 01 27.8 +27 43 10; LMi

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 84°

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, edge-on 7:2 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.15', even surface brightness.  A mag 14 star lies 0.7' SW of center.  Located 27' SW of NGC 3504.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3493 = h808 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 343) and noted "eF; has a small star sp."  His position (two sweeps) and description matches UGC 6099.

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NGC 3494

11 01 10.9 +03 46 28; Leo

 

= **?, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3494 in 1882 and described in his 5th paper "6' north from the middle knot [of NGC 3495] I saw repeated a little nebula, I initially took as (part of) III-498 [NGC 3495]."  There are no nearby galaxies at this offset and Harold Corwin proposes a 5" pair of mag 14.5/16.7 stars located 9' north-northwest of NGC 3495.

 

Dorothy Carlson listed NGC 3494 as nonexistent in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and RNGC repeats this classification.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3495 = UGC 6098 = MCG +01-28-027 = CGCG 038-088 = PGC 33234

11 01 16.3 +03 37 40; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 4.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on oriented SSW-NNE, 4'x1', broad concentration, mottled or uneven surface brightness (probably caused by a dark lane).  Located 10.5' E of 58 Leonis (V = 4.8).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3495 = H. III-498 = h809 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513).  He noted "very faint, much extended."  His position is accurate, as it was recorded only 43 seconds after logging 5th magnitude 58 Leonis, the offset star.  John Herschel made three observations on consecutive sweeps, first recording on 7 Apr 1828 (sweep 141): "F; mE; 60° with meridian; 60" length; 15-20" broad."

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NGC 3496 = ESO 128-26 = Cr 237

10 59 34 -60 20 12; Car

V = 8.2;  Size 9'

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): this cluster is situated in a glorious Milky Way field!  The cluster is beautifully rich with mag 12 and fainter stars, roughly 60-75 stars in a 5'-6' circular region (this is the richest section) and 100-125 stars within a 9' region elongated E-W.  On the east side is HJ 4395 = 11.5/12.0 pair at 9" and a small knot of stars is on the northwest side. A mag 9.3 star is off the east side and a mag 9.2 star is off the south side. Located 34' ENE of 6th magnitude T Carinae and 80' WNW of NGC 3572.

 

Sher 1, a very small cluster, is 13' NE of NGC 3496. Using an 18" f/4.5 at 182x it appeared as a small 1' knot of ~10 stars including a few bright mag 9.5-11 stars, but several are very faint.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3496 = h3310 on 14 Mar 1834 and recorded the "Place of a small double star in the following part of a loose, rich, pretty large cluster of stars 13m.  8 or 10' in diameter; a fine object; a very much condensed milky way group."  His position is on h4395, a mag 12 pair at 9".

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NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3528

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3497 = H. III-824 on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and logged "vF, vS, irregularly round, gradually little brighter middle."  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006 = PGC 33667.  The position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error). 

 

JH independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1835 and logged h3316 as "F; S; R; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 20".  The preceding of two [with NGC 3529]."  His position is 6 sec of RA west of ESO 570-006.  Ormond Stone independently found this galaxy in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and his rough position for LM 1-183 (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 tmin west of ESO 570-006.  Finally, Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy again (along with NGC 3529) on 11 Apr 1898 and his position in list XI-118 is 5' too far south (nearly identical to NGC 3529).

 

So, there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues.

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NGC 3498

11 01 41.5 +14 21 04; Leo

 

= ***, Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3498 = H. III-75 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, not S.  I had some doubts and therefore put on 240, but as there was not a star very near I could not adjust the focus, which cannot be done on a nebula.  Therefore as it would have taken too much time to verify it, I went on."

 

There is nothing near his position and neither d'Arrest nor Bigourdan were able to find this nebula.  Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" reported "In Dreyer's place is a vF triple star, *14.7, *14.7, *16, a *14.7 f 1.8' of *16."  The DSS shows a triple star with a brighter pair of mag 14.2/14.6 stars at 10" separation.  Harold Corwin also identifies this number with this triple.

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NGC 3499 = UGC 6115 = MCG +09-18-080 = CGCG 267-037 = CGCG 241-065 = PGC 33375

11 03 11.0 +56 13 18; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 14.8' SE of Beta Ursa Majoris (V = 2.4).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3499 = H. III-793 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922). He logged "very faint, very small, stellar neb.  The brightness of Beta UMa is so considerable that it requires much attention to perceive this nebula."  No observations were made by John Herschel or at Birr Castle. The RNGC position is 1.0 tmin too large.

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NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 = MCG +13-08-052 = CGCG 351-052 = KTG 34B = PGC 33277

11 01 51.5 +75 12 05; Dra

V = 13.8;  Size 1.3'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 45°

 

24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small brighter core.  Second of three in the KTG 34 triplet, with NGC 3465 9.0' W and NGC 3523 7.0' SE.  This galaxy's redshift-based distance is ~150 million l.y., while the other two lie at 325 million l.y.

 

18" (3/30/05): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness.  Smallest and faintest of a trio with NGC 3523 7.2' SE and NGC 3465 9' W.  This galaxy is incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and it is not identified as NGC 3500 in UGC, MCG or CGCG.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x20".  Faintest of trio with NGC 3465 9' W and NGC 3523 7' SE.  A pair of mag 12 stars [30" separation] is 6' preceding. Observation difficult due to very poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3500 = H. III-968, along with H. III-967, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He noted "Two, the 1st [NGC 3465] very faint, very small.  The 2nd [NGC 3500] extremely faint and smaller than the first.  It is a little more north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  John Herschel assigned two GC designations to H. III-967 and H. III-968, but in the NGC Dreyer assigned both to NGC 3500, calling it a "double nebula, very near."

 

A corrected position for NGC 3500 that matches UGC 6090 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.  UGC 6090 is not identified as NGC 3500 in any modern catalogue including RC3.  RNGC classifies NGC 3500 as nonexistent. CGCG, UGC and PGC equate "NGC 3465 = NGC 3500" (following Karl Reinmuth and Dorothy Carlson).  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3501 = UGC 6116 = MCG +03-28-051 = CGCG 095-097 = FGC 1187 = Holm 224b = PGC 33343

11 02 47.3 +17 59 21; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 3.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 27°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, edge-on 7:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.4', low surface brightness, very slightly brighter elongated core.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' SE of center.  NGC 3507 lies 12.7' NE.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3501= St. 11-10 on 14 Mar 1874 during an observation of NGC 3507.  His published position (list 11, #10) was made on 23 Apr 1881 with description "very faint spindle, small, very thin, gradually condensed towards the center; length about 3 '; inclined 30° [NNE]"  He made a later observation on 11 Mar 1886.

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NGC 3502 = NGC 3479: = MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053

10 58 55.4 -14 57 41; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3479.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3502 = LM 1-181 in 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.2' dia, iR."  His rough RA (nearest minute of time) was 2.5 minutes east of MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053.

 

Ormond Stone also found this galaxy at Leander-McCormic Observatory the same year (discovery priority unknown) and recorded LM 1-180 = NGC 3479 as "mag 15.5, 0.6' dia, E 90°."  His rough position is essential correct -- 30 seconds of RA too far west.  So, NGC 3502 = NGC 3479.

 

RNGC misidentifies MCG -02-28-041 as NGC 3502.  This galaxy is located 50' north of Leavenworth's position.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes for more.

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NGC 3503 = ESO 128-28 = OCL-833 = Ced 109b = Pismis 17

11 01 17 -59 50 42; Car

Size 3'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The brightest section of this nebulosity surrounds a group of 5 stars, consisting of a brighter mag 10.5 star with a faint, close companion (h4397 = 10.6/13.3 at 8") and three additional stars in a string. Several additional faint stars spiral out from the grouping.  The haze that surrounds these 5 stars is ~3' in diameter.  There was little or no contrast gain using a UHC filter, so the nebulosity does not have a significant emission component.  Situated in a rich star field.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3503 = h3311 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "3 very close stars, 10m, in a nearly straight line, and a double star north of them, the whole involved in a very faint nebula."  Paris Pismis reported it as new in her 1959 list of 24 new clusters found with the Schmidt camera at the Tonantzila observatory and noted "Quadruple star in nebulosity plus five faint stars; is the center of arcs that extend up 15'. Similar to NGC 2467."  Interestingly, Joseph Turner found no nebulosity using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 14 Feb 1879 (p.202 in logbook).

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NGC 3504 = UGC 6118 = MCG +05-26-039 = CGCG 155-049 = LGG 227-005 = PGC 33371

11 03 11.2 +27 58 20; LMi

V = 11.0;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/25/95): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1.2'.  The [inner] halo has a fairly high irregular surface brightness.  Sharp concentration with a very small well-defined core dominating.  The bright core appears offset to the south side with the halo more extensive to the north.  Two mag 14 stars lie 1.7' NNW (45" separation).  First of three with NGC 3512 12' ENE and NGC 3515 24' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3504 = H. I-88 = h810, along with NGC 3512, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His description reads, "cB, cL, irregularly round, bM."  John Herschel made a total of 7 observations.  R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Feb 1857, recorded "mE, B nucl, arms faint, patchy,suspect dark space all around the nucleus."  A month later he described "pL, Nucl vB and has a sensible disc, arms vF and patchy.  I think I see a knot or patch in np end of neb."

 

The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy is misplotted on the first version of Uranometria 2000 (later fixed).  Also see NGC 3506.

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NGC 3505 = NGC 3508? = MCG -03-28-031 = IC 2622

11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt

Size 1.0'x0.9'

 

See observing notes for NGC 3508.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3505 = h3312 on 7 May 1836 and logged "pF; S; R; gradually little brighter middle.  Has a star 14m near."  There are two mag 14.5-15 stars about 1' northest and 1' southeast of Herschel's position, but no nearby galaxy.

 

Harold Corwin suggests this may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3508, which has a mag 13 star attached on the north-northeast tip of the galaxy.  If this identification is correct, his declination is off by over 45'.

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NGC 3506 = UGC 6120 = MCG +02-28-047 = CGCG 066-105 = PGC 33379

11 03 12.9 +11 04 37; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter.  Just a weak central brightening with no distinct core or nucleus.  Preceded by a trio of mag 13.5 stars within 4'.

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, slightly brighter core.  A triangle of mag 13 stars is just west.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3506 = H. III-22 = h811 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS.  240x made it considerably larger, but I saw it well enough with the common power not to doubt of the reality."  John Herschel made three additional observations, writing on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), "F; S; R; very gradually very little brighter middle."

 

The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy was misplotted in the first printing of Uranometria 2000 Atlas.  Also see notes for NGC 3504.

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NGC 3507 = UGC 6123 = MCG +03-28-053 = CGCG 095-100 = Holm 224a = LGG 288-002 = PGC 33390

11 03 25.6 +18 08 08; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 3.4'x2.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): unusual appearance as a bright mag 10.5 star is superimposed very close to the center!  Fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5' diameter, irregularly round.  The core is difficult to view but is located just 30" SW of the superimposed star and the galaxy is slightly offset to the west side of the star.  NGC 3501 lies 12.7' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3507 = H. IV-7 = h812 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  He described it as "F, pL.  The nebulosity is of the milky kind.  It situated between 2 bright stars but near the most north of them and to the south of that star.  At first sight the nebula appears like an electric brush to the great star, but on examination I find it to have no connection with it.  There is in the nebula, and pretty near the center of it, a vF star.  The milky nebulosity is of a circular form."  On 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), John Herschel called this object "a * 9m with vF neb attached; pos 70° sp = 200° +/- dist 30".

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NGC 3508 = IC 2622 = NGC 3505? = MCG -03-28-031 = PGC 33362

11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 15°

 

18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is attached on the NNE tip of the galaxy.  At times the galaxy appears slightly elongated N-S, ~1.0'x0.7' and the DSS image confirms this impression.  Observation made through thin clouds.  This is a starburst and luminous infrared galaxy with an active nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3508 = H. II-507 = h814 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S, E."  John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Dec1827 (sweep 111) and wrote, "F; lE; bM; vL; involved a * 45°nf from the nucleus."

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 14 Jan 1898 and claimed it as new in list XI-117 (later IC 2622).  Swift's position was 0.5 min of RA too far east and 3' north, so Dreyer didn't make the equivalence.  Also see the NGC 3505, which may be another observation of this galaxy.  So, NGC 3508 = NGC 3505 = IC 2622.

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NGC 3509 = Arp 335 = VV 75 = UGC 6134: = MCG +01-28-033 = CGCG 038-109 = PGC 33446

11 04 23.6 +04 49 43; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40°

 

48" (2/20/12): NGC 3509 = Arp 335 displayed a fascinating amount of structure at 375x, though conditions were subpar in terms of transparency and seeing.  The appearance is very asymmetric with the brighter "central" portion elongated SW-NE and containing a very small, round, bright core.  A small knot is just 15" S of the core.  Attached on the northeast side of the central body is a well defined, easily visible tidal arm that gracefully sweeps to the northeast and then hooks sharply counterclockwise towards the south.  The total length of the arm is perhaps 1.5', though it ends about 45" E of the core.  The southwest side of the galaxy has no corresponding arm, but is slightly brighter along the south edge. A mag 16.5-17 star is 30" SW of the core on the west edge.

 

PGC 93108, recorded as "fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~15"x7", weak central concentration", lies 3.0' NW.  The PGC galaxy is listed as C2 (collider) in the 2009 Atlas and Catalog of Collisional Ring Galaxies (Madore et al) and the knot close south of the core is listed as C1.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.7'.  Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration (no visible core).  It was difficult to determine the outer extent of the halo but appears to have an asymmetric shape (slightly curved?).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3509 = H. III-598 on 30 Dec 1786 (sweep 675). He recorded "Suspected, extremely faint, small, little extended.  I could not verify it."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east and 3' N is UGC 6134 = Arp 335.  John Herschel made no observations of this galaxy and it was not found by Bigourdan.

 

Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that this number should probably be rejected since Herschel noted there was fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about me."  Still, this identification is reasonable as NGC 3604 has a similar offset error.

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NGC 3510 = UGC 6126 = MCG +05-26-040 = CGCG 155-050 = PGC 33408

11 03 43.6 +28 53 06; LMi

V = 12.2;  Size 4.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 163°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): faint, edge-on streak 4:1 NNW-SSE.  Located 7.6' ESE of mag 7.3 SAO 81642 which interferes with viewing.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3510 = H. II-365 = h813 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  He described it as "faint, much elongated, about 1 1/2' long but very narrow."  Sweeps 396/397 on 11 Apr 1785 were Herschel's most productive night -- with 72 discoveries.

 

On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115), John Herschel wrote, "pB; mE; nearly in meridian; bM."  The assistants at Birr Castle made a total of 5 observations.  For example, on 1 Mar 1865 R.J. Mitchell noted, "Query, an oval shaped spiral; major axis n-s."

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NGC 3511 = ESO 502-013 = MCG -04-26-020 = UGCA 223 = PGC 33385

11 03 23.7 -23 05 11; Crt

V = 11.0;  Size 5.8'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 76°

 

48" (4/18/15): at 488x; very bright, very large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 5'x1.5'.  Well concentrated with a large bright oval core that gradually increases to a small bright nucleus and stellar pip.  The region surrounding the core is mottled, due to slightly brighter regions and dust patches.  An ill defined broad spiral arm is on the west side of galaxy and curved from north to south.  A mag 14 star, 2.0' SW of center, was barely off the southwest end of this arm.  A bright patch is 1' SW of center (not part of the arm), and just to its north was a relatively large darker (dust) region.  A second broad arm arc was visible at the east end of the galaxy.  It made a sharp curve clockwise, passing just inside a mag 13 star at the eastern tip.  NGC 3513 lies 11' SE.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.4'.  Broad concentration to a larger brighter core.  The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13 star at the ENE end and a mag 14 star at the WSW tip.  Forms a pair with NGC 3513 10.8' SE.  A mag 9.5 star (SAO 179479) is 5' S, roughly midway between the galaxies.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3511 = H. V-39, along with NGC 3513, on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660).  He recorded "very faint, much extended, very gradually brighter middle, about 8' long and 3' broad, near the parallel [E-W] but about 10° sp to nf."

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NGC 3512 = UGC 6128 = MCG +05-26-041 = CGCG 155-051 = PGC 33432

11 04 02.9 +28 02 12; LMi

V = 12.3;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, round, weak concentration with an irregular surface brightness.  Second of trio with NGC 3504 12' WSW and NGC 3515 14' NNE.  Surrounded by three mag 12-13 stars 2.9' N, 3.7' E and 2.1' SW.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round.  Forms a pair with NGC 3504 12' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3512 = H. II-366 = h815, along with NGC 3504, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, goes into the field with [NGC 3504]."  He made an offset error as his position is southeast of NGC 3504, instead of northeast.  John Herschel measured an accurate position, though he thought it was a new object.  He incorrectly equated h815 with H. II-366 in the General Catalogue.

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NGC 3513 = ESO 502-014 = MCG -04-26-021 = UGCA 224 = PGC 33410

11 03 46.0 -23 14 38; Crt

V = 11.5;  Size 2.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95°

 

48" (4/18/15): at 488x and 610x; this superb barred spiral has a strong bright bar oriented northwest to southeast.  It is brighter along a narrow spine and contains a slightly brighter stellar nucleus.  A prominent spiral arm is attached to the bar at the southeast end and sweeps sharply to the north.  This well defined arm is relatively narrow and contains a small bright knot near the north end of the arm.  A second arm is attached at the northwest end of the bar.  This narrow arm shoots due south and rotates nearly 180° clockwise to the east on the south side of galaxy.  It is slightly more separated from the central region than the northern arm and is patchy or knotty near the eastern end.  Overall, the size is roughly 2.5'x2.0', extending northwest to southeast. A mag 15 star is 1.2' W of center, a mag 13 star is 1.7' E of center and a mag 17 star is just off the north side of the galaxy.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5'x2.0', irregular surface brightness, only a slight central brightening.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' E of center.  A line of three equally spaced mag 11 stars lies about 4' S.  Forms a pair with NGC 3511 10.8' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3513 = H. V-40, along with NGC 3511, on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660). He recorded "very faint, much extended, very large brighter middle, about 7' long and 3 or 4' broad in the middle, about 10 or 15° from sp to nf near the parallel.  His position matches ESO 502-014 = PGC 33410, so the identification is certain, but his size estimate ("7' long") and description ("much extended") are a poor match.  In fact, his description is virtually identical to that of NGC 3511, which was the previous object in the sweep!  So, there was apparently a mistake in copying the description for NGC 3511 twice.

 

Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw stated it was a "S-Shaped spiral".

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NGC 3514 = ESO 570-001 = MCG -03-28-035 = PGC 33430

11 03 59.9 -18 46 51; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 115°

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7'.  Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter middle.  Located 1.1° SE of mag 4.1 Alpha Crateris.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3514 = h3313 on 22 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; R; very gradually very little brighter middle."  His position is 15 tsec west of ESO 570-001.

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NGC 3515 = UGC 6139 = MCG +05-26-044 = CGCG 155-055 = PGC 33467

11 04 37.3 +28 13 40; LMi

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', weak concentration.  Located 13.7' NE of NGC 3512.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3515 = St. 12-41 on 16 Mar 1882.   He reduced an accurate position on 20 April and included it in his 12th discovery list, published the following year.

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NGC 3516 = UGC 6153 = MCG +12-11-009 = CGCG 334-011 = PGC 33623

11 06 47.5 +72 34 07; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 45°

 

17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, slightly elongated SW-NE, sharp small bright core dominates, fairly small halo.  A mag 14 star is 1.2' SE.  Two mag 10 stars lie 2.3' NE and 4.1' W.  This is a Seyfert galaxy with an large, active black hole.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3516 = H. II-336 = h816 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pB, vS, iR."  On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep382) John Herschel called this "a singular object.  A burred star 11m diam 12"; very suddenly much brighter middle; a double stars follows."

 

NGC 3516 is a strong X-ray Seyfert galaxy and one of the 6 original galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".

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NGC 3517 = UGC 6144 = MCG +10-16-057 = CGCG 291-027 = PGC 33532

11 05 36.8 +56 31 30; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 91°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, diffuse edges, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3517 = H. II-884 = h817 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038).  He noted "faint, small, round, brighter middle."  On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel called it "eF; R; 12" diameter; very gradually little brighter middle."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3518 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3122 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 33442

10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex

V = 12.7;  Size 1.8'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 5°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3110.  One hour error in RA in Stone's position.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 3518 = LM 1-182 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.1', lE 110°, in same field with neb disc by Stephan."  There is nothing near his position.

 

Harold Corwin examined his discovery sketch and found a double nebula with four stars nearby.  Corwin found that Stone made a 1 hr error in RA (too large) and his sketch matches NGC 3110 = NGC 3122. This galaxy was discovered by WH (II-305 = NGC 3122), but he misidentified his offset star.  Once all positions are corrected, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 (in order of discovery).  The RNGC and misidentify PGC 29361 as NGC 3518. See Corwin's notes for the full story.

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NGC 3519 = ESO 128-30 = Ru 93

11 04 09 -61 22 30; Car

V = 7.7;  Size 8'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): roughly 80 stars resolved in an irregular 6' region (boundary pretty arbitrary), many of these arranged in chains or curving streamers of stars.  On the west side is the brightest mag 9.7 star (mag 12.5 companion at 8" = HJ 4400) with a linear chain of mag 13 stars just west (oriented SW-NE).  Another chain of mag 12-13 stars (oriented NW-SE) is on the northeast side.  A mag 7.4 star (HD 96193) is roughly 8' SSE and a long chain of stars heads north from this bright star, reaching the south side of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3519 = h3314 on 14 Mar 1834 and reported, "Chief star of a pretty rich cluster, class VII."  His position match the unequal double star HJ 4400 within a small cluster.

 

According to Brian Skiff, Ru 93 appears to be a string of stars on the northeast side of the cluster or may simply be a duplicate of NGC 3519.  In a visual observation with a C-8, Jenni Kay observed about two dozen stars in a single cluster of 5' diameter with two brighter stars at the southwest edge. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, though the group was confirmed as a star cluster by Bica and Bonatto in 2011A&A...530A..32B ("Star clusters or asterisms? 2MASS CMD and structural analyses of 15 challenging targets.")

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NGC 3520 = ESO 570-004 = PGC 33648

11 07 09.2 -18 01 25; Crt

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 165°

 

24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x15", fairly low surface brightness.  An extremely low surface brightness halo was not seen.  This is a close double system [9" between centers] but was not resolved at 260x.  The NGC identification is uncertain due to a poor position.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3520 = LM 2-431 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and reported "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, irregularly round, gradually pretty much brighter middle, sev vF st inv."  Just 2' north of his position is a 1' group of four stars (brightest two are mag 13 and 14.5) and originally Harold Corwin identified this group as NGC 3520.  He now feels a more likely match based on the description is ESO 570-004 = PGC 33648, an interacting triple or quadruple system located 1.6 min of RA east and 5' south of Leavenworth's position.  ESO misidentified ESO 570-003 as NGC 3520.  This edge-on galaxy is situated 44 sec of RA east of Leavenworth's position and 19' south.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3521 = UGC 6150 = MCG +00-28-030 = CGCG 010-074 = PGC 33550

11 05 49.2 -00 02 02; Leo

V = 9.0;  Size 11.0'x5.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 163°

 

14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; very bright and large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, extends nearly 6.5'x2.5' with averted vision.  Very strong and fairy sharp concentration with a prominent elongated core and an intense stellar nucleus.  The western portion of the halo has a lower surface brightness and with careful viewing a dust lane creates a sharp light cut off along the preceding edge of the central region.

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; showpiece spiral with a prominent dust lane and an outer spiral arm!  The galaxy appeared extremely bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, at least 8'x3.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core.  The core itself was sharply concentrated with a brilliant quasi-stellar nucleus!  A high contrast, fairly wide dust lane runs in the direction of the major axis along the entire west side of the core!  The principal spiral arm was easily visible emerging NNW from the NE side of the central region.  This arm displayed a hard outer edge (high contrast) and curved sharply clockwise on the north end.  The arm dimmed or lost contrast but could be traced to the west of the dust lane, extending south.  The galaxy was slightly brighter at the south end (along the major axis), where the opposite arm curled east and north.

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright spiral with impressive structure, elongated at least 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~7.5'x3'.  Contains a bright, elongated core highlighted by an intense, stellar nucleus.  The halo is noticeably mottled at first glance and a low contrast dust lane runs NNW-SSE along the west side of the core.  There is a strong impression of spiral structure with an arm attached on the east side that extends to the north and appears to curve towards the west in the outer halo.  The halo appears more extensive or slightly brighter on the northern end.  A more difficult arm appears to sweep to the south on the west side of the core.

 

17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, very large, elongated 5'x2' NNW-SSE.  This is an impressive galaxy!  Contains a well-defined small bright oval core NNW-SSE and a stellar nucleus.  Appears mottled near the core and on the west side.  Along the west side is a dust lane evident as a sharp light cut-off.  The west side is somewhat fainter due to dust but extends beyond the dust lane.

 

8": fairly bright, fairly large, elongated, bright core.  Located 33' E of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3521 = H. I-13 = h818 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a fine B nebula, with a bright star or nucleus in the middle; it sends out a milky ray towards the north, and another more faint towards the south, the extent of the whole, faint rays included, may be about 7 or 8'.  On 13 Apr 1828 (sweep144) John Herschel described NGC 3521 as "vB; L; mE in PA 140° +/-, 4' l, 1' br; very small & very much brighter middle; a double star follows.  The NGC position (measured by Auwers, d'Arrest, Peters) is accurate.

 

Birr Castle assistant R.J. Mitchell recorded on 29 Mar 1856, "The nucleus projects into the dark space along the p edge.  Outside this dark space there is faint nebulosity, which I see joining the nebula at the north end."

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NGC 3522 = UGC 6159 = MCG +03-28-060 = CGCG 095-113 = PGC 33615

11 06 40.4 +20 05 08; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 117°

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.4'.  Fairly sharply concentrated with a brighter 15" round core.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3522 = Sw. 3-59 on 26 Apr 1883 and described "pF; vS; lE; in starless field."  His RA was 18 seconds too small.  This was one of his first two discoveries (along with NGC 3588 on the same night), while still adjusting and testing his new 16-inch Clark refractor at Warner Observatory.  Édouard Stephan made an observation on 4 Mar 1886 and his uncorrected RA was 10 seconds too large. Kobold measured an accurate position in 1901 at the Strasbourg Observatory.

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NGC 3523 = UGC 6105 = MCG +13-08-053 = CGCG 351-054 = KTG 34C = PGC 33367

11 03 06.3 +75 06 57; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1' diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core that seems offset center within the halo.  Third in the KTG 34 triplet with NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 7' NW.

 

18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Symmetrical appearance with a weak even concentration to the center but no defined core.  NGC 3500 lies 7.2' NW.

 

17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Collinear with two mag 11 stars 5' ESE and 9' ESE.  Brightest in trio with NGC 3465 14.5' WNW and NGC 3500 7' NW.  Observation severely hampered by poor transparency.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3523 = H. II-904 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He noted "faint, pretty large, little brighter middle."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  A corrected position matching UGC 6105 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.  MCG doesn't label +13-08-053 as NGC 3523.

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NGC 3524 = UGC 6158 = MCG +02-28-050 = CGCG 066-112 = PGC 33604

11 06 32.1 +11 23 08; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 14°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.6'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 15" bright core and an occasional stellar nucleus.  A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNW and a mag 13 star 2.0' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3524 = H. III-23 = h819 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS.  I was not quite assured of it till I put on 240x.  Very near it to the north are two smalls stars in a line with it."  John Herschel made three observations, recording on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), "vF; R; bM; has 2 stars exactly in a line with centre, on 11-12 m, the other 13-14 m."

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NGC 3525 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

See observing notes for NGC 3528

 

Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 3525 = LM 1-183 in 1886 and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.8' dia, gradually brighter middle to a nucleus."  His rough (nearest min of RA) is ~1.0 tmin west of ESO 570-006 (matches in dec).

 

This galaxy was discovered by WH on 8 Mar 1790 and recorded as III-824 (later GC 2281 = NGC 3497).  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error).  JH and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues.  See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the story.

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NGC 3526 = NGC 3531 = UGC 6167 = MCG +01-28-039 = CGCG 038-129 = PGC 33635

11 06 56.8 +07 10 27; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.4', very weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is just off the SW end 1.3' from center.  Located 12' ENE of mag 8.3 SAO 118656 (at the west edge of the field).

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3526 = m 215 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, perhaps 2' long, vm E ray, pos about 50°."  His position and description matches UGC 6167.

 

Edward Holden found this galaxy again on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin, and assumed it was new.  His description for NGC 3531 reads "E 50°, * 11 at sp end", but his position was 30' too far south. Spitaler equated the two identities NGC 3526 = NGC 3531.

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NGC 3527 = UGC 6170 = MCG +05-26-059 = CGCG 155-066 = PGC 33669

11 07 18.2 +28 31 39; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very small, round, smooth surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.1' WNW. Outlying member of the Abell 1185 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3527 = H. III-350 = h820 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, S."  John Herschel made four observations and mentioned the mag 10-11 star that is 1' preceding.

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NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667

11 07 18.1 -19 28 17; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.6'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 59°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): moderately bright, fairly large contains a bright core ~45" diameter increasing to a stellar nucleus.  Surrounding the core is a fairly large ill-defined halo elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5' with a low surface brightness.  A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the south side.  This galaxy may hold the record for the most NGC/IC aliases as NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624.  Forms a pair with NGC 3529 5' S.

 

John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3528 = h3316 on 22 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 20".  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3529]."  His position is just 6 tsec west of ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037.

 

WH discovered this galaxy on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and recorded it as H. III-824 (later GC 2281 and NGC 3497).  His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error).  Ormond Stone and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC!  Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624.  NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3497.  See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the identities.

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NGC 3529 = IC 2625 = ESO 570-007 = MCG -03-28-038 = PGC 33671

11 07 19.1 -19 33 20; Crt

V = 14.2;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated with very faint extensions suspected at moments, ~45"x35", very weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 just 5' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3529 = h3317 on 22 Mar 1835 and logged "eF; S; R; very little brighter middle; 15".  The following of 2 [with NGC 3528]."  His position is just 0.1 tmin west of ESO 570-007.  NGC 3529 is 5' south of NGC 3528, which has 4 NGC/IC designation!

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1898 and recorded Sw. 11-119 (later IC 2625) as "eeeF; vS; R; s of 2 [with IC 2624 = NGC 3528].  His position is just 1' to the southeast, so IC 2625 = NGC 3529.

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NGC 3530 = UGC 6188 = MCG +10-16-064 = CGCG 291-030 = PGC 33766

11 08 40.4 +57 13 48; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.7;  PA = 99°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, bright core, probable stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3530 = H. III-915 = h821 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "very faint, small."  His position is accurate to within 1'.  John Herschl logged on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), "eF; S; R; pretty gradually brighter middle; 10" [diameter]."

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NGC 3531 = NGC 3526 = UGC 6167 = MCG +01-28-039 = CGCG 038-129 = PGC 33635

11 06 56.3 +07 10 23; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3526.

 

Edward Holden found NGC 3531 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin.  His description from a second observation on 20 Apr 1882 reads "Nebula is elongated 50° +/-, and at its sp end is a star 11m. * 11 at sp end"  He added the comment "This may be Marth 215 (GC 5546 = NGC 3526). If so, Marth's position appears to be a wrong. "  It was Holden who was wrong, though -- his position is 30' too far south.  Rudolph Spitaler equated the two identities NGC 3526 = NGC 3531 (IC 1 Notes section).  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3532 = ESO 128-31 = Cr 238 = Pin Cushion Cluster = Wishing Well Cluster = Football Cluster

11 05 48 -58 46 12; Car

V = 3.0;  Size 55'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this amazing naked-eye cluster packs several hundred stars, filling the 20mm Nagler field (74x and 65' field of view) with wall-to-wall stars in a 55'x35' region!  The central region is condensed and quite rich with several dense knots consisting of pairs, triples, chains, etc.  The brighter stars are extended ~E-W and includes 6th magnitude K2-type star (HD 96544).  There is no well-defined edge to this immense cluster although a huge "U" shaped chain of stars extends around the periphery.  A neat equal-mag equilateral triangle of stars stood out within the central maze of stars.

 

The cluster is quite prominent naked-eye as a 45' cloud just 3° ENE of Eta Carina in the NE corner of the rich Carina starcloud and was densely packed with dozens of resolved stars in the 9x50mm finder.  Mag 3.9 V382 Carinae (a Delta Cepheid variable not considered a cluster member) is just off the SE side.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This spectacular naked-eye and binocular cluster (3° ENE of Eta Carina) filled the entire 51' field of the 27mm Panoptic (76x) with several hundred stars mag 7 and fainter resolved.  The cluster is unusually elongated ~E-W, perhaps 55'x30' and widening on the following side.  The stars are irregularly distributed with many in pairs, small groups, chains and loops.  A group of about a dozen stars forms a perfect "S" asterism.  Interestingly, there is a lack of dense knots although the entire central region is rich.  Many of the stars appear to have a blue or yellowish tint.  This is one of the very top open clusters in the sky although it is probably best in a wider field view.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): absolutely stunning cluster - very prominent naked-eye, rivals nearby Eta Carina though smaller.  A couple of dozen stars were resolved in 10x30mm binoculars including a few very bright stars.  Some additional faint stars scintillated in and out of view.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3532 = Lac II-10 = D 323 = h3315 in 1751-1752.  Using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope, he described a "prodigious number of faint stars forming a semi-circle of 20 to 25 minutes diameter."

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster 3 times, including 27 Apr 1826, his first night recording clusters and nebulae. He described "a very large cluster of stars about the 9th magnitude, with a red star of the 7-8th magnitude, north following the centre of the cluster. Elliptical figure: the stars are pretty regularly scattered."

 

John Herschel was very impressed with the cluster, including it in a list of 'greatest hits': "Among the nebulae which occur from 9h to 12h we have .. the beautiful planetary nebula [NGC 2867], a perfect planet in appearance, with an attendant satellite; the falcated nebula [NGC 3199]; Eta Argus with its nebula; the superb cluster [NGC 3532]; the blue [Herschel's italics] planetary nebula [NGC 3918], a most exquisite and unique object ; and the beautiful cluster of various coloured stars about Kappa Crucis [NGC 4755]."

 

His first sweep on 31 Mar 1834 reported "Chief star of a very large, round, loosely scattered cluster of stars 8..12th magnitude, which fills 2 or 3 fields. A fine bright object." His next observation recorded "The chief star of a superb cluster, which has several elegant double stars, and many orange-coloured ones." On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote,"A glorious cluster of immense magnitude, being at least 2 fields in extent every way. The stars are 8, 9, 10 and 11 mag, but chiefly 10th magnitude, of which there must be at least 200. It is the most brilliant object of the kind I have ever seen."

 

The HST "first light" image in May 1990, was of a very small field within NGC 3532, includng HD 96755.

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NGC 3533 = NGC 3557A = ESO 377-011 = MCG -06-25-002 = AM 1104-365 = LGG 229-009 = PGC 33647

11 07 07.5 -37 10 22; Cen

V = 12.9;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 65°

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 WSW-ENE, low fairly even surface brightness with just a weak, broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is just north of the ENE tip.  First in the NGC 3557 group (40' NW of NGC 3557).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3533 = h3318 on 22 Apr 1835 and simply noted "eeF; attached to a vS star."  His position is 14 sec of RA east of ESO 377-011 = PGC 33647 with the star at the northeast tip.

 

Gerard de Vaucouleurs labeled this galaxy as NGC 3557A in his 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35° Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates, and the 1964 "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies".  He apparently missed the previous identity of NGC 3533.

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NGC 3534 = NGC 3534A = UGC 6190 = MCG +05-26-062 = CGCG 155-072 = Holm 229a = KTG 35A = WBL 303-001 = PGC 33782

11 08 55.6 +26 36 38; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.3'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 88°

 

24" (4/20/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness.  Largest in a trio (KTG 35) and brighter of a close pair with NGC 3534B = UGC 6193 just 0.9' S.  The companion appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 24"x12", with the major axis perpendicular to NGC 3534.  MCG +05-26-064 lies 2.9' ENE and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 25"x15", small bright core.

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', broad weak concentration.  A mag 9.5 star is 4.3' NW.  This is a double system with separation 0.9' between centers (unresolved) and forms a triplet with MCG +05-26-064 2.9' ENE.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3534 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. While searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) he recorded a "Very faint nebua of uniform light, located 3' southeast (PA 145°) from a mag 9 star.  His position is 12 sec of RA west of UGC 6190.

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NGC 3535 = UGC 6189 = MCG +01-29-004 = CGCG 039-010 = PGC 33760

11 08 34.0 +04 49 55; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 178°

 

17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, brighter core.  A mag 15 star is just 43" E of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3535 = H. III-111 = h823 on 18 Apr 1784 (sweep 201) and recorded "vF, vS, r, 240x confirmed it."  There is nothing at his position, but 33 seconds of RA west and 1.5' north is UGC 6189.  John Herschel measured an accurate position.  In Dreyer's 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, he explained issues with the telescope that led to different reductions between Auwers and Caroline Herschel.

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NGC 3536 = UGC 6191 = MCG +05-26-061 = CGCG 155-073 = PGC 33779

11 08 51.2 +28 28 32; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness.  The 20' field has only a half dozen stars.  NGC 3539 lies 12.3' NNE. Probable member of AGC 1185 and located about 30' SW of the core of the cluster.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3536 = h822 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; S; R; bM; 15 to 20" dia." His declination was 1.2' too small.

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NGC 3537 = PGC 33752 = PGC 33753

11 08 26.6 -10 15 25; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~1.0'x0.8', moderate surface brightness, weak concentration to an irregular nucleus.  This is a double system with a superimposed companion on the south side. Located 8' W of mag 8.7 SAO 138012.  NGC 3527 is misidentified in the RNGC and MCG as MCG -02-29-003 which is located 14' S (see visual observation).

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3537 = T. 1-30 = T. 5-8 on 7 Feb 1878.  He resolved and accurately measured the two components of this double galaxy (PGC 33752 = PGC 33753).

 

Andrew Ainslie Common made a rediscovery in 1880 and described object #13 in his discovery list as "2 stars inv in haze, Pos. 160 deg."  RNGC and MCG both misidentify MCG -02-29-003 as NGC 3537.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3538

11 11 33.1 +75 34 15; Dra

Size 9"

 

= **, Corwin.  = Not found, RNGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3538 on 15 Sep 1866 and noted "vF, pL, *17 near."  Just 20" north of his single position is a pair of mag 14.9/15.1 stars at 9" separation oriented NW-SE at this position.

 

In the 1911 Monthly Notices correction paper on William Herschel's sweep of 2 Apr 1801, NGC 3538 was noted (based on a Greenwich plate) as "Doubtful.  Appears as a double star on the photographs. P 310°, d 12", mags 17, 17."  Based on Heidelberg plates, Reinmuth noted "vS, = neb *14.0, *16 np 0.1', *14.5 f 0.7'.  This description applies to the brighter component of the double star, which is cleanly resolved on the DSS.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3539 = MCG +05-26-065 = CGCG 155-077 = PGC 33799

11 09 08.9 +28 40 20; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 1.2'x0.25';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 3°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2'.  Contains a small bright core with very faint extensions.  NGC 3536 lies 12.3' SSW.  Member of AGC 1185.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3539 = h825 on 13 Apr 1831 (sweep 343) and simply noted "eF".  Based on a plate taken with the 24-inch Yerkes reflector, Hubble described NGC 3539 as "F, E 5°, 60"x20"." (1917 PhD thesis).

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NGC 3540 = NGC 3548 = UGC 6196 = MCG +06-25-011 = CGCG 185-011 = PGC 33806

11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.  Located 8' E of mag 7.3 SAO 62421 and 17' S of mag 5.7 SAO 62427.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3540 = h824 on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) and recorded, "pF; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 20"; a * 7m preceding, distance 7' - 8'."  His position and description matches UGC 6196.

 

NGC 3548, found by JH the following year, is probably a duplicate observation with a 1.0 minute error in RA.  See that number. This galaxy was not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas.

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NGC 3541 = MCG -02-29-003 = PGC 33759

11 08 32.2 -10 29 30; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.8

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter.  Has a much lower surface brightenss than NGC 3537 14' N.  The NGC identification is very uncertain due to an imprecise position by Common and NGC 3541 may apply to MCG -02-29-004 28' SSE.  This galaxy is identified as NGC 3537 in MCG and RNGC.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3541 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector in 1880 and described a "Nebulous star, B centre."  His rough discovery position is 12' north of MCG -02-29-004 and 15' south of MCG -02-29-003.  Both of these galaxies are possible candidates.  Harold Corwin feels that based on Common's description, MCG -02-29-003 = PGC 33759 is more likely.

 

Wolfgang Steinicke credits Wilhelm Tempel with the discovery on 7 Feb 1878, but the position and description in list I-31 appears to apply to a couple of very faint stars.

 

MCG -02-29-003 is misidentified as NGC 3537 in MCG and RNGC (see notes for NGC 3537).  RNGC misclassifies NGC 3541 as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3542 = MCG +06-25-013 = CGCG 185-013 = PGC 33868

11 09 55.5 +36 56 47; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 45°

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low surface brightness, no concentration.  Forms a trio with NGC 3545 3.5' ENE and MCG +06-25-014 3.3' N.  MCG +06-25-015 is at the edge of the field 11' N.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3542 = St. 13-60, along with NGC 3545, on 15 Mar 1882.  His published position was reduced on 26 Mar 1884 and matches CGCG 185-013.

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NGC 3543 = UGC 6213 = MCG +10-16-075 = CGCG 291-034 = PGC 33953

11 10 56.5 +61 20 49; UMa

V = 14.2;  Size 1.3'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 8°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 ~N-S.  A wide pair of mag 14 stars at 51" separation lie 2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3543 = H. III-920 = h826 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, vS, E nearly in the meridian [north-south]."  Caroline's reduced position is 3.5' southwest of UGC 6213.

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NGC 3544 = NGC 3571 = ESO 570-011 = MCG -03-29-001 = PGC 34028

11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3571.

 

Ormond Stone found NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 on 7 Jan 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA) but 2 minutes of RA east (same dec) is NGC 3571 = ESO 570-011 and Stone's position angle (95°) and dimensions (2.5'x0.4') are a perfect match with NGC 3571.

 

This galaxy was discovered by William Herschel on 8 Mar 1790 and catalogued as II-819 (later NGC 3571).  So, NGC 3544 = NGC 3571.  Harold Knox-Shaw noted the equivalence in 1915, based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1912-14 with the 30" Reynolds reflector.  The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3545 = VV 182 = MCG +06-25-016 = MCG +06-25-017 = CGCG 185-015 = PGC 33893

11 10 12.3 +36 57 53; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.3'

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, slight even concentration.  Forms a trio with NGC 3542 3.5' WSW and MCG +06-25-014 4.7' NW.  MCG +06-25-015 lies 10.5' NNW.  This is a double system with components separated by just 13" (oriented SW-NE).

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3545 = St. 13-61, along with NGC 3542, on 15 Mar 1882.  His published position was reduced on 26 Mar 1884 and matches this double system.  The individual components appear to be at most 0.3'x0.3' and in contact SW-NE.

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NGC 3546 = MCG -02-29-007 = PGC 33846

11 09 46.8 -13 22 50; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 100°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, slightly elongated, 25"x 20", stellar nucleus.  Apparently I picked up the core region only as the arms have a much lower surface brightness.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3546 = LM 2-432 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "* 12m in PA 40° at 2.1'."  His position is 0.3' of RA west of  MCG -02-29-007 = PGC 33846 and his description matches.

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NGC 3547 = UGC 6209 = MCG +02-29-007 = CGCG 067-019 = PGC 33866

11 09 55.9 +10 43 14; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 7°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, bright core.  Possible member of the Leo group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3547 = H. II-42 = h828 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "F, S.  Does not require 240x to see it."  On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Herschel wrote "F; S; lE; of nearly uniform brightness."

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NGC 3548 = NGC 3540 = UGC 6196 = MCG +06-25-011 = CGCG 185-011 = PGC 33806

11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3540.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3548 = h827 on 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401) and noted "eF; R; a * 8m precedes."  There is nothing at his position buyt 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 3540, which he discovered the previous year on 11 Mar 1831, and the two descriptions are very similar.  RNGC equates NGC 3548 with NGC 3540.  See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes for more on this number.

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NGC 3549 = UGC 6215 = MCG +09-18-097 = CGCG 267-047 = PGC 33964

11 10 56.8 +53 23 17; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 38°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 2.6'x1.0', broad concentration. The ends fade into the background but do not taper giving a boxy impression.  Three collinear mag 13.5 stars nearly parallel the galaxy off the SE side.  The nearest is 1.7' ESE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3549 = H. I-220 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He recorded "considerably bright, elongated 70° np to sf, 3 or 4' long, about 2' broad."  His position is within 1.5' (typical error) of UGC 6215.  A second observation was made two nights later to start sweep 920.

 

A sketch made on 29 Feb 1868 at Birr Castle shows a curving shape with the comments "Lord R. remarks; - south end much spread out.  We were almost certain of the branches given in diagram, n one most decided."

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NGC 3550 = UGC 6214 = MCG +05-27-002 = CGCG 155-082 = CGCG 156-003 = PGC 33927

11 10 38.5 +28 46 04; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

13.1" (3/24/84): brightest in the AGC 1185 cluster.  Faint, small, round.  A mag 11 star is 1.5' E and a mag 12 star 1.5' SSW.  NGC 3552 lies 4.7' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3550 = H. III-351 = h829, along with NGC 3552, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396).  He recorded "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other [NGC 3552] could not have been observed."

 

John Herschel made 6 disparate descriptions in terms of brightness - ranging from eF to B - and in the notes to the General Catalogue suggested this was possibly a variable nebula.

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NGC 3551 = CGCG 125-032 = Holm 230b = PGC 33825

11 09 41.2 +21 44 25; Leo

V = 14.9;  Size 0.35'x0.35'

 

17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated but difficult to confirm, 20" in diameter.  Could not resolve this double system with certainty (or only viewed the brighter component).  Located 1.4' SSW of NGC 3555.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, fairly low even surface brightness.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3555 1.4' NNE.  This is a double system [29" between centers] which was not resolved or only one component visible.  Member of AGC 1177.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3551 = Sw. 1-10, along with NGC 3555, on 24 Aug 1883.  His brief description reads, "eeF; vS; R; diff; s of 2."  His RA is 50 seconds east of CGCG 125-032 (close pair) but similar in declination.  His relative separation with NGC 3555 is 10 sec of RA and 0.5' north.  This suggests NGC 3555 = UGC 6203 (brightest in the cluster), though the actual RA difference is 3.2 tsec of RA.  CGCG 125-032 is not labeled NGC 3551 in UGC (notes) or CGCG.  RNGC and PGC identify the brighter western component of this double as NGC 3551.

 

As an alternative identification, Corwin suggests that NGC 3551 = UGC 6203 and NGC 3555 = CGCG 125-034, but the declination separation of 3' is much larger than Swift's 0.5'.  I feel this solution is less likely.

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NGC 3552 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085nf = CGCG 156-006nf = PGC 33932

11 10 42.9 +28 41 35; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint glow that is slightly brighter than NGC 3553, situated very close SW, just 44" from center.  Located in the core of AGC 1185.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3552 = H. III-352 = h832, along with NGC 3550, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded them together as "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other could not have been observed."  John Herschel made 3 observations, describing this object on sweep 65 as "so excessively faint as hardly to be discerned on long attention.  The second of a group of 3 [with NGC 3561]." 

 

Hermann Kobold measured micrometric positions of the cluster in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg, but nothing is at his position for NGC 3552, so he likely misidentified the offset star.  Also see notes on NGC 3553.

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NGC 3553 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085sw = CGCG 156-006sw = LEDA 1842970

11 10 40.3 +28 41 08; UMa

V = 15.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, extremely small.  Located very close SW of NGC 3552 (44" between centers).  The pair is just resolved at 220x.  Located in the core of rich cluster AGC 1185.  A faint star (not recorded) is at the south edge -- perhaps I noticed the star or a combination of the star and the galaxy?

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3553 = Big. 45 on 13 Mar 1885 and recorded "20" diam; forms a double nebula with GC 2320 [NGC 3552]."  His position, though, matches NGC 3552, as he assumed the fainter southwestern galaxy was William Herschel's III-352, and the brighter northeastern one was new.  As a result, the positions in the NGC for NGC 3552 and NGC 3553 both apply to the brighter northeastern galaxy.  Since Bigourdan clearly discovered the southwestern galaxy (MCG +05-27-003), Harold Corwin suggests it should be labeled as NGC 3553.  This places the numbers out of RA order, though.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3554 = MCG +05-27-007 = CGCG 155-086 = CGCG 156-007 = PGC 33948

11 10 47.9 +28 39 36; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 57°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): extremely faint and small.  Located in the core of AGC 1185 close SSE of the NGC 3552/NGC 3553 pair.  Appears just non-stellar and near the visual threshold.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3554 = h833 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; R; bM; not vS; PD mistaken 10'; corrected."  His declination was 1.5' too large.

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NGC 3555 = UGC 6203 = MCG +04-26-035 = CGCG 125-033 = Holm 230a = PGC 33836

11 09 44.4 +21 45 32; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 30°

 

17.5" (4/15/99): brightest of trio with CGCG 125-032 (= NGC 3551) 1.4' SSW and CGCG 125-034. Appears very faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter.  Located 9' NW of three mag 9 stars which form a shallow arc. This galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1177.  CGCG 125-034 (identified as NGC 3555 in NED and LEDA) appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.

 

17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak even concentration to brighter core and very small nucleus.  A trio of mag 9 stars are in the field 8'-9' S including mag 8.9 SAO 81702 9.1' SE and mag 9.2 SAO 81700 8.7' SSE.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3551 1.4' SSW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3555 = Sw. 1-11, along with NGC 3551 = Sw. 1-10, on 24 Aug 1883.  There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min west is UGC 62035, the brightest member of the cluster.  UGC, MCG and CGCG fail to label this galaxy as NGC 3555.  This assignment implies NGC 3551 = CGCG 125-032, a faint double double system close southwest.  See Corwin's notes for an alternate interpretation of the identifications.

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NGC 3556 = M108 = UGC 6225 = VV 529 = MCG +09-18-098 = CGCG 267-048 = CGCG 268-001 = PGC 34030

11 11 31.8 +55 40 14; UMa

V = 10.0;  Size 8.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 80°

 

48" (5/12/12 and 4/29/22): extremely bright and large, very elongated at least 4:1 WSW-ESE, ~8'x2'.  M108 displayed a unique tortured appearance and was riddled with irregular dust lanes and patches.  A very irregular dust lane courses through the galaxy along the major axis, but north of the core.  A bright mag 12.5 star is superimposed just west of center and east of this star is a bright, large elongated knot, catalogued as [HK83] #87.  Very close west of the star is a small, faint knot #108 and a large dust patch is just west of this knot.  On the west edge of the dust patch (1.2' W of the star) is a very bright, elongated knot with multiple HII designations, including #139 and #146.  A fainter knot (#40) is on the east side, 30" W of a superimposed mag 15 star and a large, elongated knot is near the east end (#4 and #5).

 

18" (5/14/07): very bright, very large, elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, ~8'x2'.  This striking galaxy has a very mottled, patchy appearance with the main body appearing twisted or distorted.  A few brighter patches or knots are visible along the major axis with a prominent knot along the west side.  The core region is streaked with dust.  The brightest portions of the two extensions have slightly different orientations or central axes!  The galaxy bulges out a bit on the east end and the galaxy appears to bend a bit towards the north on the west end adding to the asymmetry.  A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the eastern extension and close to the center is a prominent mag 12.5 star masquerading as a bright, stellar nucleus.  The Owl Nebula, M97, lies 48' SE.

 

17.5" (2/25/84 and 2/28/87): very bright, very large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 8.0'x2.0'.  A mag 12 star is superimposed just west of center (V = 12.5) appearing similar to a bright stellar nucleus.  Two fainter stars are also superimposed east of the core.  A bright knot is visible west of the core (1.3' W of the star) and the region near the core appears dusty.  A mag 12 star is just south of the west end, 4.9' from the center.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, very large, a bright star is superimposed near the center, knot visible west of the core.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, very elongated, stellar nucleus.

 

Pierre Méchain discovered M108 = NGC 3556 = V-46 = h831 on 16 Feb 1781 with a 3-inch refractor.  Messier measured an accurate position and added it by hand to his personal copy of the catalogue, but a later edition was never published.

 

William Herschel independently discovered M108 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) with a second observation a week later (sweep 925), unaware of the earlier discovery.  He recorded H. V. 46 as "very bright, 10' long and 2' broad, resolvable.  An unconnected pretty bright star in the middle."  His sketch was included in the 1814 PT paper (fig. 1) as an example of "stars in remarkable situations with regard to nebulae."  John Herschel made a single observation on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and wrote, "B; vL; p b r; vmE; pos 79°.  Has a distinct star in centre and 1 or 2 vS stars elsewhere."

 

M108 was observed on at least 7 occasions at Birr Castle, first on 13 Apr 1850.  It was described variously as "twisted", "mottled", "patched and irregular", "knots".  William Herschel was credited with the discovery in the NGC. 

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NGC 3557 = ESO 377-016 = MCG -06-25-005 = AM 1107-371 = LGG 229-003 = PGC 33871

11 09 57.6 -37 32 21; Cen

V = 10.4;  Size 4.1'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 30°

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.5'.  Sharply concentrated with a prominent 40" core.  With averted vision the diffuse outer halo extends to 3'x2' in size.  A mag 10.5 star lies 3.3' SE.  Brightest in a group (Klemola 18) including NGC 3564 7.7' E and NGC 3568 11.5' NE and part of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster.

 

ESO 377-012, 20' WSW, appeared faint, moderately large, elongated roughly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'.  This galaxy has a very unusual appearance as a mag 12.8 star is superimposed and the galaxy is a faint, elongated, low surface brightness haze to the south of the star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3557 = h3319 on 21 Apr 1835 and noted "pB; S; R; bM."  His position (2 observations) matches ESO 377-016.

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NGC 3558 = MCG +05-27-008 = CGCG 155-089 = CGCG 156-010 = Mrk 422 = PGC 33960

11 10 55.9 +28 32 37; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

13.1" (3/24/84): this is the second brightest galaxy in the rich cluster AGC 1185.  Faint, very small, round.  There is a string of four faint stars preceding.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3558 on 15 Apr 1866 and viewed at 123x, 148x and 226x.  His declination was 1.3' too large.

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NGC 3559 = UGC 6217 = MCG +02-29-008 = CGCG 067-025 = PGC 33940

11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 55°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8', fairly low surface brightness, brighter core.  IC 2628 is located 14' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3559 = H. III-79 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and noted "eF, not L, lE, r."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is  6' too far south.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (twice) and noted the 6' error in WH's position.  NGC 3560 is a duplicate observation with a poor declination.

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NGC 3560 = NGC 3559 = UGC 6217 = MCG +02-29-008 = CGCG 067-025

11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3559.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3560 = h834 on 6 Apr 1831 (sweep 340) and recorded "F; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 20" (conspicuous).  The PD of the working list [for H. III-79] is 6' out, owing to which I have often looked for it in vain."  Although he was correct about the error in the polar distance of H. III-79, Herschel's polar distance was off by 50'.

 

Ignoring his previous equivalence with his father's H. III-79 (NGC 3559), Herschel gave h834 a separate GC designation (2324) at his erroneous position.  Dreyer followed JH, and added the duplicate designation NGC 3560.  Harold Corwin (private correspondence on 10 Aug 1995) identifies NGC 3560 = h834 = H. III 79 = NGC 3559 as Herschel originally stated.  See Corwin's notes for full discussion.

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NGC 3561 = Arp 105 NED2 = VV 237a = UGC 6224a = MCG +05-27-010 = CGCG 155-090 NED2 = CGCG 156-011 NED2 = PGC 33991

11 11 13.3 +28 41 46; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

48" (5/12/12): bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3561A 0.9' N.  The companion appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 30"x20", small bright core.

 

At 488x, a very low surface extension or plume reaches 30" S.  The dwarf galaxy "Ambartsumian's Knot" was occasionally visible near its southern end as an extremely faint stellar spot.  A number of galaxies within AGC 1185 are nearby including MCG +05-27-012 1.6' SW, which appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.3'x0.2'.

 

MCG +05-27-012, 1.6' SE of NGC 3561, is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.3'x0.2'.  LEDA 1842563, 2.2' SE of NGC 3561 and 39" SE of MCG +05-27-012, appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 16"x8".

 

13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very diffuse spot with averted.  This member of AGC 1185 is slightly larger than most members.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3561 = h835 on 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65) and simply noted "vF.  The last of a group of 4 [with NGC 3550, 3552 and 3554]."  The next night he called it "F; pL; 8' dist from another [NGC 3550] and 30° south-following it."  He likely picked up the brighter southern component of this multiple system.

 

RC2 lists the components as NGC 3561A = MCG +05-27-011 (northern) and NGC 3561B = MCG +05-27-010 (southern). The dwarf galaxy "Ambartsumian's knot" is located at the southern end of a plume extending from NGC 3561B.

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NGC 3562 = UGC 6242 = MCG +12-11-011 = CGCG 334-013 = PGC 34134

11 12 58.7 +72 52 45; Dra

V = 12.2;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  PA = 165°

 

17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' NNE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3562 = H. II-337 = h830 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, pS, bM."  John Herschel recorded on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), "pF; lE; gradually brighter in the middle; 20"; a * 15m dist 70"; pos from neb 22.1°."

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NGC 3563 = UGC 6234 = MCG +05-27-013 = MCG +05-27-14 = CGCG 156-014 = Holm 234a = PGC 34025

11 11 25.3 +26 57 49; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15°

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  This is a double galaxy and a very small companion was just resolved on the west edge.  NGC 3563A appears as an extremely faint, round "knot" (perhaps 10" diameter) just 17" W of center.  Located 3.3' S of mag 9.5 SAO 81711.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3563 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  He found this galaxy while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) and noted it was 2' south of a mag 8 star in PA 169°.  RC 3 and the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide label this galaxy NGC 3563B and the fainter companion NGC 3563A.

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NGC 3564 = ESO 377-018 = MCG -06-25-006 = AM 1108-371 = LGG 229-004 = PGC 33923

11 10 36.4 -37 32 51; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 15°

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.6', weak concentration and tapers at the ends (spindle-shaped).  Follows NGC 3557 by 7.7' in a group (Klemola 18) and bracketed by two mag 13 stars 2' NW and 2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3564 = h3320 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "F; S; R; bM.  On the same parallel with [NGC 3557]."  His position matches ESO 377-018 = PGC 33923.  Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 29 Mar 1878, noted the nebula was not round, as stated by Herschel, but elongated SSW-NNE. (p. 165 logbook).

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NGC 3565 = NGC 3566: = ESO 570-008 = PGC 33701

11 07 47.8 -20 01 18; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126°

 

18" (3/17/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15".  Located 13' WNW a mag 8.3 HD 96800.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 3565 is not certain and the number (along with NGC 3566) may apply to IC 2623 and a star just south.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3565 = LM 1-185, along with NGC 3566, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  Both objects were given the same rough position (nearest min of RA and marked as +/-).  There is nothing near his position.

 

ESO, RC3 and PGC identify NGC 3565 = NGC 3566 = ESO 570-008, an interacting double galaxy roughly 2.5 min of RA east of Stone's position (typical error in the first discovery list).  On the POSS, the images of these two small galaxies are merged and difficult to resolve.  So, it's possible that Stone observed this galaxy and a nearby faint star for his second object.  RNGC classifies NGC 3565 and 3566 as nonexistent.  Also, see my RNGC Corrections #6 and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.

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NGC 3566 = NGC 3565: = ESO 570-008 = PGC 33701

11 07 47.8 -20 01 20; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 126°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3565.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3566 = LM 1-186, along with NGC 3565, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  See NGC 3565.

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NGC 3567 = UGC 6230 = MCG +01-29-011 = CGCG 039-051 = PGC 34004

11 11 18.7 +05 50 10; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 132°

 

18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, round, contains a relatively bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus surrounded by a round, faint halo.  Forms a double system with MCG +01-29-012 39" SE.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, 20" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3567 = H. III-89 = h836 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "eF.  I am a little doubtful of the reality.  His position is 30 seconds of RA west and 3' north of UGC 6230, the only object in the vicinity.  John Herschel made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position, but he was uncertain of the identification with H. III-89 because of the poor match in positions.  He also noted "an appearance of stars", perhaps picking up the close companion as stellar!

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NGC 3568 = ESO 377-020 = MCG -06-25-009 = LGG 229-008 = PGC 33952

11 10 48.5 -37 26 52; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 2.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 7°

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', fairly low even surface brightness.  Cradled by a trio of mag 10-11 stars just following (the 2 stars off the north and south ends are parallel to the major axis).  NGC 3564 lies 6.7' SSW and NGC 3557, the brightest member of the Klemola 18 group, is 11.5' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3568 = h3321 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; involving several stars.  The last of 3 [with with NGC 3557 and 3564].  The next night he noted "F; R; near 3 bright stars.", apparently recognizing the stars were not involved with the object. His position is 1' south of ESO 377-020 = PGC 33952 and the description matches.

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NGC 3569 = UGC 6238 = MCG +06-25-020 = CGCG 185-018 = PGC 34075

11 12 08.1 +35 27 08; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, very weak concentration with no visible core.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3569 on 27 Apr 1864 and mentioned a mag 12 star to the west-northwest by 3.5'.  Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 14 Mar 1874, as well as 30 Mar 1886.

 

In 1899 Hermann Kobold discovered a faint companion (called Kobold 14) 1.8' SW of NGC 3569 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.  The discovery was published, though, in 1909 - too late for inclusion in the IC2.

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NGC 3570 = UGC 6240 = MCG +05-27-019 = CGCG 156-018 = PGC 34071

11 12 03.3 +27 35 23; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter.  Forms a pair with NGC 3574 at 2.9' NE.  Brightest in a faint group.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3570 = St. 9-23, along with NGC 3574, on 9 Feb 1877.  His published position matches UGC 6240.  This galaxy is the brightest in a group with NGC 3754 2.9' NE.

 

In Emmanuel Esmiol re-reduction of Stephan's positions (published in 1916), removed NGC 3570 and replaced it with an anonymous galaxy as if the NGC position was in error.  But his new position matches the NGC position!

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NGC 3571 = NGC 3544 = ESO 570-011 = MCG -03-29-001 = PGC 34028

11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt

V = 12.1;  Size 3.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 94°

 

17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large.  Contains a small bright core surrounded by a faint halo elongated 2:1 ~E-W.  Located 19' NW of mag 6.1 Psi Crateris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3571 = H. II-819 on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and reported "pF, pL, bM, iF."  His position matches ESO 570-011 = PGC 34028.

 

Ormond Stone independently discovered the galaxy on 7 Jan 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) for NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 is two tmin too far west, but his description matches.  So, NGC 3571 = NGC 3544.  The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544.

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NGC 3572 = ESO 129-1 = Cr 239

11 10 19 -60 14 54; Car

V = 6.6;  Size 20

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is an 8' irregular group of 80-100 stars including a mag 7.9 star on the west side and about a dozen mag 10 stars.  A mag 6.7 star lies 11' SE of center outside of the apparent cluster (but part of Cr 240).  A dark patch abuts the cluster and there is an impression of more bright and dark nebulosity in the field.  At 128x with the UHC filter, the cluster is adjacent to a large field of faint nebulosity to the north (RCW 54) with the borders of the nebulosity seemingly obscured by dust.  Located 16' NW of mag 4.6 HD 97534.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3572 = h3323 on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "Middle of a tolerably rich cluster, class VIII."  His position is good.

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NGC 3573 = ESO 377-022 = AM 1108-363 = MCG -06-25-011 = LGG 229-010 = PGC 34005

11 11 18.3 -36 52 33; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 3.6'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 4°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, bright core, very small bright nucleus, faint extensions.  A string of three mag 11.5-12.5 stars oriented E-W follow with the closest star 2.3' E and a mag 14.5 star is at the east edge.  Located on the north side of the NGC 3557 group (part of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster) in the NW corner of Centaurus near the Antlia border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3573 = h3322 on 20 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; R; gradually little brighter middle; 20"; precedes 3 stars 11 and 12 mag, nearly on the same parallel.  His position is 1.3' north o fESO 377-022 = PGC 34005 and the description matches.

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NGC 3574 = MCG +05-27-022 = CGCG 156-020 = PGC 34080

11 12 12.1 +27 37 29; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, no details and requires averted vision.  Located 2.9' NE of NGC 3570 and second brightest in a group.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3574 = St. 9-24, along with NGC 3570, on 15 Mar 1877.

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NGC 3575 = NGC 3162 = UGC 5510 = MCG +04-24-019 = CGCG 123-026

10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3162.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 3575 on 21 Feb 1863.  He noted it was "moderately bright, R, 45" diam.  A mag 11 stars precedes at 3' separation and a mag 16 star is 1' southeast.  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth (Heidelberg plate) both reported negative results.

 

But Harold Corwin discovered that d'Arrest's RA was exactly one hour too large, and once corrected his position as well as description is a perfect match with NGC 3162, discovered by WH in 1784.  d'Arrest made the same error with NGC 3760 that evening and with NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862.

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NGC 3576 = Gum 38a = RCW 57 = PP 79 = ESO 129-005 = Ced 113a = Statue of Liberty Nebula

11 11 31.7 -61 21 48; Car

Size 1.1'x0.7';  PA = 90°

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3576 is the first of six sections in a small, but very interesting nebulous complex consisting of NGC 3576, NGC 3579, NGC 3581, NGC 3582, NGC 3584 and NGC 3586 – all situated in the same low power field with NGC 3603!  The entire group is often referred to as the NGC 3576 nebular complex or the RCW 57A region.

 

NGC 3576 is a somewhat isolated patch on the southwest side, about 5' from the main sections.  At 128x and a UHC filter it appeared as a faint, circular hazy patch of low surface brightness with a mag 12.5 star at the west side and ~1.5' in diameter.  NGC 3579 is a small, fan or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584.  It appears 2' in size with a 12th magnitude star at the south tip and spreads to the north and west from this star.  NGC 3581 is the brightest section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2 SAO 251313. The overall size is ~2'x1.5' with an irregular surface brightness.  It is just disconnected from NGC 3582, which is close NE.  NGC 3582 is another fan-shaped section which wraps around a mag 10.6 star.  It has a well-defined edge running SW to NE with the northern border running E-W. The brighter star is embedded roughly in the center and several mag 13 stars are near the border.  The diameter is ~2' (similar in size to NGC 3581 just SW).  NGC 3584 is the furthest NE and the largest section of nebulosity.  It appears as a looping arc about 3.5'x1', bowed out towards the east and extending mostly N-S and narrowing at the north end.  A few mag 12 stars are off the edges.  NGC 3579 appears as nearly a continuation of this loop towards the west.  Finally, NGC 3586, the last in the complex, is situated ~4' SE of the center of the group of nebulae.  It appears as a faint, elongated steak of 2' length oriented N-S with an 11th magnitude star about 40" NE of the north tip.  The entire group was roughly sketched and easily matched up with the DSS later.  NGC 3603 lies ~25' E.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3576 = h3324 on 16 Mar 1834 and recorded "F, oval.  The first of a group of 6.  Place by collation of diagrams."  His (rough) position is too far southwest.  His sketch was included in the CGH Observations, plate IV, figure 10.

 

Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").  He sketched it noticeably elongated E-W.

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NGC 3577 = UGC 6257 = MCG +08-21-006 = CGCG 242-010 = PGC 34195

11 13 44.9 +48 16 22; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE.  A mag 11.5 star is 30" SE of the outer halo and 1.2' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3583 5.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3577 = H. III-723 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 822) and noted "eF, vS.  It is south preceding the foregoing nebula [NGC 3583]."  His position is 4.5' north of UGC 6257, but this is the same offset as NGC 3583, so the identification is certain.

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NGC 3578

11 12 48 -15 57; Crt

 

= **?, Corwin.  = "Not found", Carlson.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3578 = h837 on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and recorded an uncertain "Nova" as "A doubtful object, but probably a nebula."  There is nothing near his position he might have picked up.  Dorothy Carlson reports "not found" in her 1940 NGC errata list.  Harold Corwin lists a couple of single or double stars that JH might have noted.

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NGC 3579 = ESO 129-008 = RCW 57 = Ced 113b

11 11 58 -61 14 41; Car

Size 1.6'x0.8';  PA = 45°

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3579 is a small, fan or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584 within the RCW 57 complex.  It appears 2' in size with a 12th magnitude star at the south tip and spreading to the north and west from this star.  This is the second of 6 separate pieces catalogued by John Herschel.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3579 = h3325, in a group of nebulae, on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "R, suddenly brighter in the middle, by diagram. Place by collation of diagrams."  Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...")

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NGC 3580 = MCG +01-29-018 = CGCG 039-075 = PGC 34159

11 13 15.9 +03 39 26; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 178°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, 20" diameter (core), quasi-stellar nucleus.  At moments there are faint extensions N-S.  A mag 13 star lies 1.3' ESE of center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3580 = T. 1-32 in 1876.  His position and description (a mag 14 star follows by 3 - 4 sec of time) matches CGCG 039-075 = PGC 34159.

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NGC 3581 = ESO 129-009 = Gum 38a = RCW 57 = Ced 113c

11 12 01 -61 18 00; Car

Size 1.6'x1.3';  PA = 45°

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3581 is the brightest section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2 SAO 251313. The overall size is ~2'x1.5' with an irregular surface brightness.  NGC 3581 is just disconnected from NGC 3582, which is close NE.

 

A very young, infrared cluster (identified in SIMBAD as " NGC3576 IR Cluster") is on the western side of the HII region, including a number of massive young stellar objects (YSOs).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3581 = h3326 on 14 Mar 1834 in an HII complex and noted "a * 12m, with a fan nebula attached.  Place by direct observation."  Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").  He shows the nebula tapering at the southwest end to a brighter star or knot.

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NGC 3582 = ESO 129-010 = RCW 57 = Ced 113d

11 12 10 -61 16 30; Car

Size 1.8'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3582 is another fan-shaped section which wraps around a mag 10.6 star.  It has a well-defined edge running SW to NE with the northern border running E-W.  The brighter star is embedded roughly in the center and several mag 13 stars are near the border.  The diameter is ~2' (similar in size to NGC 3581 just SW).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3582 = h3327 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae.  He noted "R; has a * in middle.  Place by collation of diagrams."  Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").

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NGC 3583 = UGC 6263 = MCG +08-21-008 = CGCG 242-012 = PGC 34232

11 14 10.8 +48 19 06; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.8'x1.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 125°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14 star is just off the south side 1.5' from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3577 5.2' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3583 = H. II-728 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808).  He recorded "pB, pL, R, very gradually much brighter middle."  His position on sweep is 4' north of UGC 6263 (similar offset as NGC 3577 = II-723 on sweep 822).

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NGC 3584 = ESO 129-012 = RCW 57 = Ced 113e

11 12 19.2 -61 13 12; Car

Size 3.6'x0.8'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3584 is the furthest northeast and the largest section of nebulosity.  It appears as a looping arc about 3.5'x1', bowed out towards the east and extending mostly N-S and narrowing at the north end.  A few mag 12 stars are off the edges.  NGC 3579 appears as nearly a continuation of this loop towards the west.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3584 = h3329 on 16 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "L, bM, E in meridian.  Place by collation of diagram."

 

Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").  NGC 3584 is shown as a looping nebulosity, narrowing on the north end and matching my description and the photographic appearance.

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NGC 3585 = ESO 502-025 = MCG -04-27-004 = AM 1110-262 = LGG 230-004 = PGC 34160

11 13 17.1 -26 45 18; Hya

V = 09.9;  Size 4.7'x2.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 107°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very high surface brightness, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  Two mag 13.5 stars are 2.5' NE and 3.3 ' NNW.  Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 8.5 stars (SAO 179663 and 179667) 8.4' E and 8.4' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3585 = H. II-269 = h3328 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and noted "pB, pL, lE, mbB."  His position at the south edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations from the CGH and first logged "vB, pL, pmE; forms equilateral triangle with two stars 8th and 8-9 mag following, distant 6' or 7'."  Joseph Turner made a sketch on 13 Apr 1877 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope showing it as nearly edge-on WNW-ESE with a small bright nucleus.

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NGC 3586 = ESO 129-013 = RCW 57 = Ced 113f

11 12 29.5 -61 20 57; Car

Size 2'x0.4';  PA = 0°

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3586 is the last in the complex of nebulae and is situated ~4' SE of the center.  It appears as a faint, elongated steak of 2' length oriented N-S with an 11th magnitude star about 40" NE of the north tip.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3586 = h3330 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "S, oval, E in pos 160° +/- by diagram.  Place by collation of diagrams; the last of a group of 6."

 

Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").  A star is close to the north tip.  This matches the photographic appearance.

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NGC 3587 = M97 = PK 148+57.1 = PN G148.4+57.0 = Owl Nebula

11 14 47.7 +55 01 08; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 202"x196"

 

48" (4/19/15): at 375x and 488x w/NPB filter; although the unfiltered view was excellent, adding a NPB filter at 488x ramped up the contrast!  The two famous holes were very high contrast with the NW "eye" slightly larger with a irregular outline.  The slightly darker SE "eye" has an easily visible star at its S edge [40" SSE of the central star].  In addition, a third very faint star (best seen unfiltered) is close west of this hole [37" SSW of center].  Overall the surface brightness of the planetary is irregular or mottled.  It fades around the periphery creating a dimmer ragged circular rim of uneven brightness.  The main bright portion of the planetary is slightly elongated NNW-SSE.

 

48" (4/15/10): the Owl Nebula was quite impressive at 330x (unfiltered) and exhibited a fascinating amount of detail.  The mag 16 central star was easily visible at the center of the 3.4' disc.  To the northwest and southeast of the central star are two large, darker "holes" (Owl's "eyes"), each roughly 45" in diameter.  The southeast eye has a little more contrast and a very faint star is close to its SE edge.  The NW "eye" is a little larger, though not quite as dark in the center.  A mag 12 star lies 2.6' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies 3' S of center.  MCG +09-19-014, a faint galaxy, lies 3.8' SSE adjacent to a mag 14.5 star.  HCG 50 (faintest of the Hickson Compact Groups) lies 20' ESE.

 

24" (2/9/13):  although I didn't take notes on the structure of M97, the mag 16 central was readily visible using magnifications of 200x and higher.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): both holes definitely visible at 280x using a UHC filter.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, very large, round.  Two low contrast darker "holes" are visible with averted vision which form the "eyes" of the "Owl Nebula".  The southeast hole is darker but the northwest hole appears larger.  Central star not visible.

 

13.1" (4/28/84): moderately bright, large, round.  A single hole west of center is highly suspected.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): the darker "holes" visible were near the threshold. No central star seen at 166x-220x.

 

Pierre Méchain discovered M97 = NGC 3587 = h838 on 16 Feb 1781.

 

William Herschel's first observed M97 on 8 Aug 1783 with his 6.2", before starting his sweeps.  He viewed it with his 18.7" on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920): "Very or considerably bright, round, 3' diameter, of equal light throughout. Like a planetary brought to 1/4 of the distance of my other planetary ones; it has an ill defined margin of no great extent."

 

A total of 45 observations were made at Birr Castle.  The dark holes were first recorded by assistant William Rambaut on 5 Mar 1848: "Saw two dark and very large spots in middle; Lord Rosse remarked that all round its edge the sky appeared darker than the average."  On 11 March, Lord Rosse wrote, "Brilliant star in the centre.  After 5 min observation, detected the star to the right, which Dr. Robinson immediately saw.  Round each star seems a black space." Rosse's or Rambaut's sketch, made in 1848, suggested some spiral structure ("a double perforation appears to partake of the structure both of the annular and spiral nebulae.").  He was clearly influenced by the focus on resolving spiral structure in a variety of objects.

 

Between 1848 and early 1850 Lord Rosse and Johnstone Stoney made additional detailed sketches (Rosse, Fig. 11, 1850 publication) that vaguely resembled the face of an owl with two large dark holes or "eyes" punctuated by stars (one is the misplaced central star), additional darker streaks and patches, and fuzzy filaments extending out of the sides (perhaps to indicate an irregular fringe).  On 13 Apr 1850, Stoney noted that only one star was visible.  Wilhelm Tempel was highly critical, though, of Rosse's fanciful sketch when he drew the planetary in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Florence.  William Huggins first observed the two brighter emission lines in the spectrum in 1865.

 

The nickname "Owl Nebula" was never used by Lord Rosse in a published paper but in 1864 William Darby wrote that M97 was "familiarly known in the Parsontown Observatory as 'the owl nebula' from its resemblance to an owl."  For an unusual interpretation of the appearance, Romney Robinson described the planetary on 11 Mar 1848 as "A most intricate group of spiral arcs disposed around two starry centers, looking like the visage of a monkey."

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NGC 3588 = UGC 6264 = MCG +04-27-009 = CGCG 126-011 = PGC 34219

11 14 02.5 +20 23 15; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  Weak, even concentration to center.  Located just 8' S of mag 2.6 Delta Leonis! (Zosma).  Not difficult at 320x with Delta just outside of field.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3588 = Sw. 1-12 on 26 Apr 1883 and recorded "cS; vF; follows Delta Leonis 4 sec.  Easily overlooked."  His position, 8' south of Delta Leonis, matches UGC 6264.  He specifically looked at Delta Leonis, hoping to find a nebula, hidden in the glare of a bright star. This was his first discovery while still adjusting and testing his new 16-inch Clark refractor.

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NGC 3589 = UGC 6275 = MCG +10-16-096 = CGCG 291-046 = PGC 34308

11 15 13.4 +60 42 02; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.5'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 48°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, oval ~SW-NE, diffuse.  Located just west of the line connecting mag 7.5 SAO 15447 4' NNE and mag 8.6 SAO 15449 5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3589 = H. III-921 = h839 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, pL, E."  John Herschel recorded on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), "vF; L; very gradually little brighter middle; 45"; situated in the centre of gravity of a triangle of 3 large stars 5' distance."  His position was accurate.

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NGC 3590 = Cr 242 = ESO 129-014

11 12 59 -60 47 18; Car

V = 8.2;  Size 4'

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is a small, fairly bright 2' knot of ~20 stars mag 10 and fainter.  At 76x this diminutive cluster is set in a remarkable field, forming a triangle with NGC 3603 and the NGC 3579-86 complex (RCW 57) to the south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3590 = h3332 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and recorded "a close, p rich, compressed, oval cluster, somewhat insulated."  His position is good.

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NGC 3591 = MCG -02-29-012 = PGC 34220

11 14 03.3 -14 05 14; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'.  Contains a very small brighter nucleus, ~10" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3591 = H. III-529 = h3331 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "eF, S."  John Herschel recorded "vF; R; 30"; very little brighter middle" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3592 = UGC 6267 = MCG +03-29-011 = CGCG 096-011 = LGG 237-001 = PGC 34248

11 14 27.5 +17 15 34; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 120°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): surprisingly faint for listed magnitude, required averted and appeared as a 15" "knot" just 45" following a mag 14.5 star.  Elongation not seen so I only viewed the brighter inner core of this edge-on system.  Located 11' W of NGC 3598.  Member of the LGG 237 group, which includes NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3592 = m 216 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, S, pmE, pos 60°."  Marth's position matches UGC 6267 = M+03-29-011, although the PA is 120°.

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NGC 3593 = UGC 6272 = MCG +02-29-014 = CGCG 067-040 = LGG 231-001 = PGC 34257

11 14 37.0 +12 49 03; Leo

V = 10.9;  Size 5.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 92°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 3.2'x1.2'.  Strong concentration from a faint outer halo to a prominent elongated core and a very small rounder nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3593 = H. I-29 = h840 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "B, cL, lE, mbM, r."  John Herschel made 4 observations, the first on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2) while still developing his technique.  On 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 22) he noted, "B; E; pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 40" l, 30" br."

 

R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 27 Mar 1856, logged "suspect as before a dark lane along the n side of the nucleus and neby outside this again, but far from being certain."

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NGC 3594 = UGC 6286 = MCG +09-19-022 = CGCG 267-058 = CGCG 268-011 = PGC 34374

11 16 14.0 +55 42 15; UMa

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3594 = H. III-770 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920).  He noted "very faint, very small, stellar neb."  It was found about a minute and half after observing M97 for the first time during his sweeps.  His position is 0.6 minutes of RA west and 2.5' N of UGC 6286.   But Harold Corwin notes his position is also 13' following CGCG 268-006, which has a higher surface brightness and is a possible identification.  The question remains if CGCG 268-006 was missed due to it not being on the sweep path?

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NGC 3595 = UGC 6280 = MCG +08-21-009 = CGCG 242-014 = PGC 34325

11 15 25.5 +47 26 49; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 176°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and much fainter extensions.  Located 2.0' S of mag 7.4 SAO 43659!  UGC 6255 lies 19' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3595 = H. III-706 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar, south of a cB star."  His position is 2' too far north (very close to mag 7.6 HD 97773).

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NGC 3596 = UGC 6277 = MCG +03-29-013 = CGCG 096-013 = PGC 34298

11 15 06.2 +14 47 13; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 4.0'x3.8';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, large, broad fairly weak concentration in halo to a slightly brighter core, small brighter nucleus.  The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13.5 star 3.7' SSW and a similar star 3.4' N.  A third 13th mag star is 4.7' due E forming a near equilateral triangle with sides 7'.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, fairly large, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, sharp stellar nucleus is possibly offset to the west of the geometric center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3596 = H. II-102 = h841 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Faintish, pS, R, rather bM, resolvable."  His position is 2'-3' north-northwest of UGC 6277.  John Herschel made two observations of this galaxy and noted on 23 Apr 1832 (sweep 419). "pF; vL; gradually brighter in the middle; 2' dia."

 

R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 22 Mar 1857, wrote that he "strongly suspect either a vF nebulous ring round nucleus, or a branch joining centre at the following side.  Difficult object."  Suprisingly, E.E. Barnard announced in 1906 (AN 172, 123) the discovery of a new large planetary found on a photographic plate and observed visually with the Yerkes 40" refractor.  But his position and description (about 2.5' in diameter) applies to this galaxy!

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NGC 3597 = ESO 503-003 = MCG -04-27-005 = AM 1112-232 = PGC 34266

11 14 42.0 -23 43 39; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 65°

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter.  Moderate even concentration to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A pair of mag 13 stars lie less than 2' NE of center.  Located 5' SSW of mag 9.1 HD 97783.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3597 = h3333 on 21 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; bM; much diluted at the borders, 30"." His position matches ESO 503-003 = PGC 34266.

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NGC 3598 = UGC 6278 = MCG +03-29-014 = CGCG 096-014 = PGC 34306

11 15 11.6 +17 15 45; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 35°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, well-concentrated with a bright core steadily increasing to a faint stellar nucleus.  The outer halo is ill-defined and much weaker.  A mag 14 star is just off the north edge 0.6' from center and a pair of mag 13.5 stars is 4' ENE.  NGC 3592 lies 11' W.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3598 = m 217 = T. 1-33 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "F, vS, stell."  His position is accurate.

 

Wilhelm Tempel found this galaxy in 1876 and recorded it as new in his first discovery paper.  He mentioned a star was close north.

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NGC 3599 = UGC 6281 = MCG +03-29-015 = CGCG 096-015 = PGC 34326

11 15 27.0 +18 06 37; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 2.7'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 99°

 

17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~4:3, 2.0'x1.5'. Contains a small, fairly bright round core which is concentrated to the center with a much lower surface brightness halo.  Located 21' WNW of NGC 3607 in a group (UGSGC U376).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3599 = H. II-49 = h843 = St. 12-43 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "resolvable, brightest in the middle & the brightness going off imperceptibly."  On 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) John Herschel wrote , "B; R: pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 35"."  Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3599, as well as NGC 3605, 3607 and 3608 on 14 Mar 1874, 28 Mar 1879 and 17 Mar 1882. He reduced the positions on 18 Apr 1882 and included them in his 12th discovery list (#42-45), though he added a note that they were discovered by Herschel.

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NGC 3600 = UGC 6283 = MCG +07-23-038 = CGCG 213-038 = Mrk 1443 = PGC 34353

11 15 52.0 +41 35 28; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 4.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 3°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.8'x0.6', small bright core, faint extensions.  Two mag 12 stars lie 2.4' and 3.2' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3600 = H. II-709 = h842 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798).  He recorded "very faint; small; elongated in the meridian [N-S]."  John Herschel's description from 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) reads "pretty bright; small; little elongate; very gradually bright middle; 20" diameter."

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NGC 3601 = UGC 6282 = MCG +01-29-024 = CGCG 039-091 = PGC 34335

11 15 33.3 +05 06 56; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20" diameter, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 2.9' SSE.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3601 = m 218 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted " vF, pS, alm stell."  His position matches UGC 6282 = PGC 34335.

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NGC 3602 = MCG +03-29-017 = CGCG 096-017 = PGC 34351

11 15 48.3 +17 24 57; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 45°

 

18" (5/15/10): extremely faint, very small, required averted vision to initially pick up at 175x although visible ~75% of the time at 260x.  Appears roughly as a tiny, thin streak, ~15"x5", although sometimes the extensions were not seen, only a 5" core.  .  Located 3.4' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): not found.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3602 = m 219 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."  His position matches CGCG 096-017 = PGC 34351.

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NGC 3603 = ESO 129-16 = Cr 244 = [Hf53] 57 = Gum 38b = RCW 57

11 15 07 -61 15 42; Car

V = 9.1;  Size 12'

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this distant (20,000 light years) superluminous HII region and cluster was mesmerizing at 200x using a UHC filter.  The nebulosity was generally elongated E-W, ~5'x3', but with bays and extensions and dark lanes.  The surface brightness was highest to the south of the embedded cluster with a dark lane slashing through the nebulosity just west of the bright core.  At 350x, 15-20 stars were resolved in the glow, though the tiny, brilliant "core" cluster (HD 97950) was only mottled and barely resolved into a few stars.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x a bright irregular nebula surrounds a mag 9 "star".  At 200x, a half-dozen very faint stars are packed very close to the central star.  This very compact knot is actually a distant, very dense, super star cluster (SSC) of extremely luminous stars!  Adding a UHC filter, the nebulosity is irregular at 105x, extending mostly south of the star and fading out into two or three sections that are possibly divided by a dark lane.  The brightest section is to the southwest of the central star.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this distant but superluminous HII region is a fascinating clump of stars of and nebulosity surrounding a bright 9th magnitude knot.  The bright central region was extremely dense and contained 10-12 stars crammed into 2', yet it seemed only partially resolved at the very center into a couple of stars.  At 128x and UHC filter, the surrounding "haze" is clearly gaseous in nature with the brightest portion offset to the SW side from the core with a roughly broad fan with a total size of approximately 5'x3'.  A dark lane appears to cut through the nebulosity towards the core and there is a strong impression that the field is riddled with dust lanes and patches.  This is a well-studied highly reddened, luminous cluster (~20,000 light years) and HII region with similarities to the Tarantula nebula in the LMC!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3603 = h3334 on 14 Mar 1834.  He recorded "a red star 10m, the centre of an excessively condensed group of stars 15...18m, with a nebulosity extending over 2' diameter.  On the next sweep, he noted "the center, when examined with powers 240 and 320, decidedly not a star, and the nebula about it all resolved.  Perhaps it is a globular clusters, veru suddenly very much brighter in the middle."

 

In 1928, Willem van den Bos examined the central "star" with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg and found "the central star to be a close double, B 1184, with many faint stars near."  He measured the AB pair as 0.6" separation in PA 98°, with the "C" component at 1.8" in PA 75° and the D component (I 1132) at 2.7" in PA 259°.  He also noted "The central double is red or at least decidedly reddish, though the spectral type is given as Oe in the Draper Catalogues..."

 

The emission nebula surrounding the cluster was first catalogued in a 1953 study by Dorrit Hoffleit based on red and blue plates taken with the ADH Schmidt telescope in South Africa.  Described as a "Irregular, Area I [near NGC 3572]."

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NGC 3604 = NGC 3611 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = PGC 34478

11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

See observing notes for NGC 3611.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3604 = H. II-626 on 30 Dec 1786 (short sweep 675) and recorded "pretty bright, small, little extended, much brighter middle."  There is nothing at Herschel's position and this object was not recovered by Bigourdan.  In the "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", Dreyer states "should probably be rejected as there was fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about me."  But, Herschel's RA is 1.0 minute preceding NGC 3611 (similar offset as NGC 3509 on the same sweep).  Dorothy Carlson (1940 NGC correction paper), Harold Corwin, and Wolfgang Steinicke equate NGC 3604 and 3611.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3605 = UGC 6295 = MCG +03-29-019 = CGCG 096-019 = Holm 240c = WBL 319-001 = PGC 34415

11 16 46.6 +18 01 01; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 17°

 

24" (3/23/22): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 60"x40". Contains a bright, relatively large core and a very bright nucleus that increases to the center. Situated just off the SW side of NGC 3607, 3.0' from center.

 

24" (5/27/17): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Close pair with brighter NGC 3607 3' NE. Member of the large group USGC U376.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus.  In a group with brigtest member NGC 3607 3.0' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3605 = H. III-27 = h844 = St. 12-43, along with NGC 3607 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  He described these as, "Three nebula of different sizes; all brightest in the middle & R.  The largest is that in the middle [NGC 3607] & is of a considerable size; that on the north [NGC 3608] is a good deal smaller.  The most south of them [NGC 3605] is much smaller than either of them, so that at first I did not immediately perceive it."  Édouard Stephan measured accurate positions for these galaxies, along with NGC 3599, on 17 Mar 1882 and published them in his 12th discovery list (#42-#45), though added a note they were identical to Herschel's nebulae, which had imprecise coordinates.

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NGC 3606 = ESO 377-032 = MCG -05-27-004 = PGC 34378

11 16 15.6 -33 49 40; Hya

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core, relatively bright stellar nucleus.  Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' and 5.5' NNE.  ESO 377-031 lies 9' SSW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3606 = h3335 on 20 Apr 1835 NGC 3606 and logged "eF; R; S; gradually brighter in the middle; 15"."  His single observation matches ESO 377-032.

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NGC 3607 = UGC 6297 = MCG +03-29-020 = CGCG 096-021 = Holm 240a = WBL 319-002 = PGC 34426

11 16 54.7 +18 03 06; Leo

V = 9.9;  Size 4.9'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 120°

 

24" (3/23/22): at 260x; very bright, very large, extensive halo over 3' diameter, large bright core, sharply concentration with a small intensely bright nucleus.  The halo gradually fades into the sky background with no distinct edge.  NGC 3605 is close off the SW edge, 2.8' SW of center.  A small group of mag 12-14 stars is ~4' SE.

 

24" (5/27/17): very bright, large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to an extremely bright nucleus.  A nice group of 5 stars is roughly 4' SE with one a wide pair [17"].  In a small group of bright galaxies (part of the larger group USGC U376) with NGC 3605 2.9' SW and NGC 3608 5.8' N.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): bright, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Brightest in a group with NGC 3608 5.7' N, NGC 3605 3.0' SW and NGC 3599 21' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3607 = H. II-50 = h845 =  St. 12-44, along with NGC 3605 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  See NGC 3605 for description.

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NGC 3608 = UGC 6299 = MCG +03-29-022 = CGCG 096-022 = Holm 240b = WBL 319-003 = PGC 34433

11 16 59.0 +18 08 55; Leo

V = 10.8;  Size 3.2'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 75°

 

24" (3/23/22): at 260x; bright, large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~ 2' diameter.  Sharply concentred with a very bright core that increases to an intensely bright center.  The halo nearly reaches a mag 12.3 star 1.3' NW of center.  A similar star is 1.9' NE of center.  Second brightest in a striking trio with NGC 3607 6' S and NGC 3605.

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and an intense nucleus.  In a prominent trio with NGC 3607 5.9' S and NGC 3605 8.5' SS W and part of the larger group USGC U376.  Two mag 12.3 and 12.8 stars are 1.4' NW and 1.9' NE.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus.  Appears slightly fainter than NGC 3607 5.7' S.  In a trio with NGC 3605 and NGC 3607.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3608 = H. II-51 = h846 = St. 12-45, along with NGC 3605 and 3607, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170).  See NGC 3605 for description.

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NGC 3609 = NGC 3612 = UGC 6310 = MCG +05-27-043 = CGCG 156-050 = Holm 241a = PGC 34511

11 17 50.6 +26 37 33; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter.  Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star is just off the south edge 50" from center and a second mag 14 star is 1.8' NW.  A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.3' NE.  Forms a pair with UGC 6321 (misidentified as NGC 3612 in modern sources) 5.4' E.  UGC 6321 appeared extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness.  A mag 11 star lies 3.9' NW.

 

Otto Struve found NGC 3609 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  It was found while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) without realizing he made the original discovery just 2 nights earlier.  As a result it carries two NGC designations; 3609 and 3612.  Modern sources mistakenly identify UGC 6321 as NGC 3612.  See NGC 3612 for the story.

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NGC 3610 = UGC 6319 = MCG +10-16-107 = CGCG 291-048 = LGG 234-001 = PGC 34566

11 18 25.3 +58 47 10; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and a faint halo!  About 15' NNW is a small group of 7 stars including mag 9.0 SAO 27978.

 

NGC 3610 is the brightest member of a 5 member group (LGG 234), along with NGC 3610, 3619, 3642, 3674 and 3683.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3610 = H. I-270 = h847 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He noted "very bright, considerably large."  John Herschel made 3 observations, on 14 Apr 1831 (sweep 344), logging "bright; round; very small & very much brighter middle to a * 11m."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3611 = NGC 3604 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = Todd 1 = PGC 34478

11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.1'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/22/96): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Fairly sharp concentration with a rounder 30" core and a bright nearly stellar nucleus offset to the north side of the core. A mag 11 star is 3.2' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3611 = H. II-521 = h849 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 514).  He recorded "Faint, very small, irregular figure, easily resolvable."  A second observation was made on 15 Apr 1786 (sweep 552) after just moving to Slough with the telescope not yet properly adjusted for the meridian.  Then it was found again on 30 Dec 1786 (short sweep 675) and assumed to be new.  He recorded II-626 (later NGC 3604) as "pretty bright, small, little elongated, much brighter middle."  So, NGC 3611 = NGC 3604, both appearing in Herschel second catalogue.

 

John Herschel made two observations, first recording "B; S; R suddenly much brighter middle; has a * 10m, 60° np, dist 3'."  Finally, David Todd found NGC 3611 once again on 3 Nov 1877 in his search for trans-Neptunian planet.  Todd's offset for object #1 from nearby stars matches this galaxy.

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NGC 3612 = NGC 3609 = UGC 6310 = MCG +05-27-043 = CGCG 156-050 = PGC 34511

11 17 50.5 +26 37 32; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 50°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3609.  Modern sources misidentify UGC 6321, located 5.4' E, as NGC 3612.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3612 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  It was found while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke).  His description (translately roughly from German using GoogleTranslate) reads "pretty faint, 30"-40" diameter.  A mag 10-11 star is approximately 2' north following, with the nebula in position angle 225°."  His position is within 1' of UGC 6310, the brighter of a pair with UGC 6321 5.4' east, and his description matches the brighter galaxy (the star is 3' northeast and the PA matches).  Karl Reinmuth identified UGC 6321 as NGC 3612, but noted "No *10-11 nf 2'." and modern sources (including NED) follow this misidentification. 

 

Two nights later (18 Mar) Struve reported finding another nebula,  described as 20" diameter and situated in PA 226° from a 10th magnitude star.  His position was 14 seconds of time too far west, but his PA is a perfect match with UGC 6310.  So, although there are two galaxies here, both of Struve's entries point to the same brighter galaxy.  I notified Corwin and Steinicke of the situation in April 2015 and Wolfgang agreed NGC 3612 = NGC 3615 = UGC 6310.  He mentioned that this leaves UGC 6321 without a NGC designation as Bigourdan, Kobold and Hagen only observed the brighter galaxy.  Kobold called the brighter galaxy NGC 3612, but modern sources identify it as NGC 3609.

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NGC 3613 = UGC 6323 = MCG +10-16-109 = CGCG 291-049 = PGC 34583

11 18 36.0 +58 00 00; UMa

V = 10.9;  Size 3.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 102°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3619 lies 15' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3613 = H. I-271 = h848 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038).  He logged "very bright, considerably large, elongated, much brighter middle."  His RA and Dec is too large (noted by Dreyer in Scientific Papers).  John Herschel recorded "vB; mE; pos 305°, a nucl and F branches." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3614 = UGC 6318 = MCG +08-21-015 = CGCG 242-019 = PGC 34561

11 18 21.3 +45 44 53; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 4.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 80°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, moderately large, weak concentration, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W with dimensions 2.5'x2.0', low surface brightness, edges fade gradually into background.  Located on a line with a mag 13 star 3.5' E and a mag 12 star 5.1' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3614 = H. II-729 = h850 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, cL, little brighter middle, lE in the parallel."  John Herschel noted "F; pL; gradually little brighter middle; r."  His position matches UGC 6318.  The MCG declination is 2 degrees too far north.

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NGC 3615 = UGC 6313 = MCG +04-27-012 = CGCG 126-021 = PGC 34535

11 18 06.7 +23 23 50; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6'.  The prominent 20" core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus.  First and brightest of a trio with NGC 3618 7' NE and extremely faint CGCG 126-022 3.2' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3615 = H. III-333 = h851 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS.  240x verified it."  Caroline's reduction is 3.4' northwest of UGC 6313.  John Herschel called it "pF; suddenly much brighter middle; stellar."  His position is accurate to within 30".

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NGC 3616

11 18 08.9 +14 45 53; Leo

 

= Not found, Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3616 = H. III-76 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, pL.  Some doubts were removed by putting on 240."  There is noithing near his position and Dreyer notes in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that it was not found by Bigourdan (visually) nor by Max Wolf (on a Heidelberg plate).

 

Harold Corwin initially identified this number with a star near WH's position but more recently he feels a single or even close double star would not fit Herschel's description of "pL".  So, this object is not found.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3617 = ESO 503-012 = MCG -04-27-008 = UGCA 231 = AM 1115-255 = KTS 42C = PGC 34513

11 17 50.9 -26 08 04; Hya

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 147°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, round , 30" diameter.  Increases to a very small brighter nucleus.  I probably only viewed the brighter core and missed the dim halo.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3617 = h3336 on 22 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; S; R: gradually brighter in the middle; 20"."  His position matches ESO 503-012 = PGC 34513.

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NGC 3618 = UGC 6327 = MCG +04-27-014 = CGCG 126-025 = Mrk 1288 = PGC 34575

11 18 32.6 +23 28 08; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 175°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  Third of three on a line with CGCG 126-022 and NGC 3615 7' SW.  At low power collinear with two mag 10 stars equally spaced 8' and 17' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3618 = H. III-334 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, goes into the field with the foregoing [NGC 3615]."  Caroline's reduction is 3.6' northwest of UGC 6327 (similar offset as NGC 3615).

 

NGC 3618 was assumed to be a new on the 23 Mar 1857 observation by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle: "about 6' or 7' nf [NGC 3615] is a S, vvF patch, little brighter in the middle."  JH included this observation in the GC (2365) as well as GC 2368 = III-334.  In the 1880 compilation of LdR observations, Dreyer added the note "the latter [GC 2365] is not a "nova" but = III 334, as pointed out by d'Arrest.  GC 2365 is to be struck out."

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NGC 3619 = UGC 6330 = MCG +10-16-115 = CGCG 291-054 = PGC 34641

11 19 21.6 +57 45 29; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 2.7'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 3625 9.5' E and NGC 3613 lies 16' NNW.

 

8" (3/28/81): faint, small, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3619 = H. I-244 = h852 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951).  He recorded "cB, R, very gradually much brighter middle, 1 1/2' dia."  Caroline's reduced position is just off the nortwest edge of UGC 6330.  John Herschel made a single observation and noted "pB; R;  pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 45".  The PD differs 7' from that assigned by my Father; query therefore if the same object."  His position is 1.5' too far south, so there does not appear to be a significant discrepancy.

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NGC 3620 = ESO 038-010 = PGC 34366

11 16 04 -76 12 54; Cha

V = 13.9;  Size 2.8'x1.1';  Surf Br = 15.0;  PA = 78°

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration.  A mag 14.5 star is pinned against the south side, a little west of the center.  I reobserved this galaxy not realizing it was logged the previous night.  Located 32' NE of the bright reflection nebula IC 2631.

 

24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', small brighter core.  A mag 14 star is barely off the south side (west of center).  The large reflection nebula, IC 2631, lies 32' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3620 = h3338 on 31 Mar 1837 and logged "F; pmE; gradually brighter in the middle; 50". His position and description matches ESO 038-010.  This galaxy is not included in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas or it companion Deep Sky Field Guide.

 

NGC 3620 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "eF, S, considerably elongated at 80°, 12 mag star 0.5' south."

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NGC 3621 = ESO 377-037 = MCG -05-27-008 = UGCA 232 = AM 1115-323 = PGC 34554

11 18 16.5 -32 48 51; Hya

V = 9.7;  Size 12.3'x7.1';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 159°

 

48" (5/9/18): at 488x; this prominent galaxy is extremely large and irregular but elongated at least 2:1 NNW-SSE.  The main disk extends ~7'x3' and is noticeably mottled and dappled with slightly brighter and darker areas.  Around the periphery is a very low surface brightness outer halo that dissolved into the background sky, but could be traced ~5' SE of center.  The galaxy contains a very large, brighter central region, which appeared somewhat offset within the main disk, though it was less defined than a typical core or nucleus. The most noticeable features are a couple of large dust lanes that border or outline spiral arms and arcs. A long, thin dust lane extends in an SSE to NNW orientation, just east of the central region.  This dark lane cuts off or borders a relatively narrow spiral arm that is adjacent to the east.  It contains a brighter 10" knot (includes stellar association/HII complex [KWB2013] 104) that was easily visible 1.1' ESE of center and 1.1' due west of mag 12.7 star. A broader dusty lane extends SSE to NNW along the west side.  A very low surface brightness arm running parallel is just west of this darker lane or gap.

 

Several brighter stars outline the galaxy; two mag 10.3/10.6 stars are near the southern edge of the halo, 2.8' SSW of center and 3.9' SSE of center, and a mag 12.7 star is placed ~2.5' ESE of center.  A number of stars cradle the north end of the galaxy; the brightest is a mag 11.6 star [2.6 NW of center], which forms a kite asterism outlining the galaxy, along with the previous three stars.  In addition, a couple of stars are superimposed on the north side of the main glow, and a number of additional mag 13 and 14 stars are at the northern edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 6' diameter, weak central concentration and along the major axis but no sharp nucleus.  Several stars are nearby; three mag 11-13 stars are off the north tip and two mag 10 stars are 2.7' SW and 3.7' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3621 = H. I-241 = D 617 = D 610 = h3337 on 17 Feb 1790 (sweep 808). He recorded "considerably bright, very gradually brighter middle, elongated from about 70° np to sf, about 6 or 7' long and near 4' broad.  Within a parallelogram of stars."Using 2000 coordinates, NGC 3621 is the most southerly object that Herschel discovered, but precessing back to the observation date, it was 1.1° higher in declination and the 4th most southerly object he discovered.  From the latitude of Slough, NGC 3621 culminated at an elevation of just 6.8°.  The observation was made standing or sitting on steps on the ground, not in the observing gallery.

 

James Dunlop observed NGC 3621 on 30 Apr 1826 and recorded D 617 as "a faint nebula, irregular figure, extended 6' in length, position north preceding and south following - 2 small stars follow the nebula.  He made additional observations in May and August: "a very faint pretty large nebula, about 2' broad and 4' long, very faint at the edges. The brightest and most condensed part is near the south following extremity; a small star is involved in the north preceding extremity, and there are two small stars near the south extremity, but not involved."   D 610, described as "a faint nebula of an irregular figure, extended about 6' in length", is a duplicate entry but his declination was 1° too far north.

 

John Herschel observed the galaxy on 29 Apr 1834 from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded, "pB, vL, oval, very gradually very little brighter middle, resolvable [mottled], 5' long, 3' broad."

 

NGC 3621 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "large, close, spiral." It was photographed again in the 1930s at the Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein, South Africa with the 60-inch Common reflector and described by John Paraskevopoulos as a "peculiar spiral with a wide faint extension to the southward that nearly doubles the length of the object over the portion that can be clearly seen in the reproduction"

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NGC 3622 = UGC 6339 = CGCG 314-020 = PGC 34692

11 20 12.5 +67 14 29; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 7°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.6', elongated bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE of center.  Located 9.3' NNW of mag 6.2 SAO 15478.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3622 = H. II-879 = h853 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "pB, R, S, bM."  Caroline's reduced position is 1.8 tmin following UGC 6339.  John Herschel logged "pF; S; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 15"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3623 = M65 = Arp 317 NED1 = UGC 6328 = MCG +02-29-018 = CGCG 067-054 = Holm 246b = LGG 231-002 = PGC 34612 = Leo Triplet

11 18 55.3 +13 05 35; Leo

V = 9.3;  Size 9.8'x2.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 174°

 

48" (5/1/19): at 375x; beautiful, extremely large, showpiece spiral extending 7:2 N-S. The galaxy displayed a strong concentration with a very bright, round core and an intensely bright, prominent nucleus.  There was a slight enhancement along the major axis but no impression of a bar. A long, low contrast dust lane runs N-S along the length of the galaxy on the east side.  The edge was a bit ragged and the glow of the galaxy on its east side had a low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the W edge of the dust lane, due E of the core.  Also a mag 16 star is at the W edge of the galaxy, slightly S of the nucleus [1.2' WSW of the mag 14.5 star]. A mag 12.3 star is 2.3' SSW of center, just off the W side.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, very large, very elongated N-S, 7.5'x2.0', bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star is west of the south end 2.1' from the center.  Forms a remarkable trio with M66 20' ESE and NGC 3628 36' NE.  Requires low power (31 Nagler) to easily fit all three in the same field.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very bright, elongated N-S, elongated bright core, possible stellar nucleus.

 

Charles Messier discovered M65 = NGC 3623 = h854, along with M66, on 1 Mar 1780.

 

William Herschel first observed it in April 1783, probably with his 6.2" reflector. On 31 May 1783 with his 12-inch (20-ft focal length) he logged "almost a certainty of its being stars.  There is however in both the nebulas [65 and 66] a certain whitishness left which may be nebulosity."  With his 18.7-inch workhorse, he observed it on sweep 188 (12 Apr 1784) and described it in his 1811 publication as "a very brilliant nebula extended in the meridian, about 12' long.  It has a bright nucleus, the light of which suddenly diminishes on its border, and two opposite very faint branches."  A sketch is shown in fig. 29 in his 1811 paper representing "extended nebulae that show the progress of condensation."

 

Lord Rosse observed M65 on 31 Mar 1848 and described it as a "Curious nebula with bright nucleus at left a little above and towards the right is a streak spiral; resolved very well about the nucleus, but no other part.  From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a very faint portion of nebulosity extends for about 15', gradually melting away.  William Rambaut's (LdR's assistant) sketch on this night was published in the 1850 PT paper (fig. 7).  On 25 Feb 1854, "Lord Rosse suspected dark spaces on either side of the nucleus.", though this suspicion wasn't confirmed the following year.  William Lassell also sketched M65 using the 48" from Malta.

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NGC 3624 = MCG +01-29-029 = CGCG 039-114 = PGC 34599

11 18 50.9 +07 31 16; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 175°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, diffuse glow with a brighter center.  Halo fades into background, ~40" diameter.  A mag 13 star lies 2.5' N.  Forms a close pair with CGCG 039-113 2.1' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3624 = h855 on 27 Dec 1827 and simply noted as "eF." His position matches CGCG 039-114 = PGC 34599.

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NGC 3625 = UGC 6348 = MCG +10-16-120 = CGCG 291-057 = PGC 34718

11 20 31.2 +57 46 53; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 148°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.  Third of three with NGC 3613 20' NW and NGC 3619 9.4' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3625 = H. II-885 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He logged "faint, extended from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long."  The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.

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NGC 3626 = NGC 3632 = UGC 6343 = MCG +03-29-032 = CGCG 096-029 = LGG 237-002 = PGC 34684

11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo

V = 11.0;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 157°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.4', broadly concentrated halo with a larger brighter core and very low surface brightness outer halo.  The core, though, is sharply concentrated with a very intense, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Member of a group (LGG 237) that extends from NGC 3607/08 to NGC 3681/84/86.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 ~NNW-SSE.  Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3639 lies 23' ENE.

 

17.5" (3/22/96): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.2'.  Strong, sharp concentration with a very small elongated core and a bright stellar nucleus.  Located roughly 50' ENE of the NGC 3607 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3626 = H. II-52 = h856 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "a nebula like the northern one [II-51 = NGC 3608], but a little longish."  NGC 3632 = H. II-30, found a month earlier on 15 Feb 1784, is a duplicate observation, though further out in position.  John Herschel measured an accurate position and logged "B; R; suddenly brighter middle; 20"."

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NGC 3627 = M66 = Arp 16 = Arp 317 NED2 = VV 308a = Holm 246a = UGC 6346 = MCG +02-29-019 = CGCG 067-057 = LGG 231-003 = PGC 34695 = Leo Triplet

11 20 15.0 +12 59 22; Leo

V = 8.9;  Size 9.1'x4.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 173°

 

48" (4/13/10): this showpiece galaxy stretched 7'x3' N-S.  The central region is dominated by a prominent, 3'x1.2' central bar that is elongated NNW-SSE.  The central region has a mottled, irregular surface brightness and increases gradually towards the center and then suddenly to a very bright, stellar nucleus.  A very faint star or HII knot was seen at the very north tip of the bar [confirmed as #44 in Hodge's "Second Survey of HII regions in Galaxies", ApJS, 27, 113 (1974)].  The longer, better defined arm is attached at the north end and sweeps directly south along the western flank of the galaxy for a total length of ~5'.  The western edge of this arm is very well defined as it fades to the southern tip, though the inner edge merges with the glow within the central region.  The arm and bar are brightest where they join at the north end of the central region. The second spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar and shoots north on the eastern side of the galaxy.  This arm fades after a shorter distance, so is not as prominent, but is brightest at the root where it emerges from the bar.  A mag 9.8 star lies 3' NW of center at the outer edge of the halo.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, large, elongated N-S, 5'x3', bright elongated core contains a stellar nucleus.  Two spiral arms are visible although the western arm is more prominent.

 

13.1" (many dates from 4/24/82 and 2/25/84): bright elongated core, stellar nucleus.  A diffuse spiral arm extends south and a second short arm extends to the east.  A dark patch is visible just east of the nucleus.

 

Charles Messier discovered M66 = NGC 3627 = h857 = h875, along with M65, on 1 Mar 1780.

 

William Herschel first logged M66 with his 18.7" on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187): "very bright, much elongated, much brighter in the middle than its two faint branches which run out further than my field of view can take in. It is Messier 66 but that gentleman could not see its branches, they being much too feeble for his light." "  The next object recorded was NGC 3628 (discovery observation).  He missed M65 on this sweep but observed the entire Leo Triplet on the next sweep 4 nights later.  M66 was called "very bright, much elongated, irregular figure.  The extension is chiefly in the direction of the meridian, and the greatest brightness near the middle."

 

John Herschel made 4 observations and once claimed it as new (h875) as he made an error with his RA (3 minutes too large).  On sweep 22 he logged "vB; vL; suddenly brighter middle; 3' l, 2' br; E 60° np to sf in direction of 2 stars 10m, preceding."

 

George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the galaxy on 17 Apr 1849 (Plate XXVII, fig. 16 in the 1861 publication).  Features included a well defined spiral arm along the western side and arcs within the main body that correspond with brighter sections of spiral arms.  The 31 Mar 1848 observation by Rosse or assistant Rambaut mentions "a little above towards the right [nf] is a dark streak; spiral, resolved well about the Nucl, but no other part.  From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a vF portion of nebulosity extends for nearly 15', gradually melting away."  A schematic in the 1880 publication shows the beginning of two arms on the eastern side and a long, thick arm on the western side.

 

William Lassell also sketched M66 using his 48-inch from Malta on 21 Apr 1862, though misidentified it as M65.  The galaxy was drawn as more irregular than spiral, though the primary arm on the west side is clearly sketched, along with a dark gap between it and the core.  Also a loop was sketched on the north side corresponding with part of the eastern arm as well as a continuation of the western arm as it curls towards the core.

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NGC 3628 = Arp 317 NED3 = VV 308b = UGC 6350 = MCG +02-29-020 = CGCG 067-058 = Holm 246c = LGG 231-004 = PGC 34697 = Leo Triplet

11 20 16.2 +13 35 22; Leo

V = 9.5;  Size 14.8'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 104°

 

48" (5/12/18 and 4/29/22): at 375x; extremely bright, showpiece edge-on WNW-ESE, at least 13' in length.  A stunning dust lane extends for over 8' and widens towards the ends.  The northern "slice" of the galaxy is brighter with a broad concentration, but without a distinct core or nucleus. The surface brightness drops at both ends and flares out in width, instead of tapering.  The WNW end spreads out in a wide cone, though the flaring is brighter north of the major axis, creating a bent asymmetry towards the north.  A mag 16.5 star is along the N edge, at the brightest section, and a mag 15.5 star is 40" further NE.  A brighter mag 14.8 star is along the ESE flank, 2.5' from center.

 

17.5" (1/31/87): bright, unusually large edge-on WNW-ESE, 11'x2.5'.  A broad irregular dust lane is prominent bisecting the galaxy along the entire length.  Appears brighter to the north of the dark lane and fainter on the south side.

 

13.1" (4/24/82 and 2/25/84): the dust lane was clearly visible along the entire length and divided the galaxy into two asymmetric halves with the south slice much fainter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3628 = H. V-8 = h859 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Bright, very much elongated, little brighter in the middle than towards the ends.  It seems to extend 9 or 10' if not more."  The next sweep he observed the Leo Triplet again and called NGC 3628 "bright, very much elongated. The extent is not far from the parallel [E-W]. The faint branches are longer than my field can take in." 

 

John Herschel called it "a v long narrow ray, very gradually brighter middle; 15' long, a most curious object.  E by diag in pos 105°.  Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3628 on 31 Mar or 1 Apr 1848.  Samuel Hunter, observing on 10 Feb 1861, noted "split into two parallel rays."  A month later he added "split extends its whole length, the f part being partially filled with faint nebulosity."  Robert Ball, observing on 18 Mar 1866 also noted "there seems to be a dark channel on the south side in direction of elongation."

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NGC 3629 = UGC 6352 = MCG +05-27-058 = CGCG 156-064 = Holm 247a = PGC 34719

11 20 31.7 +26 57 49; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.3'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 30°

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x0.9', diffuse, low surface brightness, weak broad concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3629 = H. II-338 = h860 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, pL, r, nearly R, gradually very little brighter middle."  John Herschel made a total of 7 observations with a composite description "F; L; R; very gradually brighter middle; 2' dia; *14 m s f 60"."

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NGC 3630 = NGC 3645: = UGC 6349 = MCG +01-29-031 = CGCG 039-124 = PGC 34698

11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo

V = 11.9;  Size 4.6'x3.0';  Surf Br = 14.6;  PA = 37°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core and a much fainter disc, ~1.2'x0.4'

 

17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small but very bright core, stellar nucleus, thin extensions.  Located 10' NW of mag 8.3 SAO 118800 in the NGC 3640 group. 

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, very small bright core.  Located ~20' SW of NGC 3640.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3630 = h861 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "B; R suddenly much brighter middle to nucl: 25".  His two positions are very similar.  In the Slough Catalogue, he equated h861 with his father's H. II-32 but listed this object as a nova in the General Catalogue (GC).

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NGC 3631 = Arp 27 = VV 363 = UGC 6360 = MCG +09-19-047 = CGCG 268-021 = LGG 241-001 = PGC 34767

11 21 02.9 +53 10 10; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 5.0'x4.8';  Surf Br = 13.7

 

48" (4/4/11): beautiful face-on spiral of 4' diameter with two long, winding arms and branching extensions!  This very bright galaxy appeared sharply concentrated with an intensely bright small core that increased to an extremely bright stellar nucleus.  A prominent patchy arm was attached on the west side of the core and rotated counterclockwise to the north, then bent sharply back in a straight line to the east end of the galaxy. What appeared to be an offshoot arm turned counterclockwise on the east side and continued all the way to the south end of the galaxy.  The second arm was attached on the southeast end of the core and swept around the south side towards the west and then continued to the northwest end of the galaxy.  An offshoot or another patchy arm continued east near the edge of the northern halo.  The two main arms are nearly connected by a slightly brighter region on the south side.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): bright, large, round, 3.5' diameter.  Sharp concentration with a prominent core which brightens to a nearly stellar nucleus.  The outer halo fades into the background and shows a hint of the spiral arm structure.  Two mag 12-13 stars are 3.4' NE and 3.3' WNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3631 = I-226 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, R, small br nucl and vF halo of considerable extent, 3' or 4' dia."

 

Four observations describing spiral arms were made at Birr Castle.  On 30 Mar 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Spiral, with I think, two arms thus (thumbnail sketch). The arms are broken and of unequal light. There are bright patches at alpha (preceding the nucleus), beta (south preceding arm) and gamma (end of bright north following arm)."  A week later he logged "Spirality seen as in last observation. The following branch comes down past the other, doubling over it and seems to originate from the preceeding side of nucleus. Very patchy."

 

The1880 publication has a thumbnail sketch and the 1861 publication has a drawing (Plate XXVII, fig 20).  Both show the main features that can be confirmed on the DSS.

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NGC 3632 = NGC 3626 = UGC 6343 = MCG +03-29-032 = CGCG 096-029 = PGC 34684

11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3626.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3632 = H. II-30 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and described a "pB neb, it seems to contain stars; it is of some extent."  There is nothing at his position (objects found in his early sweeps often have fairly large offset errors), but 24 seconds of RA west and 12' N is NGC 3626.  Dreyer states in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues, "not seen by d'Arrest (5 times), is no doubt [II-30] = II 52 = NGC 3626 only 24 seconds preceding and 12' N."  Herschel observed II-52 a month later on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and called it "a neb like II 51 but a little longish."  So, NGC 3632 = NGC 3626.  Dreyer's conclusion was repeated by Karl Reinmuth in his photographic survey of the NGC.

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NGC 3633 = UGC 6351 = MCG +01-29-032 = CGCG 039-126 = PGC 34711

11 20 26.2 +03 35 08; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 72°

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is off the west edge.  Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.9 SAO 118799.  NGC 3640 lies 21' SSE.  Member of the NGC 3640 group.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3633 = Sw. 6-40 on 23 Mar 1887 and reported "vF; S; R; nearly between a pB star and a faint star."  His position and description matches UGC 6351.

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NGC 3634 = VV 724 = MCG -01-29-008 = PGC 34714

11 20 30.3 -09 00 51; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 11.7

 

24" (3/9/13): faint, extremely small, round, 8"-10" diameter.  Situated at the west edge of brighter NGC 3635, appearing as a small knot.  The surface brightness is relatively high (similar to the nucleus of NGC 3635), so this galaxy was fairly easy to see at 375x.  A mag 13.5 star is ~30" W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3634 = LM 2-433, along with NGC 3635, on 24 Jan 1887.  His (single) position is very close to the double system MCG -01-29-008 and -009.

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NGC 3635 = VV 724 = MCG -01-29-009 = PGC 34717

11 20 31.4 -09 00 49; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 18°

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 30"x20", very small brighter nucleus.  NGC 3634, a very compact interacting companion, is attached on the west edge.  A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' W.

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.  NGC 3634 was not seen.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1' W.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3635 = LM 2-434, along with NGC 3634, on 24 Jan 1887.  His (single) position is very close to the double system MCG -01-29-008 and -009.

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NGC 3636 = MCG -02-29-019 = LGG 235-001 = PGC 34709

11 20 25.1 -10 16 55; Crt

V = 12.4;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, bright core, round.  Located just 1.8' NW of mag 6.6 SAO 156618!  Forms a pair with similar NGC 3637 3.8' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3636 = H. II-550 = h862, along with NGC 3637, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597).  He recorded them together as "Two, stellar, vF, vS.  A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found the pair again in 1880 and reported them as new in his Copernicus discovery list: "2 planetary nebulae, B star between" in his Copernicus discovery.

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NGC 3637 = MCG -02-29-020 = LGG 235-002 = PGC 34731

11 20 39.5 -10 15 27; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, bright core, round.  Located 3.0' NE of mag 6.6 SAO 156618.  Forms a pair with NGC 3636 3.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3637 = H. II-551 = h863, along with NGC 3636, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597).  He recorded them together as "Two, stellar, vF, vS.  A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common rediscovered the pair in 1880 and reported them as new in his Copernicus discovery list: "2 planetary nebulae, B star between"

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NGC 3638 = MCG -01-29-007 = PGC 34688

11 20 10.0 -08 06 21; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 2.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 141°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter along the major axis.  With averted vision, there are hints of longer extensions.  Forms the western vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12 stars 3.4' E and 4.3' NE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3638 = L II-435 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.8, 0.4' dia, 2 star 10m following."  His position is 0.6 min of RA east of MCG -01-29-007 = PGC 34688 and his description matches two mag 12 stars 3'-4' northeast and southeast.

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NGC 3639 = UGC 6374 = MCG +03-29-036 = CGCG 096-032 = PGC 34819

11 21 35.7 +18 27 30; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 27°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.  Located 2' N of a mag 12 star.

 

Birr Castle assistant R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3639 on 21 Jan 1855. He logged "about 15' following [NGC 3626] and a little north is a neb.  S, R, pF, very little brighter middle."  Dreyer added the comment "d'Arrest could not see [NGC 3639], perhaps the observation from 1855 was of some other neb. in this neighborhood."  But the position matches UGC 6374 = PGC 34819, so there is no question regarding the identification, altlhough UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label this galaxy as NGC 3639.

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NGC 3640 = UGC 6368 = MCG +01-29-033 = CGCG 039-130 = PGC 34778

11 21 06.8 +03 14 05; Leo

V = 10.4;  Size 4.0'x3.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 100°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 2' diameter, strong concentration with an intense oval core.  The nucleus is small, round and very bright.  Forms a very close pair with NGC 3641 2.4' SSE.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): bright, moderately large, small very bright core, oval halo 3:2 E-W, 15" substellar mottled nucleus.  A mag 14 star is 2.3' N.  Brightest in a group and forms a close pair with NGC 3641 2.5' SSE.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): at 182x and 226x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval halo ~5:4 E-W of low surface brightness, ~2.0'x1.6'.  Strongly and sharply concentrated with an unusually bright core that increases steadily to a nearly stellar nucleus.

 

8" (4/24/82): bright, moderately large, bright core, slightly elongated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3640 = H. II-33 = h864 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and logged "a nebula like the former [pB, bM, vS], but a good deal larger and more regular; almost cometic."  His RA is poor (not uncommon in the early sweeps) -- 50 seconds too large -- but there are no other bright nearby galaxies.  John Herschel logged "B; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3641 = UGC 6370 = MCG +01-29-034 = PGC 34780

11 21 08.8 +03 11 40; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; between pretty faint and moderately bright, round, 40" diameter, sharp concentration with a small bright nucleus.  The halo seems more extensive to the south of the nucleus.  Located 2.6' SSE of the center of much brighter and larger NGC 3640.

 

17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close pair with bright NGC 3640 2.6' NNW.

 

14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; nearly fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, small brighter nucleus.  A mag 12 star is 3' SW.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3641 = m 220 = T. 1-34 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "F, vS, alm stell."  His position matches UGC 6370.  Wilhelm Tempel found this galaxy in 1876 and reported NGC 3641 as new in his first discovery paper with description "Small and faint, Class III; NGC 3640 is 2' south."

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NGC 3642 = UGC 6385 = MCG +10-16-128 = CGCG 291-062 = PGC 34889

11 22 17.9 +59 04 28; UMa

V = 11.2;  Size 5.4'x4.5';  Surf Br = 14.5;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, fairly large, round, even concentration down to a very bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Appears mottled (knot?) on the west side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3642 = H. I-245 = h865 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "p or cB, pS, R, very gradually brighter middle."  His position is within 1' of the center of UGC 6385.  Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 19 Apr 1862, noted "bright nucleus and I suspect it either a spiral or an annular neb."

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NGC 3643 = MCG +01-29-036 = CGCG 039-136 = PGC 34802

11 21 25.0 +03 00 50; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.4

 

24" (5/20/20 and 5/24/20): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, brighter core, 40"x20", overall fairly low surface brightness.  A mag 13.2 star is 1' SE of center.

 

SN 2020hvf, a Type Ia supernova in NGC 3643, was discovered about a month ago (Apr 21) at 22" E of center (at the east edge of the galaxy). At 13th magnitude, the SN was similar in brightness to the mag 13.2 star just 45" to its SSE, and was bright enough to detract from viewing the galaxy!

 

17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE.  A mag 13 star is at the SE edge 1.0' from center.  NGC 3644 lies 12' S.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3643 = m 221, along with NGC 3644, on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS".  His position matches CGCG 039-136 = PGC 34802.

 

The RNGC misidentifies CGCG 039-143 = PGC 34817 as NGC 3643 (listed in my RNGC Corrections #2).  See Harold Corwin's NGC notes for more errors in the modern identifications.

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NGC 3644 = IC 684 = UGC 6373 = MCG +01-29-037 = CGCG 039-139 = PGC 34814

11 21 32.9 +02 48 37; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 63°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broad weak concentration.  A mag 12.5 star is just off the SW edge.  IC 683 and CGCG 039-134 (1.3' pair) lie 3.6' S and 4 members of Shkh 352 were seen 5' N.

 

IC 683: faint, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.

CGCG 039-134: extremely faint, round, 15" diameter, only occasionally popped

 

48" (4/4/11): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 40"x16", contains a bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 40" SSW of center.  Shkh 352, a rich group of faint galaxies, lies 5' N in the field.

 

17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE.  A mag 13 star is at the SW edge 0.6' from center.  Located 12' ESE of mag 8.3 SAO 118800 in the NGC 3640 group with NGC 3643 12' N.  A very faint quartet of galaxies is midway between NGC 3644 and NGC 3643.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3644 = m 222 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS."  His position matches UGC 6373 = PGC 34814.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 14 Apr 1888 and assumed it was new, and recorded #163 as a "small nebula with a mag 12.8 situated in PA 214° at 0.5'." His position is a bit off to the north and Dreyer recatalogued this galaxy as IC 684.  So, NGC 3644 = IC 684.

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NGC 3645 = NGC 3630: = UGC 6349 = MCG +01-29-031 = CGCG 039-124 = PGC 34817

11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3630.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3645 = H. II-32 = h867 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, vS, bM so that it resembles an irregular nebulous star."  His position, reduced correctly by Caroline, falls 3' south of NGC 3643 (much too faint to fit his description), in a group of very faint galaxies.  But it is also 70 seconds of RA due east of NGC 3630, a bright galaxy that fits the description.  John Herschel has a single observation, giving a very rough position (near his father's) but the description of h867 ("pB; S; E; bM") applies to NGC 3630.  In fact, JH suggested the equivalence in the GC, though Dreyer rejected this in the NGC Notes section because Tempel claimed an observation of NGC 3645 (h867).

 

The identification of H. II-32 was analyzed by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal #73, Alister Ling in issue #87 and Harold Corwin in his NGC/IC identification notes. They all conclude that NGC 3645 is likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3630.  RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 039-143 as NGC 3645.

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NGC 3646 = UGC 6376 = MCG +03-29-037 = CGCG 096-034 = PGC 34836

11 21 43.1 +20 10 10; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 3.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 50°

 

48" (5/16/12 and 4/6/13): this showpiece spiral appeared bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  The visual treat was a prominent lens or eye-shaped ring surrounding the core!  The ring was slightly brighter in an arc along the north side.  At the west edge of this arc was a very faint quasi-stellar knot (SDSS J112141.34+201039.0, V = 17.2).  Another section of the ring that stands out is along the southwest edge, with a brighter linear piece about 40" long that has several SDSS designations.  The interior of the ring is fairly dark near this section as well as other sections, providing a good contrast between the core and ring.  A very small, weak brightening was also noted on the northeast end of the ring.  A mag 14 star lies 1.4' NW of center and a mag 16 star is 1' SSE of center.

 

17.5" (4/14/01): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3'x2' SW-NE.  Gradually increases to a brighter 30" oval core.  A quasi-stellar nucleus is occasionally visible with direct vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 3649 7.8' ENE.

 

13.1": moderately bright and large, elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus.  An extremely faint star or knot is involved.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3646 = H. III-15 = h866 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded "Two, a Large nebula [NGC 3646] followed by a small one [NGC 3649], in the same field of view with it.  The large one is extremely and small one still fainter, so that I did not perceive it immediately.  I suppose the large one cannot be less than 5 or 6' of extent."  Earlier in the sweep he discovered the pair NGC 3226 and 3227.

 

John Herschel logged "F; L; E; 2' long.  The sp of two [with NGC 3649]."

 

Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 13 Apr 1852, remarked "L neb [NGC 3646] is bM.  It has a knot in sp end and a dark curved passage on p and n sides of centre; Spiral."  This description is similar to the view in Jimi Lowrey's 48".

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NGC 3647 = CGCG 039-135 = Shkh 352-1 = PGC 34794

11 21 32.6 +02 53 14; Leo

V = 14.6;  Size 0.6'x0.45';  PA = 73°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x15", low surface brightness.    Brightest in a quartet with CGCG 039-140 0.8' NE, CGCG 039-141 1.5' E and CGCG 039-142 1.7' NE.  All three were very faint, round, ~12" diameter.

 

48" (4/4/11): fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, small bright nucleus.  First in the dense Shkh 352 cluster (7 members within 2') with 6 galaxies close following including Shkh 352-6 0.8' SE, CGCG 39-140 0.8' NE and Shkh 352-3 1.5' ENE.  Located 4.6' N of NGC 3644 (brightest nearby galaxy) and 11' ENE of mag 8.1 HD 98603.

 

Shkh 352-2: fairly faint, very small, round, 14" diameter, very small bright nucleus.  Located 0.8' NE of NGC 3647 (Shkh 352-1) in a dense group of compact galaxies.  CGCG 39-141 lies 50" E and Shkh 352-6 lies 42" S.

 

Shkh 352-3:  faint, very small, round, 14" diameter.  In a very rich, group of faint, compact ellipticals with CGCG 139-140 = Shkh 352-2 0.8' W, CGCG 139-142 = Shkh 352-4 0.7' N, Shkh 352-7 0.7' NE and NGC 3647 1.5' WSW.

 

Shkh 352-4: fairly faint, very small, round, 12", very small bright nucleus.  Located 0.9' NE of CGCG 39-140 = Shkh 352-2 and 0.7' N of Shkh 352-3 in the core of this compact cluster.  Shkh 352-7 lies 45" ESE.

 

Shkh 352-5: extremely faint and small, 6" diameter.  Furthest north in tight group of 7 members of Shkh 352, packed into a 2' circle.  Located 42" N of CGCG 39-142 = Shkh 352-4.  A mag 16 star lies 35" NW.

 

Shkh 352-6: very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter.  This member of Shkh 352 forms the southern vertex of a tiny quadrilateral with NGC 3647 = CGCG 39-135 0.8' NW, CGCG 39-140 0.7' N and CGCG 39-141 1' NE!

 

Shkh 352-7: faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter, bright stellar nucleus.  Located 40" NE of Shkh 352-3 and 45" ESE of CGCG 039-142 = Shkh 352-4.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3647 = m 223 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted an "eF neb. star."  His position falls in a tight quartet including CGCG 039-135, -140, -141 and -142.  Bigourdan misidentified a star as NGC 3647.

 

Various modern sources pick all four of these compact galaxies as NGC 3647!  NED, HyperLeda and NGC/IC Project (Corwin) identifies CGCG 039-141 as NGC 3647, CGCG identifies CGCG 039-142 as NGC 3647, and the RNGC position falls on CGCG 039-140.  But CGCG 039-135 is the brightest visually in the quartet!  So, although the identification is uncertain with 4 close candidates, the 2014 version of Harold Corwin's NGC positions file also identifies CGCG 039-135 as NGC 3647.

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NGC 3648 = UGC 6389 = MCG +07-23-043 = CGCG 213-043 = CGCG 214-002 = LGG 236-001 = PGC 34908

11 22 31.5 +39 52 37; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 75°

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6'.  Contains a small, round, bright core with a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located 18' S of mag 6.6 SAO 43717 and 7' ESE of mag 9.7 SAO 43713.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3648 = h868 on 18 Mar 1831 and noted "pB; pmE; S; has a suspicious nucleus, as if a vF close double star."  The coordinates are marked uncertain, but his position is just 1' S.

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NGC 3649 = UGC 6386 = MCG +03-29-038 = CGCG 096-036 = IC 682 = PGC 34883

11 22 14.8 +20 12 30; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4' (viewed oval core only).  A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge [23" from center].  Forms a pair with NGC 3646 7.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3649 = H. III-16 = h869, along with NGC 3646 (see notes), on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146).  John Herschel made two observations of the pair and his mean position is fairly accurate.

 

Lewis Swift possibly found the galaxy on 22 Apr 1889. He assumed it was new and recorded it in his 8th discovery list, #56 (later IC 682) with description "eF; eS; R; vF * close np."  There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east is NGC 3649 and the description applies.

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NGC 3650 = UGC 6391 = MCG +04-27-031 = CGCG 126-043 = PGC 34913

11 22 35.4 +20 42 15; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.7'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 54°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.2', irregular surface brightness, small brighter core.  Situated 2.7' SE of a mag 11 star.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3650 = Sw. 3-60 on 5 Mar 1886 and noted "eF; S; R; between 2 stars."  His position is 16 sec of RA west of  UGC 6391, though this galaxy is south of two brighter stars.

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NGC 3651 = HCG 51A = UGC 6388 = MCG +04-27-028 = CGCG 126-042n = Holm 249a = WBL 326-004 = PGC 34898

11 22 26.3 +24 17 56; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

48" (4/18/15): NGC 3651 is the brightest member of the HCG 51 septet.  At 488x, it appeared moderately to fairly bright, round, 0.6' diameter.  It forms a merged double system with HCG 51F at the south edge.  The companion is faint to fairly faint, very small, elongated 2"1 ~N-S, ~12"x6".  The two galaxies were not fully resolved but there is a dip in brightness at the point they merge.  NGC 3653 lies 1.5' SE.

 

HCG 51G, just 28" SE, is a faint, round, quasi-stellar knot under 10" diameter.  MCG +04-27-030 = HCG 51D is 1' E and appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, brighter nucleus. CGCG 126-040 = HCG 51B is 2.8' W and the largest in the septet.  It appeared moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a small bright core.  Most catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 2759, which lies 1' further NNW.  IC 2759 = HCG 51E is also moderately bright but small, round, 18" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small bright core.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this is the brightest member of the HCG 51 quintet.  Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.8', small brighter core.  Forms a small isosceles triangle with NGC 3653 (51C) 1.4' SE and MCG +04-27-030 (51D) 1.0' E.  MCG +04-27-026 (51B) lies 2.7' W and brighter IC 2759 (51E) is 1' N of 51B.

 

MCG +04-27-026 is very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Larger of close pair with IC 2759 1.0' N but has a significantly lower surface brightness.  Modern catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 2759.  IC 2759 is faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Finally MCG +04-27-030 is extremely faint and small, 12" diameter.  It's the faintest of five in HCG 51.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3651 = H. III-335 = h870, along with NGC 3653, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394). His description reads, "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest.  I saw them both very well with 240.  About 2 or 3' from each other."  John Herschel noted "F; R; gradually brighter in the middle; the np of 2."

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NGC 3652 = UGC 6392 = MCG +06-25-055 = CGCG 185-049 = Ark 291 = LGG 236-002 = PGC 34917

11 22 39.0 +37 45 54; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 2.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 150°

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a bulging core and much fainter extensions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3652 = H. II-775 = h871 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915). He logged "pB, cL, lE, very gradually much brighter middle."  NGC 3652 was discovered by WH (II 775).  John Herschel noted (single observation) "F; pL; wires visible in twilight."

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NGC 3653 = HCG 51C = MCG +04-27-029 = CGCG 126-044 = Holm 249b = PGC 34905

11 22 30.1 +24 16 45; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85°

 

48" (4/18/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  NGC 3653 is the second brightest member of HCG 51 with slightly brighter NGC 3651 (and companions) 1.5' NW.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus.  Second brightest in HCG 51 quintet with brightest member NGC 3651 1.4' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3653 = H. III-336 = h872, along with NGC 3651, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394).  His description reads, "Two, both vF and vS.  The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest.  I saw them both very well with 240x.  About 2 or 3' from each other."  John Herschel noted "vF; the sf of 2."  His position was 45" too far SE.

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NGC 3654 = UGC 6407 = MCG +12-11-022 = CGCG 334-029 = PGC 35025

11 24 10.9 +69 24 47; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 27°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, brighter along the major axis, very small bright core.  Situated midway betwen a mag 12 star 3.1' NE and a mag 13 star 3.4' SW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3654 = H. II-880 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036).  He recorded "faint, small, little extended from sp to nf, brighter middle."  Another observation was made on 7 Dec 1801 (sweep 1105), noting "faint, small, little extended from sp to nf but not far from the meridian, gradually brighter middle."

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NGC 3655 = UGC 6396 = MCG +03-29-039 = CGCG 096-037 = LGG 237-003 = PGC 34935

11 22 54.7 +16 35 24; Leo

V = 11.6;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 30°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, very well concentrated with a relatively large bright core and an intensely bright small nucleus.  Member of a group (LGG 237) that includes NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, prominent core, stellar nucleus, fainter extensions, high surface brightness.  A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' ENE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated.  Located 45' WNW of a mag 6 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3655 = H. I-5 = h873 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 71) and recorded "A nebula.  F, not of the cometic kind, but seem to be resolvable.  It is of a roundish shape, but not regular."  John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3656 = Arp 155 = VV 22a = UGC 6403 = MCG +09-19-063 = CGCG 268-029 = PGC 34989

11 23 38.5 +53 50 32; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.6'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 7°

 

48" (4/6/13): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.3'x1.0', large very bright core but no distinct nucleus.  A mag 12.7 star is just off the west edge of a large, diffuse halo.  A dust lane or absorption patch is evident on the north side as a region of lower surface brightness.

 

MCG +09-19-64, a merging companion, is attached at the southern edge of the halo [40" S of center].  It appeared faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x15". PGC 2452556, 2.3' ENE, was a fairly faint, fairly small, roundish glow, 15" diameter, with a brighter core.

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, round, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, fairly weak concentration with a brighter core.  A mag 12 star is just off the west side, 45" from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3656 = H. II-782 = h874 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920). He recorded "pB, S, R, very gradually much brighter middle, just following a small star."  John Herschel logged "pB; R; very gradually little brighter middle; 20"; a * 12m preceding." and measured a very accurate position.

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NGC 3657 = UGC 6406 = MCG +09-19-065 = CGCG 268-030 = LGG 241-010 = PGC 35002

11 23 55.6 +52 55 15; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.4'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, small bright core.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3657 = H. III-768 = h876 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He noted "very faint, very small, stellar, left doubtful."  His declination was 3' too far south but John Herschel measured accurate position (used in the NGC).

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NGC 3658 = UGC 6409 = MCG +07-24-002 = CGCG 214-003 = LGG 236-003 = PGC 35003

11 23 58.3 +38 33 45; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, symmetrical appearance.  Located 15' SW of NGC 3665 and 9' SE of mag 9 SAO 62530.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3658 = H. IV-59 = h877 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915).  His description reads, "considerably bright, small, round, bright nucleus. The nucleus considerably well defined, and the chevelure [halo] very faint."  The description was included in his 1791 paper on "Nebulous Stars." and he was confident of the connection between the star and the nebulosity.

 

John Herschel made two observations and noted, "Nothing remarkable in its character to place it in the 4th class."  The fourth class included planetary nebulae, but also oddballs such as "stars with burs, with milky chevelure, with short rays, remarkable shapes etc."  About 40 seconds later he discovered NGC 3665.

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NGC 3659 = UGC 6405 = MCG +03-29-040 = CGCG 096-038 = LGG 237-004 = PGC 34995

11 23 45.3 +17 49 04; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 2.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated WSW-ENE. Member of the LGG 237 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3659 = H. II-53 = h878 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "F, S, r."  John Herschel measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3660 = UGCA 234 = MCG -01-29-016 = Mrk 1291 = PGC 34980

11 23 32.2 -08 39 31; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 110°

 

48" (4/21/17): at 697x and 813x; this multi-armed barred spiral appeared bright, large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~2.8'x2.1'.  The core consists of fairly narrow bar oriented NNW-SSE with a bright quasi-stellar nucleus at the center.  Subtle spiral structure was evident in the halo with a couple of long spiral arcs, though the contrast was too low to distinguish complete arms.  A mag 11.5 star is 2' NE of center and three mag 10-12.5 star are ~5' E.

 

LEDA 1000714, a Hoag-type Ring galaxy ("Burcin's Galaxy") lies 4' WSW. The core of this Hoag-type Ring appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, brightens slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  The detached ring (roughly 1' across and mag V = 17.7) was not seen, though Jimi had pops of the northeast section.

 

48" (5/12/12): fairly bright, large, oval 5:4 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x2.0', well concentrated with a bright, elongated core that seems to contains a brighter bar.  The outer halo fades out gradually and increases in size with averted vision.  LEDA 1000714 (Ring Galaxy) lies 4' W and LEDA 3081853 is 4.4' SE.

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly large, round, ~2' diameter with averted vision, broad concentration but then suddenly increases to a small nucleus.  A faint star is off the west edge 1' from center.  A trio of mag 10-12 stars follows by ~5'.  Located 19' NE of mag 6.9 HD 98853.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3660 = H. II-635 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 705) and noted "F, pL, irregularly round, very gradually brighter middle."  His position matches MCG -01-29-016 = PGC 34980.

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NGC 3661 = IC 689 = MCG -02-29-022 = PGC 34986

11 23 38.4 -13 49 51; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 137°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very elongated NW-SE.  A string of three mag 11 stars begins 1.6' S and continues to the SE.  NGC 3667 lies 10' E.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3661 = H. III-530 = h3339 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, stellar."  His position is 2' due south of MCG -02-29-022 = PGC 34986.  John Herschel described NGC 3661 as "faint; small; round; gradually brighter middle."  The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3667]."

 

Ormond Stone found the galaxy again on 1 Jan 1889 with the 26-inch at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and assumed it was new.  His micrometric position (#421 in the LM Southern Nebulae list) matches PGC 34986.  Dreyer didn't catch the equivalence, but IC 689 = NGC 3661.

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NGC 3662 = UGC 6408 = MCG +00-29-025 = CGCG 011-086 = PGC 34996

11 23 45.6 -01 06 12; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'.  There is a fairly bright star ~mag 13.5 which is superimposed about 10" NE from the geometric center and appears similar to a bright stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3662 = H. IV-4 = h879 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153). He recorded "an extremely faint nebula, consisting of a nucleus with a vF, S, brush south preceding.  The brush is not regularly fan shaped." He sketched it as a fan with a stellar point at the W end.  Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper (fig. 5) that "a very small star has an extremely faint and very small nebula attached to it in the shape of a puff.".  He gave this example as evidence of a union of attraction between the nebula and the star.  John Herschel called this object a "star 13-14 m with a F, S, nebulous brush."

 

Wolfgang Steinicke, in "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters" states Julius Schmidt found NGC 3662 on 29 Mar 1862 with a 15.7-cm refractor and described an "exceedingly faint, object with slight central condensation." There was a controversy involving a number of observers whether this was a "variable nebula" (like NGC 1555) as either this galaxy or a nearby star appeared in the BD catalogue (BD -1° 2436) and marked as a nebula.  Involved in the controversy were Julius Schmidt, d'Arrest, Hermann Goldschmidt, C.H.F. Peters and Argelander.  The end result is that Argelander found a mistake occurred in the BD entry and the star should not have been marked as nebulous.

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NGC 3663 = MCG -02-29-023 = PGC 35006

11 23 59.8 -12 17 47; Crt

V = 12.5;  Size 2.1'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, low even surface brightness.  Two mag 13 and 15 stars are at the NE edge 39" and 57" from the center, respectively.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3663 in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector and recorded "eF, fan-shaped, star close".  There is nothing at his position but 15' north is MCG -02-29-023 = PGC 35006 and two stars are at the northeast side of this galaxy.  Common's position for his 32 discoveries are consistently poor in declination (obtained from reading the setting circle), so this identification is very plausible.

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NGC 3664 = Arp 5 = VV 251 = UGC 6419 = MCG +01-29-041 = CGCG 039-170 = VIII Zw 146 = LGG 233-004 = PGC 35041

11 24 24.8 +03 19 39; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 2.0'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

48" (5/12/12): This disrupted spiral was a fascinating sight in Jimi Lowrey's 48-inch. The brightest feature is a very knotty 1' irregular bar oriented SW-NE, containing at least three brighter knots. The brightest knot is at the northeast end with at least two very close knots on the southwest side. A very short offshoot extends just north of the northeast end.  Fainter haze surrounds the bar on the NW and SE sides.

 

The second brightest feature is a detached, mottled "arm segment" on the southwest side that's oddly cocked (NW-SE) perpendicular to the bar. As it appeared detached from the bar, it didn't seem like it was part of a spiral feature.  But this arm segment dims significantly and continues curving clockwise around the south and east side, making a low surface brightness outer loop or ring, reaching around to the other side of the bar!  Then I realized the bar was noticeably offset towards the northwest side within a rounder 1.6' outline.

 

NGC 3664A, situated 6.2' south, is a much fainter disturbed companion that was likely involved in a train wreck with NGC 3664 during an earlier encounter.  NGC 3664 is a 30" fairly low surface brightness glow with a broad concentration, but it didn't reveal any irregular structure. UGC 6417, a more challenging edge on, is another 5' further south.

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration, ~2' diameter.  Nearly collinear with a wide pair of mag 10.5/12.5 stars 3' SE with a mag 10.5 star 7' NW also on this line.  In addition, three mag 13 stars to the east are collinear!  Located 20' W of a mag 6.7 star. This Arp galaxy has an unusual extension that juts at a 90° angle from the main body.

 

13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, slightly elongated ~N-S.  Two stars lie SE and a bright star (82 Leo) is ~20' E.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3664 on 14 Mar 1879 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Italy. He called it a double nebula with the two nuclei separated by 15"-20", so he resolved the two brightest "knots" along the central bar.  The discovery was reported in a short note in AN 94, p. 335.

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NGC 3665 = UGC 6426 = MCG +07-24-003 = CGCG 214-004 = LGG 236-004 = PGC 35064

11 24 43.7 +38 45 47; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 30°

 

18" (5/30/03): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.4'x1.6', strong concentration with a very bright core which increases to the center.  A mag 14.5 star lies 1.6' N of center, outside the halo.  NGC 3658 lies 15' SW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.3', increases to very bright core, stellar nucleus, fainter elongated halo.  A mag 15 star is off the north edge.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3665 = H. I-219 = h881 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915).  He recorded "very bright, considerably large, very gradually much brighter middle, irregular figure."  About 40 seconds earlier he had discovered NGC 3658, situtated 15' SSW.  A sketch (fig. 20) was including in his 1811 publication as representative of "Nebulae that are gradually much brighter in the middle."

 

John Herschel made two observations, first logging it on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335) as "very bright; round; pretty gradually much brighter middle; 50"; resolvable."

 

The RNGC has a typo in the declination, which is listed as 2 deg 54' instead of 38 deg 54'.

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NGC 3666 = UGC 6420 = MCG +02-29-025 = CGCG 067-071 = PGC 35043

11 24 26.2 +11 20 31; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 4.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 100°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, elongated ~E-W, bright core, sharper light cut off on the east side.  A mag 14 star is 1.5' NNE of center.  Located 9' SW of mag 5.8 Rho (30) Virginis.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3666 = H. I-20 = h882 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "Extended, resolvable.  A very bright star may be taken into the field with it."  The "very bright" star is mag 5.8 HD 99196.less than 10' NE.

 

John Herschel observed it on 3 sweeps, first on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242): "eF; 2nd or 3rd class.  The bright star 1341 A.S.C. follows it.  This neb must have changed greatly if it ever belonged really to the 1st class."

 

Winnecke wrote a paper in 1879 (AN 2293) claiming this nebula displayed "periodic variability".  As "proof" Winnecke mentioned that William Herschel placed this nebula in his first class of "Bright Nebula", but John Herschel called it "eF, 2nd or 3rd class."  Winnecke described it as "pretty bright", while d'Arrest in 1863 termed it "subobscura".  Dreyer found it barely visible in 1887 with a 10-inch Grubb refractor at Armagh but in 1891 he it appeared bright.

 

Dreyer was critical of reports of variability of nebulae in general and commented in an 1891 paper: "this is a diffused nebula with a very slight central condensation" and "the appearance of objects of this kind is far more influenced by the state of our atmosphere than that of nebulae with a distinct condensation."  Wolfgang Steinicke discusses these cases on page 519 of his book on the history of the NGC.

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NGC 3667 = (R)NGC 3667A = MCG -02-29-025 = Holm 252a = PGC 35028

11 24 17.0 -13 51 26; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, round, small bright nucleus.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3667A = MCG -02-29-026 1.1' E.  The companion appeared faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  NGC 3661 lies 10' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3667 = H. III-531 = h3340 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548). He noted "considerably faint, very little brighter in the middle, stellar."  John Herschel recorded "pF; R; 20"; has 3 stars 10 mag near it, with the two following of which it makes an equilateral triangle.

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NGC 3668 = UGC 6430 = MCG +11-14-023 = CGCG 314-026 = PGC 35123

11 25 30.4 +63 26 46; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 137°

 

17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', mottled appearance.  Well concentrated with an elongated core and a bright nucleus.  A mag 15 star is superimposed at the northwest end 0.6' from center.  Located 2.6' NE of a mag 10 star.

 

Forms a pair with CGCG 314-028 = Arak 293 9.7' E, at the edge of the 225x field.  The Arakelian galaxy (catalogue of high surface brightness galaxies) appeared fairly faint, very small, round.  Appears a compact fairly high surface brightness glow about 20" diameter.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3668 = H. II-845 = h880 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and noted "vF, pS."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is 14 sec of RA west of UGC 6430.  The mag 15 star superimposed on the northwest side is mentnioned in the UGC notes as a galaxy, but it appears stellar on the SDSS.

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NGC 3669 = UGC 6431 = MCG +10-16-135 = CGCG 291-067 = PGC 35113

11 25 26.7 +57 43 17; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.2'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 153°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3669 = H. II-829 = h883 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, E, easily resolvable."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel made a single observation and logged "vF; mE; very little brighter middle; 60" length."

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NGC 3670 = UGC 6427 = MCG +04-27-033 = CGCG 126-048 = PGC 35067

11 24 49.7 +23 56 43; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35°

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'.  Moderate concentration with faint extensions and a small, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3670 = H. III-337 = h884 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S."  His single position (Caroline's reduction) is 4' northwest of UGC 6427, the brightest galaxy in the vicinity.  John Herschel called this galaxy "eF; vS; R" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3671 = CGCG 291-068 = PGC 35149

11 25 52.5 +60 28 46; UMa

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint and small, round.  A mag 14.5 star is close east.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3671 = H. III-922 = h885 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039).  He noted "very faint, very small, 2 very small stars in it."  One of these "small stars" is probably the nucleus.  This galaxy is certainly one of the faintest and smallest discovered by Herschel.

 

John Herschel's position matches CGCG 291-068 although his description reads "This must be my father's neb, but it is a suspicious object and I doubt whether it be not a little knot of 3 or 5 stars."  Only a single mag 14.5 star is close following.

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NGC 3672 = MCG -02-29-028 = UGCA 235 = LGG 235-003 = PGC 35088

11 25 02.5 -09 47 40; Crt

V = 11.4;  Size 4.2'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 8°

 

14.5" (4/13/23): at 158x; fairly bright, large, elongated 2:1 N-S and 5:2 with averted, ~3.0'x1.3'. Contains a large brighter middle (about 1.5' diameter) with weak concentration and no nucleus. The surface brightness is irregular or mottled. Spiral structure is suggested with the fainter southern portion of the halo enhanced in a thinner arc.  IC 688 lies 20' W.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 N-S, weakly concentrated to the center.  Brightest in a small group that includes NGC 3636 and 3637 (LGG 235 = USGC S165).

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, diffuse.  Located 20' W of a mag 7.5 star.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3672 = H. I-131 = h886 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and reocorded "cB, E, 4 or 5' long and near 4' broad, gradually brighter in the middle."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" reflector, assumed it was new, and reported #17 as "pB, L, bM, E 180°" in his Copernicus discovery list.  On 15 Feb 1868, C.E. Burton (observer at Birr Castle) recorded, "Sharper faint than p, curved horn towards sf?  Deep concavity on faint side, poiints of light suspected on nucleus."  This detailed description appears to confuse the E-W directions.

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NGC 3673 = ESO 503-016 = MCG -04-27-010 = UGCA 236 = PGC 35097

11 25 12.8 -26 44 12; Hya

V = 11.5;  Size 3.6'x2.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 70°

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 2.0'x1.4', broad concentration to halo.  Appears brighter along the major axis like a bar (verified on the DSS) with a very small brighter core.  Two mag 11.5 and 13 stars following closely, 2' and 1.5' from the center.  Located 8' N of mag 8.7 SAO 179863.

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE.  Contains a bright 45" elongated core embedded in a much faint halo, ~2.5'x1.5'.  Within the halo is the strong impression of a bar and the galaxy is locally brighter immediately following the bar.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3673 = h3341 on 22 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; vL; very gradually little brighter middle.  Several small stars near, and one = 7m nearly south, at 6' distance. HIs position and description matches ESO 503-016.

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NGC 3674 = UGC 6444 = MCG +10-16-138 = CGCG 291-069 = PGC 35191

11 26 26.6 +57 02 54; UMa

V = 12.2;  Size 1.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 33°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3683 lies 13.6' SE and NGC 3683A is 23' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3674 = H. II-886 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038). He logged "pretty bright, irregular figure."  This was the last of 19 galaxies discovered in a very productive sweep in Ursa Major. The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate. 

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NGC 3675 = UGC 6439 = MCG +07-24-004 = CGCG 214-005 = PGC 35164

11 26 07.8 +43 35 06; UMa

V = 10.2;  Size 5.9'x3.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 178°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 4'x1.5', very bright sharply defined elongated core, substellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the SSW edge 2.0' from the center.  A dust lane is evident by a sharper light cut-off along the east side of the core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3675 = H. I-194 = h887 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "vB, mE in the meridian, BN."  John Herschel made two observations, first noting on 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), "vB; L; mE; very suddenly much brighter middle; 2' long, 40" broad.  Many stars 14 and 15 mag precede."  On 17 Mar 1849, George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "Dark space [dust lane] following centre strongly suspected."  As a result, the galaxy was included in the list of objects with "dark spaces" in Lord Rosse's 1850 publication. 

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NGC 3676 = MCG -02-29-029 = PGC 35131

11 25 37.5 -11 08 23; Crt

V = 13.6;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 151°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus.  Located in an asterims of 5 mag 11.5-12.5 stars with two mag 11.5 stars just 1' NNE and 1' SE.  Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.

 

Frank Muller discovered NGC 3676 = LM 2-436 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position, but 30' south is MCG -02-29-029 = PGC 35131 and his comment "2 st 10 nf, sf" matches this galaxy perfectly.  NGC 3676 was not recovered by Bigourdan because of the poor discovery position.

 

RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and MCG -02-29-029 is not labeled as NGC 3676 in the MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide, Megastar, etc.

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NGC 3677 = UGC 6441 = MCG +08-21-035 = CGCG 242-035 = PGC 35181

11 26 17.7 +46 58 26; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 130°

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'.  Weak, even concentration to a small, brighter core.  Collinear with two mag 11 stars 4' and 6' NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3677 = h888 on 19 Mar 1828 and noted "S; R; very suddenly brighter in the middle to a * 16m."  His mean position from 2 observations is 1' north of UGC 6441.

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NGC 3678 = UGC 6443 = MCG +05-27-071 = CGCG 156-075 = WAS 21 = KUG 1123+281 = PGC 35177

11 26 15.7 +27 52 01; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, fairly even surface brightness.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3678 = h889 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 25".  Is 2' sp a * 12m."  His position and description matches UGC 6443.

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NGC 3679 = MCG -01-29-021 = Mrk 1294 = PGC 35165

11 26 08.6 -05 35 09; Leo

Size 1.0'x0.5';  PA = 178°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.3', fairly even surface brightness.  Three mag 14 stars are within 2'.  Located 4.6' SSE of a mag 10 star. The NGC identification is very uncertain and NGC 3679 may apply to MCG -01-29-012 = PGC 34844.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3679 = H. III-112 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205). He recorded "extremely faint, considerably large, round, resolvable.  Just preceding, and very near a bright star.  The nebulosity touches the star.  There is so much moonlight that I do not see it satifactory, and am, even not without some doubts as to the reality, but must defer the verification till a darker night."  There is nothing near his position.

 

Dreyer noted that Herschel couldn't find this nebula again on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 673).  He "Looked for the Nebula III. 112 and though the night is apparently not a bad one, I could not find it.  I examined a great part of the heavens in this neighborhood but saw nothing of it."  He searched again unsuccessfully on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 912), but found another nebula - probably MCG -01-29-021 - "making a trapezium with 2 small stars".  NGC 3915 = H. III-113, the next object found in the sweep, also cannot be identified with any confidence.  Dreyer concludes that III-112 is probably nonexistent.

 

See Harold Corwin's discussion of the identities as well as Wolfgang Steinicke in his book on Herschel's sweeps (p. 258-259).  Corwin and Steinicke conclude that NGC 3679 might be MCG -01-29-012, located 2.4' S of of mag 7.8 HD 98750.  The RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) identify PGC 35165 as NGC 3679.  But there is no bright star matching the original description/  My visual description refers to PGC 35165.  Interestingly, Spitaler also identified this galaxy as NGC 3679 in an 1892 observation and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3680 = Cr 247 = ESO 265-032

11 25 37 -43 15 00; Cen

V = 7.6;  Size 12'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): scattered group of a dozen stars at 105x in 7' but with an interesting arrangement as many of the stars form two intersecting lanes crossing at a right angle.  Includes a few mag 10-10.5 stars.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3680 = D 481 = h3342 on 7 May 1826 and recorded (based on 4 observations), "a cluster of stars, about 10' diameter, mixt magnitude. This precedes 25 Centauri."

 

On 3 Feb 1835 (sweep 542) John Herschel logged "cluster VIII class, 60 or 70 stars 11..13th mag in a compact round space, 10' diameter." On 24 Feb 1837 (sweep 774) he wrote, "not very rich but a good cluster; gradually compressed in the middle, large, rich, very scattered, almost fills field, stars 10..14th mag."

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NGC 3681 = UGC 6445 = MCG +03-29-048 = CGCG 096-045 = LGG 237-005 = PGC 35193

11 26 29.8 +16 51 48; Leo

V = 11.2;  Size 2.5'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 170°

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, roundish, contains a relatively large brighter core which is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus.  A string of 3 stars extends to the ENE of the galaxy, the last is an uneven double [~7" separation].  First in a bright quartet (part of the LGG 237 group) with NGC 3684 14' NE, NGC 3686 28' NE and NGC 3691 24' ENE.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus.  On a line with two stars mag 11 and 12 3.0' NE and 4.7' NE.  First of four in the NGC 3686 group with NGC 3684 14' NNE, NGC 3691 24' ENE and NGC 3686 28' NE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3681 = H. II-159 = h891 = h3343 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "pB, S, bM, rather too large to be called stellar."  His position is 18 sec of RA west of UGC 6445.  John Herschel made three observations at Slough (measuring an accurate position) and one at the Cape of Good Hope.

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NGC 3682 = UGC 6459 = MCG +11-14-027 = CGCG 314-029 = PGC 35266

11 27 41.2 +66 35 23; Dra

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 95°

 

18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.6'x0.45'.  Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright, 20" core and a much fainter halo.  Located on the Draco-Ursa Major border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3682 = H. I-262 = h890 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "cB, vS, iF.  A sort of a nucleus with a vF nebulosity about it."  His RA was 92 tsec too large and dec 3' too large.  John Herschel logged "pB; R; very suddenly much brighter middle almost to a *; 30" dia." and his position matches UGC 6459.

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NGC 3683 = UGC 6458 = MCG +10-16-143 = CGCG 291-072 = PGC 35249

11 27 32.0 +56 52 37; UMa

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 128°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core.  In a low power field with NGC 3674 14' NW and NGC 3683A 21' NE.   NGC 3683A was noted as moderately bright and large, oval ~SW-NE, broad concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the northeast edge, 1.7' from center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3683 = H. I-246 = h892 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "F, pL, iR."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is 17 sec of RA too small.  John Herschel noted "E.  haze so that I can barely be certain that a nebula exists.", but his position is very accurate!

 

Sir Robert Ball observed NGC 3683 on 1 Mar 1867 as an assistant to the Earl of Rosse.  He reported finding another nebula described as "pF, pL, round, little brighter middle, following half a field of finder and about the same amount north of [NGC 3683].  Unless there is

some mistake (f for p) this must be a nova, otherwise it must be 2415 [= NGC 3674].  A * near."  Ball's description points to NGC 3683A = UGC 6484, which is 14' E and 15' N of NGC 3683, matching about half a finder field (~30').  Dreyer didn't assign this object a NGC designation as he didn't confirm it in a later observation on 1 Apr 1878.  Corwin suggests he perhaps didn't look far enough northeast of NGC 3683 to pick up NGC 3683A.

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NGC 3684 = UGC 6453 = MCG +03-29-050 = CGCG 096-047 = LGG 237-006 = PGC 35224

11 27 11.2 +17 01 48; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.1'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130°

 

24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, irregular halo increases in size with averted, ~1.6'x 1.2'.  Contains a relatively large brighter core that is nearly round and is very weakly concentrated to the center.  Middle of three bright galaxies that are nearly collinear with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE.  NGC 3691 lies 15' ESE. These galaxies are part of the LGG 237 group.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Second of three on a line with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE.  Also, NGC 3691 lies 15' SE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, round.

 

John Herschel found NGC 3684 = h893 on 17 Mar 1831 and logged "cB; L; E; very gradually brighter middle; 100" diameter."  JH made a total of three observations and d'Arrest measured the position on 5 nights.  JH is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.

 

But Wolfgang Steinicke found that WH probably discovered this galaxy on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198).  After discovering NGC 3681, he turned north and found another new object, H. II-160, which he described as "cL, R, brightest in the middle but the brightness goes off very gradually."  His position is poor -- 35 sec of RA west and 10' north of NGC 3684 and also 68 sec of RA west and 2' south of NGC 3686.  Both JH and Dreyer assumed II-160 applied to NGC 3686 but Wolfgang states that WH didn't move his telescope that far north in the sweep and discovered NGC 3684 instead.

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NGC 3685 = MCG +01-29-045 = CGCG 039-192 = Todd 9 = PGC 35305

11 28 16.2 +04 19 39; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.5'x0.2';  PA = 140°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 229x and 327x; faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, ~20"x15".  Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two 13th mag stars 2' NE and 2' E..

 

18" (4/30/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Forms the western vertex of a triangle with two mag 13 stars 2' NE and 2' E.  Forms a close pair with UGC 6466 just 1' SW. It was suspected but I wasn't able to confirm this very low surface brightness spiral.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3685 = Todd 9 on 11 Dec 1877 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698).  I was unable to identify this object but Corwin found a match with CGCG 039-192.  He describes this as "the higher surface brightness component of a pair of CGCG galaxies; the other is UGC 06466, a pretty low surface brightness barred spiral."  I confirmed Todd's offsets for the nearby stars, so this identification is certain.  The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, though NED and HyperLeda identify NGC 3885 = CGCG 039-192

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NGC 3686 = UGC 6460 = MCG +03-29-051 = CGCG 096-049 = LGG 237-007 = PGC 35268

11 27 44.1 +17 13 26; Leo

V = 11.3;  Size 3.2'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, very large, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad mild concentration with a relatively large slightly brighter core and a small brighter nucleus.  A 14th magnitude star is on the south edge of the halo, 1.2' from center.  The halo extends ~2.5'x2.0' and encompasses this star.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): brightest and largest in a group (LGG 237) with NGC 3681, NGC 3684 and NGC 3691.  Elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.4', brighter core.  An extremely faint star or knot is involved.  A mag 11 star lies 2.6' N of center.  NGC 3684 is 14' SSW and NGC 3691 19' SSE.

 

8" (4/24/82): brightest of trio, moderately bright and large.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3686 = H. III-28 = h894 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "vF, L, r."  His position is 15 sec of RA due east of UGC 6460.  His observation of II-160 a month later on 17 Apr 1784 was assumed by JH and Dreyer to be a duplicate observation, but Wolfgang Steinicke analyzed the sweep and found II-160 applies to NGC 3684 instead.

 

JH observed h894 on 3 sweeps recording "pB; pL. (N.B. II 160 and III 28 are probably identical".  On a second sweep he noted "B; L; R; bM; has a L star north and a smaller one south".  Finally he logged "B; vL; E; very gradually brighter middle; 2' diam.  Near a *."  Dreyer followed JH's comment in his first sweep and commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the transit for II 160 must have been recorded 1 tmin too late.

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NGC 3687 = UGC 6463 = MCG +05-27-073 = CGCG 156-078 = Mrk 736 = PGC 35285

11 28 00.6 +29 30 39; UMa

V = 12.0;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round.  Seems to have an irregular surface brightness with a very small, slightly brighter condensation in the halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3687 = H. II-770 = h895 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 909) and noted "pB, pL, R, little brighter in the middle."  John Herschel made 5 observations of this galaxy.

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NGC 3688 = MCG -01-29-024 = PGC 35269

11 27 44.4 -09 09 56; Crt

V = 14.3;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.2;  PA = 10°

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.35', low even surface brightness.  Located 7.6' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3688 = LM 2-437 in 1886 and noted "lE in PA 0°."  His position is an unusually good match with MCG -01-29-024 = PGC 35269, and his position angle is similar.  Steinicke lists the discoverer as Ainslie Common, but the closest entry in his list (#17) is a much better match with NGC 3672.

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NGC 3689 = UGC 6467 = MCG +04-27-037 = CGCG 126-057 = PGC 35294

11 28 11.0 +25 39 41; Leo

V = 12.3;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 97°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): moderately bright, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.3'x0.8', broadly concentration to a brighter core.  The core brightens but no distinct nucleus.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, round.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3689 = H. II-339 = h897 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pF, pS, irr."  John Herschel logged "B; pL; gradually brighter in the middle; lE".  His position is just of the south side of UGC 6467.

 

On 22 Feb 1857, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) recorded, "Slightly E sp/nf, gradually brighter in the middle, faint nucleus.  I have a faint suspicion that it has a curve to it, like a right-handed spiral."

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NGC 3690 = Arp 299 = VV 118 = UGC 6471 = UGC 6472 = MCG +10-17-003 = MCG +10-17-005 = CGCG 291-073 = Mrk 171a/b = Holm 256a/b = PGC 35321

11 28 32.3 +58 33 43; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 2.9'x2.1';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 50°

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x, the southwest component (VV 118b) of NGC 3690 appeared as a very bright, elongated, irregular knot of high surface brightness.  Contains a very bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.  The northeast component (VV 118a) is the larger of the merged interacting pair [~20" between nuclei] and appeared bright, moderately large, ~1' diameter, small very bright core.  A very low surface, asymmetric halo extends on the northwest side of the bright pair.  The southwest component is generally misidentified as IC 694, which is described below.

 

VV 118d/e, probably HII regions, are just 45" NW of NGC 3690 (just outside the halo).  Occasionally an extremely faint and small glow popped in this position, 6"-8" diameter.  IC 694, ~1' NW of the bright pair, was easily visible as a fairly faint, slightly elongated glow, 15"x12", weak concentration.  PGC 35345 (the brighter component of Arp 296) lies 2.6' NE.  It was also a direct vision, fairly faint glow, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 24"x18", increasing to a very small brighter core.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): NGC 3690 is a disrupted, interacting double system (Arp 299).  This unusual pair appears moderately bright, fairly small, elongated E-W.  The appearance is confusing with two very small "knots" in a common halo elongated E-W (20" between centers).  On the west side is a fairly bright virtually stellar "knot", which is probably the nucleus of the brighter member of NGC 3690.  There is a small fainter unconcentrated extension on the following end and the two components are not individually resolved.  With averted vision, IC 694 was barely glimpsed as an extremely faint spot about 1' NW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, irregular, mottled appearance.  A mag 14 star is superimposed on the west side and an extremely faint mag 15.5 star or knot is involved.  This is a disrupted interacting system which includes IC 694.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3690 = H. I-247 = h896 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, lE, mbM."  On 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) he logged "vB, pL, lE near the parallel, but a little from nf to sp."  John Herschel reported "B; R; pretty gradually brighter middle.  Query whether there be not a * excentric towards the south-following side." The "star" may refer to the companion on the south side.  On 27 Jan 1852, LdR's assistant Bindon Stoney described the system as "Neb div into two parts, faint appendage np about one dia distant."

 

Swift also noticed it was double in 1883, writing in Sidereal Messenger IV (p39), "mentioned to all observers as very little elongated.  Chancing to run across it with a power of 132, I immediately suspected it to be a close double, which suspicion a power of 200 confirmed.  It is probably the closest double nebula known."  Swift reobserved the galaxy on 18 Apr 1892 (list X) and noted "vs, close D with [NGC] 3690, suspected with 132, ver with 200".  This is nearly identical to his 1883 comments.  Dreyer entered Stoney's and Swift's second component as IC 694 -- but did they apply to the same object?

 

Usually, IC 694 is identified as the southwest component of the interacting double system NGC 3690 and this is likely what Swift resolved in his first observation.  But Stoney's earlier observation clearly resolved NGC 3690 into two components as well as picking up the extremely faint 16th mag galaxy (MCG +10-17-002a = VV 118c) "one diameter" NW of the NGC 3690 system.  Based on Stoney's observation, it is reasonable to assign IC 694 or IC 694B to MCG +10-17-002a = VV 118c.

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NGC 3691 = UGC 6464 = MCG +03-29-053 = CGCG 096-050 = LGG 237-008 = PGC 35292

11 28 09.4 +16 55 11; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 15°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; fairly bright, moderately large, sightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad weak concentration but no core or nucleus.  Last in a group (LGG 237 = USGC U376) and a prominent quartet with NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.

 

13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, slightly elongated, moderately large, even surface brightness.  Last of four in the NGC 3686 group.  Located 19' SSE of NGC 3686 and 15' SE of NGC 3684.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3691 = H. II-54 = h898 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "vF, S, r."  His position is 35 sec of RA east of UGC 6464 (the previous object in the sweep, NGC 3686, was 15 sec too far east).  He found this galaxy a month later (17 Apr 1784, sweep 198) and logged "not F, S, R."  John Herschel measured the position twice, but made the single description "F; E; 40"; has a * 10m 5' sp".  Heinrich d'Arrest also measured an accurate position (2 nights).

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NGC 3692 = UGC 6474 = MCG +02-29-032 = CGCG 067-084 = PGC 35314

11 28 24.0 +09 24 27; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 3.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 95°

 

18" (5/3/11): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.4'x0.4'.  Extends at least 80% of the separation (2.9') of two mag 13/13.5 stars to the NE.  Well concentrated with a bright core that gradually increases to very small nucleus.  The halo fades at the tips and only extends the estimated diameter with averted vision.  Located 10' SE of mag 9.6 HD 99621.  A group of IC galaxies, including IC 696, lies 20' S and NGC 3705 is 27' ESE.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, thin edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.0'x0.4', very small bright core.  A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 2.3' from the center.  NGC 3705 lies 26' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3692 = H. II-152 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "F, mE, r." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 7' N of UGC 6474.  Neither John Herschel nor d'Arrest made an observation.  The GC position (revised by Tempel) is also too far north.  The NGC position is 9 seconds of RA too small and 2' too far south.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna.

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NGC 3693 = MCG -02-29-032 = PGC 35299

11 28 11.5 -13 11 41; Crt

V = 12.3;  Size 3.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 E-W, very small bright core.  A mag 12 star is 3.3' WSW.  Located 10' SE of mag 8.3 SAO 156691.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3693 = H. III-532 = h3344 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, lE, very little brighter middle."  John Herschel logged "F; pmE in parallel; gradually pretty much brighter middle; 20"."  The NGC misidentifies h3334 as NGC 3693 (typo).

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NGC 3694 = UGC 6480 = MCG +06-25-076 = CGCG 185-070 = PGC 35352

11 28 54.1 +35 24 50; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 11.8;  PA = 120°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 30"-40" diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  Brightest in a pretty similar trio of NGC 3695 11' NNE and NGC 3700 11' NE (both with uncertain NGC identifications).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3694 = h899 on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "Not vF; R; suddenly brighter in the middle almost to a star; 20" diameter."  His position matches UGC 6480.

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NGC 3695 = NGC 3698 = UGC 6490 = MCG +06-25-078 = CGCG 185-071 = PGC 35389

11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus with direct vision at 280x.  A mag 14 star lies 1.7' SE.  In a trio with NGC 3694 11' SSW and NGC 3700 5.7' SE.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 3695 on 31 Mar 1867 in his observation of NGC 3694.  He described "3 faint nebula forming a triangle certainly seen here and one or more susp in the neighborhood.  There being no great difference in brightness, it is not easy to see which is h899 [NGC 3694].  The 2 nf ones, pos 310°, dist 339" [5564 and 5566]."  The relative position for the latter two exactly match NGC 3695 = GC 5564 = UGC 6490 and NGC 3700 = GC 5566 = UGC 6494.

 

But on 18 Mar 1876 Dreyer reobserved NGC 3694 and stated "nnp is a pS, eeF neb [=5564] in PA 357.2°, Dist 256.7"."  This was the position Dreyer used in NGC for NGC 3695 and it corresponds with mag 14.8 star at 11 28 53.1 +35 29 00 (2000).  In the same observation, Dreyer notes "about 15' n and a few minutes f is another eF, vS neb [5565] with an ef* 2' sf."  Apparently he felt this object was not observed on 31 Mar 1867 so he assigned it separate designations GCS 5565 = NGC 3698, but his rough description applies to UGC 6490 = NGC 3695, which has a mag 14.4 star 1.7' southeast.  So, most likely NGC 3698 is a duplicate observation of NGC 3695.

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NGC 3696 = PGC 35340

11 28 43.9 -11 16 58; Crt

Size 1.2'x1.0';  PA = 90°

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, elongated 4:3 E-W, ~16"x12".  There appeared to be a mag 15.5 star superimposed NE of center.  Located 3.2' NW of a mag 10 star.

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, very small, round.  Only glimpsed with averted, though the observation was likely made through clouds that I noticed afterwards.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3696 = LM 2-438.  There are no pertinent notes (simply described as round) or sketch found for this object and nothing at his position.  But 10 sec if RA east and 10' north is the faint galaxy PGC 35340.  NGC 3696 was not recovered by Bigourdan and the identification with PGC 35340 is uncertain.

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NGC 3697 = UGC 6479 = MCG +04-27-042 = CGCG 126-061 = HCG 53A = Holm 258a = WBL 335-001 = PGC 35347

11 28 50.4 +20 47 43; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 2.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 93°

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; the brightest of four in HCG 53 appeared bright, large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, 2.0'x0.5'.  Strong concentration with a bright elongated core or bar.

 

HCG 53B: moderately bright, small, round, high surface brightness with a relatively large, very bright core.

HCG 53C: fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, nearly even surface brightness.

HCG 53D: faint, small, elongated 5:2 E-W.  Easily visible and could hold continuously. Located 38" N of a 12th magnitude star.

SDSS J112853.30+204424.3: extremely faint, small, ~15" diameter, very low irregular surface brightness.  Located 1.4' W of HCG 53B at the same redshift.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): brightest of three in the HCG 53.  Fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, weak even concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 13 star 1.8' SE.  The mag 13 star is on a line midway to a pair of close companions MCG +04-27-044 (HCG 53B) 4.0' SE and MCG +04-27-045 (HCG 53C) 3.3' SE.  IC 700 lies 13.9' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3697 = h900 on 24 Feb 1827 and noted "eF; vS; E in parallel."  His position and description matches UGC 6479.

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NGC 3698 = NGC 3695 = UGC 6490 = MCG +06-25-078 = CGCG 185-071 = PGC 35389

11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 165°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3695.

 

J.L.E. Dreyer found NGC 3698 on 18 Mar 1876 while an assistant at Birr Castle.  He noted that "about 15' north and a few minutes following [NGC 3694] is another eF, vS neb with an eF* 2' sf."  This description appears to match NGC 3695 = UGC 6490, which was discovered 9 years earlier by Sir Robert Ball on 31 Mar 1867 (see notes on N3695).  The actual separation is 11' but there is a faint star 2' SE.  So NGC 3698 = NGC 3695.

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NGC 3699 = PK 292+1.1 = ESO 129-21 = PN G292.6+01.2 = Ced 114 = Hf 62

11 27 58.4 -59 57 37; Cen

V = 11.0;  Size 71"

 

24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this showpiece planetary appeared very bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter.  It displayed an excellent contrast response using an UHC filter at 200x.  The planetary is bisected by a prominent, broad dark rift that slashes through the planetary from WSW to ENE (like Centaurus A!).  The northern lobe is the more prominent: both larger and brighter.  The shape of this lobe is semicircular with a round, outer periphery but with a fairly straight edge SW-NE in the interior due to the dark rift.  The center of the dust lane is south of the geometric center of the planetary, giving an asymmetric distribution to the lobes.  The rift itself is widest at the ENE end and tapers down towards the WSW end.  Superb view at 350x as the extra magnification increases the contrast and confirms that the south lobe is fully detached by the dust lane at the WSW end.  The compact planetary He 2-67 lies in the same field 11' SE.

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 100x, this planetary appeared moderately bright and large, ~60"-65" in size.  There was a good contrast gain with a UHC filter at 105x and 166x and it appeared brightest on the north side of the planetary.  A dark rift running WSW-ENE appears to nearly detach the smaller and fainter southern section.

 

18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this interesting planetary is moderately bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter with some faint stars superimposed.  With the UHC filter the appearance is very unusual with a dark rift bisecting it in a WSW-ENE orientation just below the geometric center.  At 228x, the northern "hemisphere" is both larger and brighter with an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is ~1' NW.  This is a fascinating planetary set in a beautiful Centaurus star field with an appearance similar to faint HII region or a small version of Cen A!

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3699 = h3345 on 1 Apr 1834 and recorded "B; pL; irr R; pgpmbM; 90"; r.  Almost resolved. It is, however, by no means a mere knot of the Milky Way."  Joseph Turner sketched this planetary on 8 Apr 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope.  It accurately showed two segments cut by a "dark channel on the following side".  The dark lane is oriented NE-SW with the cut off section to the east much smaller and the dark lane slightly wider at the NE end.  Robert Innes observed it with the 9-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg in 1914 and called it "a faint nearly round nebula 60" in diameter, mag = 14th."

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NGC 3700 = UGC 6494 = MCG +06-25-079 = CGCG 185-073 = PGC 35413

11 29 38.6 +35 30 53; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 130°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration.  Similar to NGC 3695 5.7' NW and third in trio with NGC 3694. The orientation given matches the main bar - a fainter outer ring oriented NW-SE was not seen.

 

Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 3700 on 31 Mar 1867 while observing NGC 3694.  Ball mentions "the 2 nf ones, Pos 310, Dist 339" which precisely matches the separation and position angle of UGC 6480 and UGC 6494.  This suggests NGC 3694 = UGC 6480 and NGC 3700 = UGC 6494, despite the NGC position for NGC 3700 off by 20 tsec in RA and 6' in dec.

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NGC 3701 = UGC 6493 = MCG +04-27-048 = CGCG 126-068 = PGC 35405

11 29 28.9 +24 05 36; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 145°

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weak concentration with a central bulge.  A mag 14 star lies 0.9' N of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3701 = H. II-349 = h901 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "F, pL, of an irregular triangular form."  Caroline's reduction is 4.4' northwest of UGC 6493 (an similar offset with several objects in the sweep).  John Herschel noted "pB, lE" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3702 = MCG -01-29-026 = PGC 35448

11 30 13.4 -08 51 47; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 158°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3702 = LM 2-439 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gradually brighter in the middle, *10  precedes 30s; *10 follows 30s."  There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA east and 8' north is MCG -01-29-026.  A mag 9-10 star is 20 sec of RA east (and 1.8' north) and a mag 13 star is 20 sec of RA west, both plausible candidates but not a certain match.  RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 3702, but MCG does not label it as such.

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NGC 3703

11 29 36 -08 37; Crt

 

= Not found, RNGC.  = PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47?, Corwin

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3703 = LM 1-187 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) but Corwin suggests a possible identification with PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47.  He notes, though, the sketch "only vaguely matches the galaxy (and its surrounding stars)" so this identification is uncertain.  The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3704 = MCG -02-29-037 = PGC 35435

11 30 04.6 -11 32 47; Crt

V = 13.5;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 150°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.  A mag 15 star is 42" E of center.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3707 1.7' E.  Located 2.6' ESE of a mag 10 star.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3704 = T. 1-35 = T. 5-10 on 23 Feb 1878 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]."  His micrometric position matches MCG -02-29-037 = PGC 35435, the brighter of the pair.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common independently discovered this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector and described "2 [along with NGC 3707], F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between."  Common's single position is 13' north of MCG -02-29-037 but his description is a perfect match with the pair.  The NGC description for NGC 3704 mentions a mag 9-10 star 2' SSE of NGC 3704, although the bright star is actually 2.6' WNW.  The RNGC and MCG position is 2' too far north.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that Swift's IC 703 might be a duplicate observation of NGC 3704.

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NGC 3705 = UGC 6498 = MCG +02-29-039 = CGCG 067-093 = Holm 259a = PGC 35440

11 30 07.4 +09 16 37; Leo

V = 11.1;  Size 4.9'x2.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 122°

 

18" (5/3/11): very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE (with averted vision), 3.5'x1.5'.  Contains a large, brighter core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus [a star is superposed at the NW edge of the nucleus].  Outside the central region, the outer halo fades rapidly but doesn't have a distinct boundary.

 

17.5" (2/28/87): bright, fairly large, small bright core, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.6'.  NGC 3692 lies 26' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3705 = H. II-13 = h902 = h903 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 84) and recorded "a pL nebula.  It is probably a faint cluster of stars, not being of the cometic kind."  John Herschel made two observations, but his PD differed by 5' and his descriptions were sufficiently different he assumed h902 and h903 were perhaps different objects.  But Dreyer notes that "only one nebula seen by William Herschel, John Herschel, d'Arrest, Vogel, Tempel and Lord Rosse", so h902 = h903 = H. II 13 = NGC 3705.

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NGC 3706 = ESO 378-006 = MCG -06-25-022 = PGC 35417

11 29 44.4 -36 23 29; Cen

V = 11.3;  Size 3.0'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78°

 

13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0'.  Contains a bright, sharply defined 40" core and much fainter extensions.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3706 = h3346 on 1 May 1834 and noted "pB; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 20"."  His mean position (from 3 observations) matches ESO 378-006.  Joseph Turner observed the galaxy on 24 Feb 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and wrote the center has quite a stellar appearance, as if a star of about the 12th mag ..the center." (p.204 in logbook, the last object he transcribed from his notebook)

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NGC 3707 = PGC 35446

11 30 11.5 -11 32 37; Crt

V = 15.4;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint and small, round.  Picked up 2.6' E of NGC 3704.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3707 = T. 5-10b on 23 Feb 1878.  He noted NGC 3704 as "Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]."

 

Andrew Common made an independent discovery in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector (along with NGC 3704) and described "2, F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between."  Common's single position (obtained roughly using his setting circles)  is 13' north of the pair MCG -02-29-037 = NGC 3704 and PGC 35446 = NGC 3707.  His description applies, though, as there is a mag 15 star between the two galaxies.  Dreyer credits both Tempel and Common with the discovery in the NGC.  Howe could only find NGC 3704 on 4 nights of searching with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

 

The NGC summary descriptions (from Tempel?) for both NGC 3704 and NGC 3707 has errors.  The description for NGC 3707 mentions a "*15 (neb?) 2s following", which actually describes the mag 15 star 2.8 tsec following NGC 3704.  See RNGC Corrections #4.

 

For some reason, the RNGC ignores the second fainter galaxy of the pair and lists NGC 3707 as nonexistent.

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NGC 3708

11 30 42 -03 13; Leo

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3708 = LM 1-188 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin, even with Stone's field sketch.

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NGC 3709

11 30 42 -03 15; Leo

 

= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3709 = LM 1-189 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3710 = UGC 6504 = MCG +04-27-052 = CGCG 126-078 = PGC 35502

11 31 07.0 +22 46 05; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, round, well-defined 30" halo is weakly concentrated but no noticeable core.  Located 4.5' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 81865.  A mag 15 star lies 1.3' SE and a pair of similar stars 2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3710 = H. II-350 = h904 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S."  Caroline's reduction is 5' north of UGC 6504.  John Herschel logged "F; has a *7.8 nf dist 5'." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3711 = MCG -02-29-035 = PGC 35392

11 29 25.5 -11 04 46; Crt

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 165°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3'.  Located 2.4' N of a mag 11 star.  The observation may have been made through some clouds.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, round.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' S of center.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3711 = LM 2-440 in 1886.  His position is 1.5 min of RA following MCG -02-29-035, but his description of a "*9, 4' S." is a reasonable match (a mag 11 star is 2.5' south).  Howe's corrected RA in the IC 2 notes is accurate.

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NGC 3712 = Arp 203 = UGC 6506 = MCG +05-27-082 = CGCG 156-090 = PGC 35507

11 31 09.2 +28 34 05; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 160°

 

18" (3/17/07): UGC 6506, the galaxy identified as NGC 3712 in the RNGC and PGC, appeared extremely faint, small, elongated.  Occasionally it was glimpsed as a very low surface brightness hazy patch with no concentration.  It extended perhaps 0.4'x0.2' in the direction of a couple of stars with a third star nearby making a triple.  Located ~8' NE of mag 6.7 HD 100041.

 

More likely NGC 3712 is a duplicate observation of NGC 3714.  See observing notes for that number.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3712 = h905 on 26 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; R; suddenly much brighter middle."  The following month he noted "F; vS; R; bM."  Neither description is helpful in identifying this number and his one good position (first observation) falls on a blank patch of sky, roughly 8' from both NGC 3714 and UGC 6506.  Bigourdan and Reinmuth were unsuccessful in finding h905.  RNGC and RC3 identify UGC 6506 as NGC 3712, but UGC, MCG and CGCG do not label this galaxy as NGC 3712.

 

Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3712 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3714 as he observed these objects on different sweeps and his position for NGC 3712 was far enough off that he assumed it was new.  See his identification notes for more.

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NGC 3713 = NGC 3927: = UGC 6511 = MCG +05-27-084 = CGCG 156-094 = PGC 35546

11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125°

 

18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', small bright core.  Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 13 star 8.5' WNW.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright core increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus, halo is ill-defined.  Brightest of 4 in region with NGC 3714 13' NNE, UGC 6522 11' SE and CGCG 156-92 5.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3713 = H. II-367 = h906 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, vS."  John Herschel made three observations and his mean position is accurate.  NGC 3927, discovered by Heinrich d'Arrest, is probably a duplicate observation with a 20 minute error in RA.  See that number.

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NGC 3714 = UGC 6516 = MCG +05-27-085 = CGCG 156-095 = PGC 35556

11 31 53.6 +28 21 31; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 68°

 

18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (like the core of a larger galaxy), moderate concentration though no nucleus.

 

18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration.  Appears similar to the core of a larger galaxy.  NGC 3713 lies 13' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, very compact galaxy ~20" in diameter, brightens somewhat to center.  Picked up at 100x along with brighter NGC 3713 located 13' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3714 = H. III-353 = h907 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "eF but doubtful.  I tried to verify it, but could not succeed."  His re-reduced RA is 38 seconds too large, but matches in declination and John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 3 sweeps (given in the GC and NGC).  There was a misprint in the PT catalogue of 10 tmin from the offset star, so Auwers questioned the identity of III-353.

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NGC 3715 = MCG -02-29-041 = PGC 35540

11 31 32.3 -14 13 53; Crt

V = 11.1;  Size 1.5'x1.0';  Surf Br = 11.4;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, even concentration, bright core, smoothly increases to core.  A mag 10.5 star is 5.0' NNW of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3715 = H. II-562 = h3347 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "F, S, bM, iF."  There is nothing at his position, but 35 sec of RA west and 2' north is MCG -02-29-041 = PGC 35540.  John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3716 = UGC 6513 = MCG +01-30-001 = CGCG 040-001 = PGC 35545

11 31 41.2 +03 29 16; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 0.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 150°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration.  Located just west of the midpoint of a line connecting two mag 10 stars oriented N-S and separated by 8'.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3716 on 6 Apr 1866 and recorded "faint, small.  West of a line connecting two mag 11/12 stars."  His position and description matches UGC 6513.

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NGC 3717 = ESO 439-015 = MCG -05-27-015 = UGCA 238 = PGC 35539

11 31 32.0 -30 18 28; Hya

V = 11.2;  Size 6.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 33°

 

48" (4/21/17): at 488x; very bright, large, nearly edge-on ~5:1 SSW-NNE, slightly bulges at the center.  Contains a large, very bright central section with a mag 12.5 star attached near the NNE end.  A sharp dust lane cuts off part of the central section along the northwest flank, partially hiding the core.  Only a very faint, thin strip of the galaxy on the northwest side of the dust lane was occasionally visible.  With averted vision the low surface brightness outer extensions (beyond the mag 12.5 star) were visible out to roughly 3.5' diameter. Forms a pair with IC 2913 7.4' SE. The companion appeared fairly bright, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate even surface brightness but with no obvious core/nucleus.

 

18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated SSW-NNE, 2.5'x0.5', small brighter core, fades at the ends of the thin extensions.  A mag 13 star is attached near the NNE end and this galaxy appears like a dagger attached to the brighter star.  Located 7' ESE of mag 9 SAO 179951.  Photographs reveal a strong dust lane but this was not noticed visually.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, thin, moderately large.  Located 10' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 179951 and 1° SSW of north Crateris (V = 5.8).  Forms a pair with IC 2913 7.3' SE (not seen).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3717 = h3348 on 29 Apr 1834 and recorded "pB; S; mE; attached to a star."  His position matches ESO 439-015.  He made a second observation the next sweep, though his position was 7' too far north.

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NGC 3718 = Arp 214 = UGC 6524 = MCG +09-19-114 = CGCG 268-048 = LGG 241-003 = PGC 35616

11 32 35.0 +53 04 05; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 8.1'x4.0';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 15°

 

48" (4/4/11): NGC 3718 is a very striking, distorted system with sweeping arms emanating from an oval main body crossed by a curving dust lane (reminiscent of Centaurus A).  At 375x it appeared very bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 N-S (including arms), ~6.5'x2.5', contains a bright round core.  A star is at the east edge of the core.  The main body is nearly split by a dust lane or gap oriented NW to SE, which is particularly evident on the NW side as a lane.  A spiral arm (perhaps 0.4' wide) is attached at the NW end and gently curves counterclockwise towards the NE.  The surface brightness is fairly low and the arm or wing dims as it extends nearly to the west of a mag 11 star located 4' NNE of center. The dust on the south side of the core covers a larger region and is concentrated just west of where the southern arm begins to emerge on the southeast end.  A fairly low surface brightness arm spreads south (wider than the northern arm), passing east of a wide mag 11 pair at 33" separation.  The overall visual impression is that the "arms" are really tidal tails being drawn out from a past interaction as the central body looks more like the merger of two galaxies resulting in the warped dust lane and "S" shaped body.  All five members of HCG 56 (located 7' S) were easily resolved.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, broad concentration, almost round.  Double star HJ 2574 = mag 11/11 at 35" separation is 2.2' SSW of center.  NGC 3729 lies 12' ENE.    Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 group, probably a subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group. The galaxy chain HCG 56 = UGC 6527 = VV 150 lies 7' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3718 = H. I-221 = h908 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919).  He recorded "pretty bright or considerably bright, round, very gradually much brighter middle, about 3' dia."

 

Birr Castle assistant Bindon Stoney reobserved it on 27 Jan 1852 and "found a neb strongly mottled, with stars inv."  A later observation in 1868 questioned if it was a double nebula.

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NGC 3719 = UGC 6521 = MCG +00-30-005 = CGCG 12-008 = Holm 260b = PGC 35581

11 32 13.4 +00 49 09; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.8'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately large, fairly diffuse, almost round, broad weak concentration.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3720 2.2' ESE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3719, along with NGC 3720, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint, difficult double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3720 = UGC 6523 = MCG +00-30-006 = CGCG 12-010 = Holm 260a = PGC 35594

11 32 21.6 +00 48 15; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharp concentration.  Appears smaller but slightly brighter than NGC 3719 2.2' WNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3720, along with NGC 3719, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination.  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3721 = PGC 35727

11 34 07.8 -09 28 01; Crt

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.5';  PA = 141°

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, oval 5:3 NW-SE, 24"x15", lens-shaped.  Two mag 15/15.5 stars lie 2' SE.  The identification of this galaxy with NGC 3721 is uncertain.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021 with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3721= LM 2-441 in 1886 and simply recorded "mag 15.5, 0.1' dia, R, gradually brighter in the middle."  There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin lists PGC 35727 as a possible candidate at 11 34 07.8 -09 28 01 (2000).  This galaxy is 1.5 tmin of RA east of Leavenworth's position (typical error) but matches in declination.  Corwin lists PGC 170156 as a preferable candidate at 11 31 53.4 -09 31 57.  This galaxy is 0.7 min of time west of Leavenworth's position but is 4.5' south (a less common error).  Finally, RNGC identifies MCG -01-30-003 as NGC 3721.  Although brighter than the other candidates, it is 1.7 min of RA east and 7' south of Leavenworth's position.  All in all, there is no compelling candidate to me.  See Corwin's identification notes for more.

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NGC 3722 = MCG -01-30-005 = PGC 35746

11 34 23.3 -09 40 48; Crt

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.4

 

24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness.  Brightest of four in a 4' string, including extremely faint MCG -01-30-006 = PGC 35753 just 0.7' NNE.  PGC 35753 appeared extremely faint to very faint, round, just 6" diameter!  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021.

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.  First of three in a 4' string with NGC 3724 1.8' NE and MCG -01-30-008 4' NE.  NGC 3730 (MCG -01-30-003) lies 6.4' NNW and NGC 3732 10' SSW.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  First of close trio with MCG -01-30-007 = NGC 3724 (uncertain ID) 1.8' NE and MCG -01-30-008 4.0' NE.  Also nearby is MCG -01-30-003 (possibly NGC 3730) 6.4' NNW and a two anonymous galaxies 9' and 10' NNE.  Located 10' NNE of NGC 3732.  The galaxies in this group have uncertain NGC designations due to poor positions by Leavenworth.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3722 = LM 2-442, along with NGC 3724, in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, round, 0.2', suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus, 1st of 2 [with N3724]."  There is nothing at his position, but this number is generally equated with MCG -01-30-005, which lies 1.8 min of RA east (good match in dec).  The error in RA is fairly common in the Leander McCormick observatory discoveries, though there is no galaxy southeast to match NGC 3724 (a companion is northeast).

 

Corwin proposes PGC 170153 as NGC 3722.  This galaxy is a closer match  in RA (less than 1 min of RA west) and agrees in declination.  Also, NGC 3734 would match IC 2910 in relative offset.  See NGC 3734.

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NGC 3723 = MCG -02-30-002 = PGC 35604

11 32 30.6 -09 58 11; Crt

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small round, 25" diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter nucleus.  In a group (USGC S171 at z = .021) of mostly faint galaxies with several uncertain designations (NGC 3721, NGC 3722, NGC 3724) ~35' NE, as well as NGC 3732 (z = .006), which is 26' ENE.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3723 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector.  His position is just 8 sec of RA following and 1.5' north of MCG -02-30-002 (relatively accurate compared to his generally poor positons).

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NGC 3724 = MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757

11 34 28.7 -09 39 37; Crt

V = 14.2;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 55°

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 24"x12", contains a small bright core with fainter extensions.  Middle galaxy in a 4' string with NGC 3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 = PGC 35771 2.4' ENE.  Both of these companions are comparable in brightness. Also much fainter MCG -01-30-006 is 1.1' SW.  PGC 35771 (labeled as NGC 3730 in the RNGC) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.15'.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) at z = .021.

 

18" (5/12/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 SW-NE, ~20"x12".  Second of three in a 4' string with NGC 3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 2.3' ENE.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE.  Brightest in close trio with MCG -01-30-005 = NGC 3722: 1.8' SE and MCG -01-30-008 2.3' NE, although still required averted vision.  The NGC identifications in the group (from Leavenworth) are uncertain due to poor positions and several nearby faint galaxies.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3724 = LM 2-443 in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, R, suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus, 2nd of of 2 [with NGC 3722]."  There is nothing at his exact position, though a number of candidates are in the area.  MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757 is often taken (RNGC, PGC, NED, HyperLeda) as NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-005 = PGC 35746 is taken as NGC 3722.  The MCG does not label MCG -01-30-007 as NGC 3724.  This pair is between ~1.7 min of RA east of Leavenworth's positions (not an uncommon error) though the relative orientation (southwest-northeast) is wrong.  Corwin proposes the identification NGC 3722 = PGC 170153 and NGC 3724 = IC 2910.  These two galaxies are less than 1 min of RA west of Leavenworth's position and match the correct orientation.

 

MCG -01-30-007 was possibly discovered by Andrew Common 6 years earlier with his 36-inch reflector.  In his description for NGC 3732 (#20), he mentions "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N", which appears to refer to MCG -01-30-005, -007 and -008, though Dreyer did not assign NGC designations to Common's trio.

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NGC 3725 = UGC 6542 = MCG +10-17-015 = CGCG 291-078 = CGCG 292-005 = Mrk 179 = PGC 35698

11 33 40.6 +61 53 16; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 145°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a small, slightly brighter coire.  A mag 14 star is 1' SE of center.  UGC 6528, 7.6' to the SW, is faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, low surface brightness. .  NGC 3762, a nice edge-on, lies 27' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3725 = H. II-836 = h909 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "F, S, R, r, almost of equal light throughout."  Caroline's reduced position is 1' south of UGC 6542.  John Herschel made two observations, noting (sweep 406) "Not vF; R: gradually brighter in the middle; 40"."

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NGC 3726 = UGC 6537 = MCG +08-21-051 = CGCG 242-045 = LGG 258-012 = PGC 35676

11 33 21.1 +47 01 45; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 6.2'x4.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 10°

 

48" (4/19/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, very large spiral, extending 3:2 N-S, 4.5' or 5' x 3'.  Contains a brighter, mottled central core that is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright roundish nucleus.  Two obvious spiral arms are attached on the N and S end of the central region.  The N arm is brightest at its root near the NE side of the core.  It rotates clockwise and sharply curls W and SW, then dims and ends W of the nucleus.  This arm appeared a bit thicker than the DSS2 image.  The southern arm shoots straight SE, and curls a bit E.  The arm contains a couple of slightly brighter HII patches including NGC 3726:[BKB2006] 2, situated 1.4' S of center.  The outer halo has a low surface brightness but extends to a mag 12.5 star 2.4' N of center.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, 5.0'x2.5', patchy mottled appearance, very small or stellar nucleus but no core.  A mag 12 star is at the north tip 2.4' from the center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup with the NGC 3992 (M109) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3726 = H. II-730 = h910 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, bM, 4' long and 3' broad, r."  His position is at the north edge of the galaxy.  John Herschel made two observations, first recording "pB; vL; E in meridian; very gradually brighter middle; 4' l, 2' br; has a * at its northern extremity."

 

William Rambaut, observing with LdR on 26 Mar 1848, recorded "Before nebula came into the field of the large finding eyepiece Lord Rosse observed a vF neb p it about 2m nearly in the parallel [likely CGCG 242-042, which was ignored in the GC and NGC].  [NGC 3726] is tolerably bright nucleus almost in centre; Lord Rosse at intervals perceived traces of spiral arrangement; dark black elliptical stripe a little above the nucleus."  R.J. Mitchell on 30 Mar 1856 wrote, "it appears of the shape annexed [sketch shows a dramatic "S" shaped (barred) spiral], which exaggerates.  There can be no doubt of the bend upwards at Alpha [shows the southeast arm] and of the darkness about the nucleus."  NGC 3726 was included in the list of spiral nebulae in the 1850 PT paper.

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NGC 3727 = PGC 35697

11 33 40.9 -13 52 44; Crt

V = 14.1;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 78°

 

18" (4/29/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  A mag 11.5 star lies 1.3' SE.  NGC 3734 lies 19' SE.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3727 = LM 2-444 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gradually brighter middle to a nucleus, *11, 1' SE."  His position is 0.8 min of RA east of PGC 35697 and the description applies.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (given in the IC 2 notes) with the 20" refractor at Denver.

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NGC 3728 = UGC 6536 = MCG +04-27-061 = CGCG 126-087 = PGC 35669

11 33 15.8 +24 26 49; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small.  Contains a bright core and stellar nucleus surrounded by faint extensions SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6'.  STF 1549, a nice mag 9/10 pair at 12" separation, lies 11' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3728 = H. II-351 = h912 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S."  Caroline's reduction was 3.8' northwest of UGC 6536.  John Herschel recorded "F; S; R; bM" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3729 = UGC 6547 = KUG 1131+534 = MCG +09-19-117 = CGCG 268-051 = LGG 241-004 = PGC 35711

11 33 49.3 +53 07 33; UMa

V = 11.4;  Size 2.8'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 15°

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.  A mag 11 star is on the SSW edge 57" from the center.  NGC 3718 lies 12' WSW.  Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 group, a subgroup of the M109 Group

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3729 = H. I-222 = h911 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He recorded "pretty bright, irregularly elongated, gradually brighter middle, nearly in the meridian [N-S], about 2' long.  John Herschel called this galaxy "Not B; L; lE; a *12 mag south-preceding very near the edge."  His position is accurate.

 

Birr Castle assistant Bindon Stoney made an observatio on 27 Jan 1852: "12' following [NGC 3718] is another neb, irregular, with a bright star in south edge and having dark lanes through it."

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NGC 3730 = MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35743

11 34 16.8 -09 34 34; Crt

V = 13.1;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 18°

 

24" (3/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~30"x24".  Sharply concentrated with a bright round core and a much fainter halo.  Forms a close pair with MCG -01-30-004, an extremely faint edge-on just 0.8' SSW of center.  This companion was only marginally glimpsed.

 

NGC 3730 is the brightest member of a group of galaxies USGC S171 at z = .021 (several with uncertain identifications) including MCG -01-30-005 (NGC 3722), -006, -007 (NGC 3724) and -008 roughly 6' SE.  Another trio of faint galaxies (LEDA 156711, 156714 and 156715) is ~6' NE.  Finally PGC 35727 (possibly NGC 3721) lies 7' NNW.

 

18" (5/12/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration with an occasional sparkle at the center (slightly brighter nucleus).  A group of 4 or 5 mag 14-15 stars follows.  Located 16' N of NGC 3732 and 10' NNW of a string of three galaxies (including NGC 3722 and NGC 3724).  LEDA 156711 (first in another extremely faint trio) lies 5' NE.

 

17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to center but no well-defined core.  Several fainter galaxies in field including the trio of NGC 3722, NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008 ~6' SE and a very faint pair of anonymous galaxies 4.5' NE and 7.0' NE.  The NGC identification is very uncertain as Leavenworth's position is a very poor match.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3730 = LM 2-445 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.6, 0.5' dia, lE 140°, gradually little brighter middle."  There is nothing at this position, though a number of galaxies to the east are possibilities.  In addition, Andrew Common, in his observation of NGC 3732, noted "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' n."  Dreyer assumed one of these was Leavenworth's NGC 3730 (mentioned in the NGC notes section).

 

The brightest and largest of the galaxies to the north of NGC 3732 is MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35734, though this is not necessarily one of Common's "cluster of 3".  This galaxy is 0.9 min of RA east of Leavenworth's position and 2' north.  The RNGC likely misidentifies MCG -01-30-008 as NGC 3730.  Another possibility is NGC 3730 refers to one of the trio of extremely faint galaxies that are situated ~6' northeast of MCG -01-03-003, though none would likely be described as large as 0.5' diameter.  So, MCG -01-30-003 is the most plausible candidate.

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NGC 3731 = UGC 6553 = MCG +02-30-001 = CGCG 068-003 = PGC 35731

11 34 11.7 +12 30 44; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 45°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration.  A wide mag 10/14 pair lies 7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3731 = H. III-80 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar; brightest in the middle.  240x confirmed it."  His position is The NGC position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of UGC 6553.

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NGC 3732 = MCG -02-30-005 = LGG 248-005 = PGC 35734

11 34 13.9 -09 50 44; Crt

V = 12.5;  Size 1.2'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 85°

 

18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated nearly 3:2 E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a bright core which gradually increases to the center.  A mag 12 star lies 1' SW.  Brightest in a group with a string of three very faint galaxies 10'-12' NNE and an additional 4 very faint galaxies 5'-8' further north.  Physically, NGC 3732 is part of the much nearer NGC 3892 group (LGG 248).

 

17.5" (4/5/97): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration with a bright core.  A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SW.  A group of at least six very faint galaxies lies between 10'-20' N and NGC 3723 lies 26' WSW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated but irregular outline, fairly bright elongated core.  A faint stellar nucleus is visible at moments.  A mag 13 star lies 1.0' SW.  Located 35' W of Theta Crateris (V = 4.7).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3732 = H. II-552 = h913 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and noted "F, pS, iR.  Following a very small star."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel recorded (sweep 129) "S; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; has a * 14m, 45° sp."

 

Andrew Ainslie Common found it in 1880 with his 36-inch and included it as #20 in his Copernicus discovery list: "F, R, a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N."  The "3 similar ones" might refer to MCG -01-30-005 = NGC 3722, MCG -01-30-007 = NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008.  Unfortunately, there are a number of faint galaxies in in this area so these identifications are uncertain.

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NGC 3733 = UGC 6554 = VV 459 = MCG +09-19-123 = CGCG 268-055 = LGG 250-001 = PGC 35797

11 35 01.7 +54 51 02; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 4.8'x2.2';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 170°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, very diffuse.  Located 4' N of mag 5.6 SAO 28064 which detracts from viewing!  Located within a large galaxy group including NGC 3738 21' SSE and NGC 3737 8' NE.  NGC 3733 is not a member of AGC 1318, but rather the NGC 3898 group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3733 = H. III-771 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, S, irr E.  On account of the brightness of the foregoing star which was in the field of view with it; I had nearly overlooked it.  His position matches UGC 6554.

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NGC 3734 = MCG -02-30-006 = PGC 35773

11 34 40.7 -14 04 54; Crt

V = 13.9;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 19°

 

18" (4/29/06): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration with a very small slightly brighter core.  Located 7' ESE of mag 9.4 HD 100552.  NGC 3727 lies 19' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3734 = H. III-935 = h3349 on 19 Apr 1794 (sweep 1058).  He noted "very faint or rather extremely faint, small, bright middle."  Caroline's reduction is 4' south of PGC 35773.  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "eeF, R, gradually brighter in the middle, difficult but a good obs." His position was fairly accurate.

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NGC 3735 = UGC 6567 = MCG +12-11-036 = CGCG 334-042 = PGC 35869

11 35 57.3 +70 32 09; Dra

V = 11.8;  Size 4.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 131°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments.  A mag 14 star lies 1.1' NE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3735 = H. I-287 = h914 on 7 Dec 1801 (sweep 1105, under the pole).  He recorded "considerably bright, much extended, much brighter middle, from north preceding to south following, about 3' long and 1' broad."  John Herschel called this galaxy "faint; much extended in pos 130.4°; brighter middle; 90" long and 12" broad."

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NGC 3736 = UGC 6560 = MCG +12-11-035 = CGCG 334-041 = PGC 35835

11 35 41.7 +73 27 07; Dra

V = 14.4;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 155°

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'.  A faint star is superimposed on the SE side.  Located 4.7' NE of mag 8.3 HD 100532.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3736.  Although the discovery was not published in Lord Rosse observations, Wolfgang Steinicke says it was probably found around between 1885 and 1887 with his 6.1-inch Simms refractor. The NGC position is 0.6 tmin east of UGC 6560.  At this declination the error amounts to only 2-3 arc minutes.  UGC 6560 is not labeled as N3736 in UGC or MCG, though it is in the CGCG.

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NGC 3737 = UGC 6563 = MCG +09-19-128 = CGCG 268-058 = Holm 266a = PGC 35840

11 35 36.4 +54 56 55; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, very small, round.  Forms a pair with CGCG 268-057 = NGC 3737A 1.3' SW.  The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated.  Member of AGC 1318.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3737 = H. III-772 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "vF, stellar neb."  His position is accurate (discovered immediately after NGC 3733).  d'Arrest also measured two accurate positions.

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NGC 3738 = Arp 234 = UGC 6565 = MCG +09-19-130 = CGCG 268-060 = PGC 35856

11 35 48.5 +54 31 28; UMa

V = 11.7;  Size 2.5'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 155°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.3', noticeably mottled or knotty appearance. Broad concentration but no defined core or nucleus.  A brighter knot (HII complex?) is on the northwest side.  A chain of bright stars begins at a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NE of center and extends southeast.  NGC 3756 is 16' SE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE although has an irregular appearance.  Sharper edge on the west side and more curved on the east side.  Two mag 10/11 stars are 2.4' NE and 4.0' ENE of center.  NGC 3756 lies 15' SE.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, almost even surface brightness.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3738 = H. II-783 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, pL, bM."  His position matches UGC 6565.

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NGC 3739 = UGC 6564 = MCG +04-27-071 = CGCG 126-105 = PGC 35841

11 35 37.6 +25 05 19; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 17°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', very low even surface brightness. Located 12' W of mag 7.0 HD 100843 (very close double?).

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3739 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  He recorded "Very faint nebula, situated in the middle between several small stars.  Almost on a straight line between two stars (mag 11-12), little closer to the south one, from which the PA is 327 °. From the more northern star it is 160 °. Distance between the two stars from each other is about 4'." He found this object (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.

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NGC 3740 = UGC 6573 = MCG +10-17-023 = CGCG 292-008 = PGC 35883

11 36 12.3 +59 58 35; UMa

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 110°

 

18" (3/30/05): faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.2'.  Situated on a line between a mag 14 star 2' SE and a mag 13 star 3' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3740 = H. III-847 = h915 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "eF, vS, iF."  Caroline's reduced position is 2' south of UGC 6573.  John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3741 = UGC 6572 = MCG +08-21-068 = CGCG 242-057 = PGC 35878

11 36 06.2 +45 17 02; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 2.0'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.8;  PA = 5°

 

18" (3/17/07): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, a faint star is just off the west side.  Collinear with a 13" pair of mag 12 stars located ~10' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3741 = h916 on 19 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; 20"."  His position (single observation) matches UGC 6572.

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NGC 3742 = ESO 320-006 = MCG -06-26-001 = PGC 35833

11 35 32.5 -37 57 23; Cen

V = 12.1;  Size 2.4'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 116°

 

18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~45"x30".  Contains a small, brighter, round core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3749 4.8' SE.  In a group with NGC 3783 43' ENE. The DSS image reveals large, sweeping spiral arms (not seen) that increase the overall size considerably.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3742 = h3350 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "pB, pL, R, gradually little brighter middle, 40"."  His mean position from 2 sweeps matches ESO 320-006.

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NGC 3743 = CGCG 126-106 = PGC 35855

11 35 57.4 +21 43 21; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

18" (5/12/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter.  Located 1.4' NW of a mag 10 star.  Discovered on the same night as Copeland's Septet (13 April 1876) and located 30'-35' SW of the Septet.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3743 on 18 Mar 1876, just west of "Copeland's Septet", and recorded "F, S, R, from *9 [offset of] 78" in PA 322.5°.  This offset points exactly to CGCG 126-106 = PGC 35855, although the galaxy was positioned much too close to Copeland's Septet on the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876 because of a confusion with the offset stars.

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NGC 3744 = CGCG 126-107 = PGC 35857

11 35 57.9 +23 00 42; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.2';  PA = 10°

 

16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', brighter core.  NGC 3761 lies 10' E.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3744 = St. 12-46 on 20 Mar 1882.  His published position was reduced on 11 Apr 1882 and matches CGCG 126-107.

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NGC 3745 = HCG 57G = Arp 320 NED1 = MCG +04-28-004 = PGC 36001 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 44.4 +22 01 16; Leo

V = 15.2;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 100°

 

48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 15" diameter.  Squeezed between slightly brighter and larger NGC 3748 and NGC 3745.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet appears extremely faint and small, round. Located between brighter NGC 3748 1.1' E and NGC 3746 just 0.7' S.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): second of 7 member of Copeland's Septet.  Extremely faint and small, round.  Second in a very tight trio with NGC 3746  43" SSW and NGC 3748 1.1' ENE.  Located 3.2' NW of NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3745 and other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "pB; pL; R" and labeled it Beta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3746 = HCG 57B = Arp 320 NED2 = UGC 6597 = MCG +04-28-005 = CGCG 127-006 = VV 282 = PGC 35997 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 43.6 +22 00 35; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 127°

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  The 0.6'x0.4' halo has a low surface brightness.  NGC 3745 is 40" N with NGC 3748 1.6' NE.

 

The 9th member of the group, 2MASX J11373896+2202269, lies 2.1' NW.  It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  This galaxy is not a member of HCG 57.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, round.  Brightest of close trio with similar NGC 3748 1.6' NE and NGC 3745 just 0.7' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): first of 7 in Copeland's Septet and second brightest in the group.  Very faint, very small, round.  Brightest of a close trio with NGC 3745 43" NNE and NGC 3748 1.6' NE.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3746 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874.  He noted "pB; cL; gradually little brighter middle; E 90° +/-" and labeled it Gamma on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3747 = PGC 90149

11 32 31.0 +74 22 42; Dra

V = 15.3;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round.  Only visible with averted vision for moments although repeatedly glimpsed.  Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3747 = H. III-969 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He noted "extremely faint, small."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors.  A corrected position matching PGC 90149 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.  See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on William Herschel's sweeps (p.344).

 

This galaxy is 1 1/2 magnitudes fainter than any of the other galaxies discovered in the sweep, so I'm a bit skeptical that it was noticed by Herschel.  If so, it is certainly one of the faintest he ever recorded (B = 16.2).

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NGC 3748 = HCG 57E = Arp 320 NED3 = MCG +04-28-007 = CGCG 127-007 = VV 282 = PGC 36007 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 49.1 +22 01 34; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 66°

 

48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', small brighter core.  HCG 57H (the "8th member" of Copeland's Septet), is 0.9' SSE and appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

48" (2/20/12): at 488x, HCG 57H = PGC 36010 was easily seen 0.9' SSE of NGC 3748.  It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): very faint, very small, round.  Third of three in a tight trio within Copeland's Septet with extremely faint NGC 3745 1.1' W and NGC 3746 1.6' SW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): third of 7 in Copeland's Septet.  Extremely faint and small, round.  This galaxy is the third in a close trio with NGC 3745 1.1' WSW and NGC 3746 1.6' SW.  Located 2.9' NNW of NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3748 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "pB; pS; R" and labeled it Delta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3749 = ESO 320-008 = MCG -06-26-002 = PGC 35861

11 35 53.2 -37 59 50; Cen

V = 12.3;  Size 3.2'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 107°

 

18" (4/25/09): faint, moderately large, elongated.  At times only the brighter 30" core was visible but with concentration, long low surface brightness arms extend WNW-ESE and increased the size to ~1.4'x0.5'.  The eastern side of the galaxy nearly reaches a line connecting two mag 12/13 stars with a separation of 3'.  Located 4.8' SE of NGC 3742 and on images appears to be tidally disrupted.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3749 = h3351 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "pB; lE; gradually little brighter middle; 40"."  His mean position from 2 consecutive sweeps matches ESO 320-008.

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NGC 3750 = HCG 57C = Arp 320 NED4 = VV 282c = MCG +04-28-008 = CGCG 127-009 = PGC 36011 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 51.7 +21 58 27; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 160°

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core, high surface brightness, 18" diameter.  First in a striking trio with spirals NGC 3753 40" NE and 3754 1.0' NE.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  First of three in Copeland's Septet in a tight trio with NGC 3753 just 40" NE and NGC 3754 1.0' NE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fourth of 7 in Copeland's Septet.  Very faint, very small, round.  Located just 39" SW of brighter NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3750 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874.  He noted "pB; little brighter middle; * in Pos 23.8°, distance 109.3"." and labeled it Epsilon on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3751 = HCG 57F = UGC 6601 = MCG +04-28-009 = PGC 36017 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 53.9 +21 56 11; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 5°

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 22"x16", very small bright nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.  Southernmost member of Copeland's Septet.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): extremely faint and small, round, 20" diameter.  Requires averted vision although easier to view than NGC 3754.  Furthest southern member of Copeland's Septet.  Located 2.0' WSW of a mag 13 star and 2.7' S of brightest member NGC 3753.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3751 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "F; L; E 45° +/-".  This galaxy is labeled Zeta on the constructed sketch in the 1880 publication.  See NGC 3753.

 

Although NGC 3751 = UGC 6601, the UGC copied the coordinates and magnitude for CGCG 127-011 located 8' south, so this data is incorrect.

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NGC 3752 = UGC 6515 = MCG +13-08-064 = CGCG 351-063 = PGC 35608

11 32 32.3 +74 37 39; Dra

V = 12.9;  Size 1.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, moderately large.  At first this galaxy appeared roundish (probably viewing the core only), but then fainter extensions were seen NW-SE, increasing the dimensions to 1.2'x0.6'.  Forms a triangle with two mag 11/13 stars 2.4' ENE and 1.4' NNE, respectively, and several other stars trail off towards the SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3752 = H. II-905 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He noted "pretty bright, pretty large."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  John Herschel has a listing (h917) for what he assumed was II-905 in the Slough Catalogue, but his position falls on a 14th magnitude star.  Dreyer used JH's erroneous position for NGC 3752 in the NGC.

 

A corrected position for NGC 3752 that matches UGC 6515 was published in 1911 using plates taken at Greenwich with the 30-inch reflector (MN, 71, 509).  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.  See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on Herschel's sweeps (p. 344).

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NGC 3753 = HCG 57A = Arp 320 NED6 = VV 282a = UGC 6602 = MCG +04-28-010 = CGCG 127-012s = PGC 36016 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 53.8 +21 58 53; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.7'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 120°

 

48" (4/16/15): moderately to fairly bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 45"x15", contains a small bright core.  Tightly paired with NGC 3754 21" NE of center and NGC 3750 40" SW.  A mag 12 star is 1.3' N.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): the brightest member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE.  Closely bracketed by NGC 3750 40" SW and virtually in contact with NGC 3754 just 20" NE of center.  A mag 12 star lies 1.3' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): this galaxy is the brightest member of Copeland's Septet.  Very faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  This is the central galaxy in a very tight trio with NGC 3750 39" SW and NGC 3754 22" NE of center.  Other members include NGC 3745 3.2' NW, NGC 3746 2.9' NW and NGC 3748 2.9' NNW.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3753, while an assistant at Birr Castle, on 9 Feb 1874 and noted "pF, star in PA 5.5°, Dist 71.7"."  This galaxy was labeled Eta in the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876.  Copeland found this group while searching in vain for d'Arrest's GC 2464 = NGC 3760, which he assumed was in the general location.  But d'Arrest had made a 1-hour error in RA, so his object was not to be found and the Septet happened to be just west of d'Arrest's erroneous position.

 

Due to a mixup in the reference star, though, Dreyer's computed positions for Copeland's Septet were offset 1.5 min of RA too far west and 16' too far south.  The error was caught by Hermann Kobold while observing with the 19-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory in 1894 (see AN 3241).  Dreyer acknowledged the correction in AN 3246 and the correction was given in the IC 1 Notes section.  Still, the RNGC did not catch the correction and listed the entire Septet as nonexistent!  See RNGC Corrections #2 and Deep Sky 1983.  The nickname "Copeland Septet" appears in the RC2 notes section.

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NGC 3754 = HCG 57D = Arp 320 NED7 = VV 282b = MCG +04-28-011 = CGCG 127-012ne = PGC 36018 = Copeland's Septet

11 37 55.0 +21 59 07; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.0

 

48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', small bright core.  Situated just off the northeast side of NGC 3753.

 

17.5" (5/11/96): one of the three most difficult members of Copeland's Septet appears extremely faint and small, round.  Difficult to resolve from brighter NGC 3753 just 40" SW of center.  A mag 12 star is 1.0' N.

 

Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3754 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874.  He noted "vF; R" and labeled it Theta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876.  See NGC 3753.

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NGC 3755 = UGC 6577 = MCG +06-26-008 = CGCG 186-012 = PGC 35913

11 36 33.4 +36 24 37; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 3.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.3;  PA = 133°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1'.  Broad, weak concentration to a slightly brighter oval core.  A couple of very faint stars are nearby.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3755 = h920 on 11 Mar 1831 and noted "eF; pmE; pL; gradually brighter in the middle."  His position and desciption matches UGC 6577.

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NGC 3756 = UGC 6579 = MCG +09-19-134 = CGCG 268-063 = LGG 250-002 = PGC 35931

11 36 47.9 +54 17 39; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 4.2'x2.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 177°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, elongated ~2:1 N-S, ~3.5'x1.7'.  Uneven, moderate surface brightness (except low surface brighterness outer halo) but no distinct core or nucleus.  The halo (arms) is not symmetric and change shape with different brighter patches (parts of spiral arms) using averted vision.  Often the north half of the galaxy appeared brighter.  NGC 3738 is 16' NW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, even surface brightness.  A mag 10 star is 4.0' NNW of center.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly large, diffuse, elongated N-S.

 

8" (3/28/81): very faint, low surface brightness.  Located 15' SE of NGC 3738.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3756 = H. II-784 = h918 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, lE, 3' long."  His position matches UGC 6579.

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NGC 3757 = UGC 6584 = MCG +10-17-026 = CGCG 292-010 = PGC 35955

11 37 02.9 +58 24 56; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (4/14/01): compact, high surface brightness glow, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core.  A mag 13 star lies 1' E of center.  Several galaxies are within 30' in a group (LGG 246).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3757 = H. III-843 = h919 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, stellar neb.  North-preceding a small star."  Caroline's reduced position is 1' northwest of UGC 6584 and the star is 1' east. John Herschel reported "vF; R; 15".  Has a vS star south-following rather more than a diameter from edge."

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NGC 3758 = MCG +04-27-073 = CGCG 126-110 = Mrk 739 = PGC 35905 = Owl Galaxy

11 36 29.2 +21 35 46; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 0.5'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

48" (4/20/17): at 697x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter.  Two stellar nuclei were resolved, separated by only 6" E-W.  The eastern nucleus seemed slighter brighter or perhaps more stellar.  The western nucleus was quasi-stellar (perhaps a few arseconds diameter).

 

NGC 3758 is a post-merger pair and the twin nuclei (separated by ~11,000 light-years) both house super-massive black holes!  The seeing was fairly poor at the time of the observation but the twin nuclei were still easily resolved.  Located 2.6' ESE of a bright mag 9.7 star (SAO 81899).

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5' diameter.  Following by 2.5' is mag 9.7 SAO 81899 which is the first of three on a line to the NE. Also in the field is a 43" pair of mag 9.5 stars ~8' SSE.  Copeland discovered NGC 3758 and this galaxy is situated 30' SW of Copeland's Septet.

 

Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3758 south of "Copeland's Septet on 18 Mar 1874 and logged "pB; S; R; suddenly much brighter middle; Nucl not stellar."  His offsets to nearby stars is a perfect match with CGCG 126-110 = PGC 35905, although it was placed too close to Copeland's Septet on the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876 showing all discovered nebulae.  This galaxy was independently found by Stephan exactly 10 years later on 18 Mar 1884 and accurately placed in his list XIII-61.

 

Bill Keel dubbed NGC 3758 as the "Owl" galaxy (because of twin nuclei) in a 1993 article in Mercury magazine titled "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies". I did find any other references to this nickname in an Internet search.

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NGC 3759 = UGC 6581 = MCG +09-19-136 = CGCG 268-064 = PGC 35945

11 36 54.1 +54 49 23; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.  Located 2.1' N of a mag 11 star and 16' E of mag 5.6 SAO 28064.  Forms a pair with IC 2943 2.2' NW.  NGC 3759A = UGC 6582 lies 20' N.  Member of AGC 1318.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3759 on 19 Aug 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured twice, matches UGC 6581 and he accurately places a mag 11 star 2' distant (due south).

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NGC 3760 = NGC 3301 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497

10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3301.  There is a one hour error in RA in the NGC.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3760 on 21 Feb 1863 and recorded "B, pS, much brighter middle to a nucleus = *13, a mag 11 star precedes 4 seconds of time and south 175"."  There is nothing at his position and he searched in vain for it again in Jan 1865.  Dreyer mentions in the NGC notes that nothing was found at Birr Castle, though "a large group of novae preceding it [Copeland's Septet!] was found."

 

In the IC 1 notes, Dreyer comments "Delenda.  It is = [NGC] 3301 with an error of 1 hour in RA [too large]."  This identity was first suggest by Kobold in 1894.  d'Arrest also mistakenly placed the nearby mag 11 star to the south, instead of north (same offset) and also made the same 1 hour transcription error the same night with NGC 3375, which is identical to NGC 3162.

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NGC 3761 = CGCG 127-001 = PGC 35933

11 36 44.1 +22 59 31; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.5'

 

17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Contains a faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Located 1° NNW of Copeland's Septet.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3761 = St. 12-47 on 17 Feb 1868 and recorded a rough unpublished position (4' too far NNW) in his logbook.  His measured an accurate micrometric position on 11 Apr 1882.

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NGC 3762 = UGC 6591 = MCG +10-17-027 = CGCG 292-011 = PGC 35979

11 37 23.9 +61 45 33; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 167°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): this attractive spindle appeared fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.35', sharp bright core, stellar nucleus.  NGC 3725 lies 27' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3762 = H. II-837 = h921 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, lE."

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NGC 3763 = IC 714 = MCG -02-30-009 = PGC 35907

11 36 30.3 -09 50 48; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.  Overpowered by Theta Crateris (V = 4.7) just 3.7' NE.  Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3763 in 1880 and recorded "F, diffused, south preceding 7 stars."  His position is within 0.2 minutes of RA and 1' south of MCG -02-30-009 = PGC 35907, the only nearby galaxy he might have picked up.  I'm surprised, though, he didn't mention mag 4.7 Theta Crateris, only 3.7' northeast.  William Herschel recorded Theta Cra on three sweeps, but missed this galaxy.

 

Francis Leavenworth independently found this galaxy on 25 Feb 1887 and gave an accurate micrometric position.  It's listed as #430 (later IC 714) in the Southern Nebulae list.  So, NGC 3763 = IC 714.

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NGC 3764 = MCG +03-30-020 = CGCG 097-025 = II Zw 52 = PGC 35930

11 36 54.6 +17 53 18; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter, very small brighter core with direct vision.  This is a close interacting system (unresolved).  Forms a pair with NGC 3768 5.5' SE.  Both William and John Herschel missed this galaxy although they observed nearby NGC 3768.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3764 on 20 Apr 1862, in the field of NGC 3768.  His position, from two observations, matches CGCG 097-025 = PGC 35930 and he mentions a mag 15 star that follows by 14.9 seconds of RA.

 

NGC 3764 was probably discovered earlier by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 22 Mar 1857.  While observing h923 = NGC 3768 he noted "npp is another of the same character, but fainter."  Dreyer, while preparing the 1880 publication added the note "= GC 2466, nova d'Arrest", though only d'Arrest is credited in the NGC.

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NGC 3765 = MCG +04-28-001 = CGCG 127-003 = PGC 35956

11 37 04.2 +24 05 46; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 0.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 61°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x30", even surface brightness.  About 5' following is a perfect equilateral triangle of mag 11 stars with sides 4'.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3765 = h922 on 28 Mar 1832 and noted "vF; R; 30"."  His position (single observation) matches CGCG 127-003 = PGC 35956.

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NGC 3766 = Cr 248 = ESO 129-027

11 36 14 -61 36 36; Cen

V = 5.3;  Size 15'

 

13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): superb naked-eye open cluster in Centaurus with several hundred stars resolved in a 15' field.  It contains a very dense mass of stars in the central 5' region that are seemingly arranged in a spiral configuration, as well as a beautiful string of stars running SW-NE on the S side of the cluster.  A mag 7.2 M-type reddish star (SAO 251470) lies at the NW end, an orangy mag 7.5 star is on the E side (HD 306799) and a mag 7.1 star (HD 100943) is on the SE side.  On the N end is B798, a mag 9.1/9.4 pair at 5" separation. This impressive cluster was a delight to observe as it wasn't on my list of top showpieces.  Located 50' NW of a mag 5.1 star and 1.4° due N of mag 3.1 Lambda Cen.

 

10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): easy naked-eye cluster in a gorgeous wide-angle binocular field!  Situated within a superb string of bright stars.  Very bright, high surface brightness cluster with a few resolved stars, moderately large and well defined. A few additional stars popped on and off.

 

Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3766 = Lac III-7 = D 289 = h3352 in 1751-1752 from the Cape of Good Hope.  Using his 1/2-inch telescope at 8x, he noted "three faint stars in nebulosity".

 

James Dunlop observed the cluster on 27 Apr 1826, his first night logging nebulae and clusters.  He described a "A pretty large cluster of stars of mixt magnitudes, about 10' diameter. The greater number of the stars are of a pale white colour. There is a red star near the preceding side; another of the same size and colour near the following side; another small red star near the centre; and a yellow star near the south following extremity, all in the cluster."

 

John Herschel first observed the cluster on 14 Mar 1834 (sweep 432) and noted "the preceding of two chief stars of a fine, large, loose, round cluster of stars 8..12th mag; gradually pretty much brighter in the middle, fills field; 150..200 stars." Two sweeps later he recorded, "A very fine cluster class VII; nearly round, 8' diameter, slightly compressed in the middle, stars of 9..15th magnitude; place that of an orange star 9..10th mag following the centre."

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NGC 3767 = UGC 6590 = MCG +03-30-023 = CGCG 097-031 = PGC 35969

11 37 15.5 +16 52 37; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (core only viewed?).  A mag 14 star lies 2.3' SW of center.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3767 = h924 on 17 Mar 1831 and simply noted "vF; S; bM."  His position matches UGC 6590.

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NGC 3768 = UGC 6589 = MCG +03-30-024 = CGCG 097-030 = PGC 35968

11 37 14.4 +17 50 23; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0' diameter, moderately concentrated.  Forms a pair with NGC 3764 5.5' NW.  Member of a large group (LGG 246).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3768 = H. III-29 = h923 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and described a "very faint, extremely small nebula, or rather nebulous star.  The sweeping power left me rather doubtful but 240x verified it."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is 28 sec of RA too large (recorded on a very windy night and the RA could not be determined well).  JH also called this galaxy "stellar; a burred star.", though he measured a fairly accurate position.  It seems odd that both missed nearby NGC 3764 (discovered by d'Arrest).

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NGC 3769 = Arp 280 NED1 = UGC 6595 = MCG +08-21-076 = CGCG 242-065 = Holm 270a = PGC 35999

11 37 44.2 +47 53 34; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 152°

 

48" (5/1/22): at 488x; bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:2 NW-SE, at least 2.5' major axis.  Contains a bright elongated core about 1' in length and a very small bright nucleus that appears offset towards the NW end of the core.  The outer extensions have a much lower surface brightness and occasionally I noticed a slightly brighter patch near the NW end.  The HST image reveals this is an uncatalogued barred spiral (mag 17-17.5).

 

NGC 3769A forms a close pair 1.2' SE of center.  It was moderately bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6' diameter. A clearly brighter knot, ~6" diameter, is at the ESE end, giving the appearance of a Tadpole galaxy with a very subtle curvature.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5x0.8', weak concentration.  A mag 13.5 star is 2.2' NE of center.  A very close companion NGC 3769A = CGCG 242-066, which appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low surface brightness, is 1' SE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3769 = H. II-731 = h925 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and reported "F, S, E from sp to np."  John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 330 "'B; mE; gradually brighter in the middle; 60" l, 30" br."

 

Neither Herschel noticed the faint companion NGC 3769A at the southeast end, which was observed at Birr Castle. On 9 Apr 1852, Bindon Stoney recorded "gradually brighter in the middle, a F appendage of 2nd neb."  On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "The appendage looks like an independent nebula.  Lord Rosse thought the B ray resolvable."  On 12 Apr 1861, Samuel Hunter also noted "Two, probably connected."  A sketch shows the companion at the correct orientation.  But surprisingly, neither JH nor Dreyer added this second galaxy to the GC or NGC.  Kobold measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.

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NGC 3770 = UGC 6600 = MCG +10-17-028 = CGCG 292-012 = LGG 251-001 = PGC 36025

11 37 58.7 +59 37 01; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 107°

 

18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, small, round, fairly high surface brightness, only 20" diameter.  I probably viewed only the core as the catalalogued dimensions are much larger).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3770 = H. II-838 = h926 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, S." Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 6660.  John Herschel called this galaxy both "B" and "eF", although the latter observation mentions "Sky growing dull.  Mirror tarnished." His mean position matches UGC 6600.

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NGC 3771 = MCG -01-30-018 = PGC 36107

11 39 06.0 -09 20 53; Crt

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.2

 

17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, round, increases to a bright core, appears to have a very faint larger halo.  Appears similar to NGC 3791 8' E.  This identification is uncertain as the NGC position from Leavenworth is 1.7 tmin farther west.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3771 = LM 2-446 in 1886 and logged "mag 14.5, 0.1' dia, R, *10 p 15 seconds."  There is nothing near his position, but 1.7 min of RA east is MCG -01-30-018 = PGC 36107.  To clinch this identification, there is a star 16 sec preceding as Leavenworth's notes, though the mag is closer to 13.  Still, Corwin gives this identification as somewhat uncertain.  Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1907 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory, though he called this object a "Nova".  The RNGC RA is 0.7 minutes too far west.

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NGC 3772 = UGC 6598 = MCG +04-28-006 = CGCG 127-008 = PGC 36005

11 37 48.5 +22 41 28; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 16°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.5', slightly brighter core.  Located 40' N of Copeland's Septet!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3772 = H. II-352 = h927 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, vS."  Caroline's reduction is 5' north of UGC 6598.  John Herschel made two observation and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3773 = UGC 6605 = MCG +02-30-005 = CGCG 127-008 = Mrk 743 = PGC 36043

11 38 13.0 +12 06 44; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.1;  PA = 165°

 

13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3773 = H. III-81 = h928 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "eF, vS; it contains more nebulosity than the preceding [NGC 3731]; 240x showed it better than 157."

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NGC 3774 = MCG -01-30-016 = PGC 36058

11 38 30.3 -08 58 35; Crt

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 56°

 

24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low but irregular surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW.  Member of a large group (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3774 = LM 2-447 on 24 Jan 1887 and noted mag 15.8, 0.2'x0.1', E 75°.  Another neb or eF star p 0.5'; *9 np 3'."  His position is 6 sec of RA west and 1' north of MCG -01-30-016 = PGC 36058.  His PA and description is a good match, although the mag 9 star described by Leavenworth as 3' northwest lies 2.9' southwest.

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NGC 3775 = MCG -02-30-012 = PGC 36055

11 38 26.8 -10 38 19; Crt

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 27°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', low even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star lies 3.0' NNW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3779 6.8' NE.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3775 in 1880 and described "pB to a Nucl; another 5' nf, eeF."  The second object was catalogued as NGC 3779.  Common's position is 1.2' south of MCG -02-30-012 and NGC 3779 = MCG -02-30-013 is 6.8' NE, a reasonable match.

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NGC 3776 = CGCG 012-045 = PGC 36048

11 38 17.9 -03 21 15; Vir

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.6

 

18" (4/30/11): extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, required averted and could not hold steadily.  Collinear with two stars mag 12.7/13.8 at 3.2' S and 5.6' S.  Only faint stars in the field.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3776 = LM 1-190 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory.  His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 3' south of CGCG 012-045 = PGC 36048, a very small faint galaxy.  RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 3776, but the CGCG does not make the NGC equivalence.

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NGC 3777 = MCG -02-30-008 = PGC 35879

11 36 06.8 -12 34 08; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 35°

 

18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very weak concentration.  Located 13' SE of mag 7.2 SAO 156771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3777 = LM 1-191 on 26 Feb 1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8' dia, irregularly round, small star or neb following."  There is nothing near his very rough position (near min of RA).  But 2.5 min of RA west is MCG -02-30-008 = PGC 35879 and a very faint star is 4 sec of time following.  Herbert Howe's measured an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes section).

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NGC 3778 = ESO 216-026 = PGC 36051

11 38 22 -50 43 00; Cen

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 40°

 

14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~40"x32", contains a small bright core.  A mag 14.5-15 star is barely off the northwest edge [17" from center].

 

ESO 216-027 lies 8' ENE.  It was visible as a faint round glow, 25" diameter, with a low surface brightness.  A mag 13.6 star is close southeast [42" from center].

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3778 = h3353 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; 20"; in a field with 50 or 60 small stars."  His position matches ESO 216-026 = PGC 36051.

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NGC 3779 = IC 717 = MCG -02-30-013 = LGG 248-001 = PGC 36084

11 38 51.3 -10 35 01; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 2.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (4/9/99): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.5'.  Was not able to locate initially at 220x but once picked up with averted a dim glow was visible <50% of the time.  Located 6.8' NE of brighter NGC 3775. Member of the NGC 3892 group (LGG 248) at z = .006.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3779 in 1860 with his 36" reflector.  With respect to NGC 3775, he noted "another 5' nf ".  Close to this offset is MCG -02-30-013 = PGC 36084.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position, that was repeated in the IC 2 notes.

 

Frank Muller found IC 717 on 14 Feb 1888 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described it as "1.0'x0.8', E 90°, dif."  With respect to NGC 3775, he measured an offset of +53.92 seconds in RA but no delta for declination.  Apparently he made a 30 second error as NGC 3779 follows by +24 seconds in RA.  His description "E 90° [E-W]" seems to clinch the identification IC 717 = NGC 3779.

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NGC 3780 = UGC 6615 = MCG +09-19-150 = CGCG 292-014 = PGC 36138

11 39 22.3 +56 16 15; UMa

V = 11.5;  Size 3.1'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration, uneven surface brightness [images reveal a face-on multiarmed spiral].  A mag 13 star is off the ENE side 2.1' from center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3804 13' ESE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3780 = H. I-227 = h929 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, iF, r, 3' by 2'.  John Herschel made two observations, noting on sweep 345, "F; L; R; very gradually little brighter middle; 60".  Twilight."

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NGC 3781 = MCG +05-28-004 = CGCG 157-005 = WBL 344-001 = PGC 36104

11 39 03.8 +26 21 43; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.7'x0.45';  PA = 23°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.  A mag 14.5 star is 50" E.  First of three with NGC 3784 and NGC 3785 7' SE.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3781 = St. 11-11, along with NGC 3784 and 3785, on 28 Apr 1881. His position matches MCG +05-28-004.

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NGC 3782 = UGC 6618 = MCG +08-21-087 = CGCG 242-071 = PGC 36136

11 39 20.7 +46 30 48; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', almost even surface brightness.  A mag 12 star is at the SSW tip 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NNE tip 1.3' from center.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258, though another paper list it a member of the NGC 3769 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3782 = H. II-732 = h930 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "F, S.  Almost between 2 stars, the cheveulure touches them both; the are sp the nebula."  John Herschel reported "a * 15m with a nebulous tail nf which touches another star."

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NGC 3783 = ESO 378-014 = MCG -06-26-004 = PGC 36101

11 39 02 -37 44 18; Cen

V = 11.9;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 162°

 

18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.6', bright quasi-stellar nucleus.  Located just NW of a mag 9.2 that detracts from viewing.  This well-studied face-on galaxy contains a very bright, highly variable, Seyfert 1 nucleus (one of the closest) and my observation describes the core of the galaxy.  NGC 3742/3749 lies ~40' SW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3783 = h3354 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "pB; R; very suddenly brighter in the middle; precedes (to n) a * 9m."  His position and description matches ESO 378-014.

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NGC 3784 = MCG +05-28-006 = CGCG 157-006 = Holm 271a = WBL 344-002 = PGC 36147

11 39 29.8 +26 18 33; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, weak concentration, low surface brightness.  Located just 0.9' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3785 0.8' SE with NGC 3781 7' NW.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3784 = St. 11-12, along with NGC 3785, on 13 Mar 1874.  His position was 2' to the west of this pair.  His published position (list 11, #12) was made on 28 Apr 1881and matches CGCG 157-006.

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NGC 3785 = UGC 6620 = MCG +05-28-007 = CGCG 157-008 = Holm 271b = WBL 344-003 = PGC 36148

11 39 32.9 +26 18 08; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.0'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, very faint extensions.  Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.5 star.  This galaxy is the slightly brighter of a close pair with NGC 3784 just 0.8' NW.  NGC 3781 lies 7' NW.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3785 = St. 11-13, along with NGC 3784, on 13 Mar 1874.  His published position (list 11, #13) was made on 28 Apr 1881 and is an excellent match.  He described both galaxies as having faint stellar nuclei.

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NGC 3786 = Arp 294 NED1 = VV 228b = UGC 6621 = MCG +05-28-008 = CGCG 157-009 = Mrk 744 = Holm 272b = WBL 345-002 = PGC 36158

11 39 42.4 +31 54 32; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.2'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 77°

 

24" (6/16/20): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core, small bright nucleus. Forms a striking pair (Arp 294 = VV 228) with NGC 3788 1.4' NNE.

 

18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core.  I observed SN 2004bd, discovered less than a week earlier on 4/4/04 and situated just 4.7" W and 1.2" S of center.  When the seeing steadied, the supernova was clearly resolved as a mag 14.5 "star" close WSW of center (along the major axis) and very close to the brighter (Markarian) core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3788 1.4' NE of center.  A mag 10.8 star lies 2.0' SE.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, bright core.  Forms a pleasing close pair with NGC 3788 (separation of 1.4' NE).  The galaxies are elongated at nearly right angles and almost attached at the ENE end of NGC 3786.  A mag 10.5 star is 2' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3786 = h931, along with NGC 3788, on 29 Apr 1827.  His description reads, "the sp of 2 [with NGC 3788]; less bright and smaller than the nf."  He made 3 observations of both galaxies.

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NGC 3787 = MCG +04-28-015 = CGCG 127-017 = PGC 36154

11 39 37.9 +20 27 17; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.7'x0.55';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 29°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, elongated 4:3, SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'.  Moderate concentration to a quasi-stellar nucleus.  Forms the NE vertex of a small triangle with a mag 13 star 1' W and a mag 12 star 1.7' S.  NGC 3805 lies 16' SE.  Located at the NW edge of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3787 on 10 May 1864. His position is within 30" of CGCG 127-017 = PGC 36154 and he also noted a mag 15-16 which precedes by 4.5 seconds of time and slightly south.  Stephan made an unpublished observation on 21 Feb 1868, though his rough position was 5' WSW.

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NGC 3788 = Arp 294 NED2 = VV 228a = UGC 6623 = MCG +05-28-009 = CGCG 157-010 = Holm 272a = WBL 345-003 = PGC 36160

11 39 44.7 +31 55 51; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 178°

 

24" (6/16/20): at 260x and 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S.  Contains a relatively large, bright elongated core. A small bright nucleus is embedded on the north side of the central core.  A quite noticeable bright arc (outer curve of the northern spiral arm) is at the northern end of the disc.  The disc is relatively dark (due to a dust lane) just on the inside (south) of the arc, so it appears partially detached.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, brighter core.  Forms a striking pair of elongated spirals with NGC 3786 1.4' SW (Arp 294), which is almost attached at the south end of NGC 3788.  A mag 10.5 star lies 2.7' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3788 = h932, along with NGC 3786, on 29 Apr 1827.  His description reads, "pB, E in merid [N-S]; gradually brighter in the middle; 40-50" long; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3786]."

 

Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 24 Feb 1852, reported "2 rays, forming an angle of about 100°, the south one has a nucleus, and there is a knot at the north extremity of the north one."  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory.

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NGC 3789 = MCG -01-30-015 = PGC 36036

11 38 09.1 -09 36 26; Crt

V = 13.4;  Size 1.6'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 179°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4'.  Contains a small brighter core and stellar nucleus with extremely faint extensions.  Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5 stars ~2.5' SSE and east.  Located 25' NE of mag 4.7 Theta Crateris.  Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3789 = LM 2-448 in 1886 and noted "mag 14.8, 0.3'x0.2', E 180°.  RNGC and MCG misidentify MCG -01-30-019 as NGC 3789.  This galaxy is only 3' south of Leavenworth's position but does match his description (elongated N-S).  But 1.4 min of RA west is MCG -01-30-015 = PGC 36036 and the position angle is directly N-S.  Considering Leavenworth's positions are often too far east, but accurate in declination, MCG -01-30-015 is a much more likely candidate.

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NGC 3790 = UGC 6624 = MCG +03-30-032 = CGCG 097-043 = LGG 246-011 = WBL 347-001 = PGC 36167

11 39 47.2 +17 42 44; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 154°

 

48" (4/2/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very bright small core.  First of six in the NGC 3801 group with MCG +03-30-35 4.5' ESE and NGC 3801 7' ENE.  A mag 12.1 star lies 2.3' SE.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, contains a brighter elongated core.  Collinear with two stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE.

 

18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', nearly collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars to the SE.  First in a group with brightest member NGC 3801.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus at moments.  Collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE, respectively.  First in the NGC 3801 group and located 7.0' WSW of NGC 3801.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3790 = H. III-109 = h933 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "I suspect a vS stellar nebula in the same field with the preceding one [NGC 3801], about 8 or 10' distant and south-preceding it. The suspected nebula is in a row with two small stars and preceding them."  His description fits UGC 6624 perfectly, although the separation is only 7'.  Interestingly, although he noticed this fairly faint galaxy in the field of NGC 3801, he missed NGC 3802, which is located just 2' north.  John Herschel made two observations and recorded "F; vS; pmE; suddenly brighter middle; the first of 3 [with NGC 3801 and 3802]."

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NGC 3791 = MCG -01-30-020 = PGC 36156

11 39 41.7 -09 22 02; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 164°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, small bright core.  Located 6.0' N of mag 7.4 SAO 138326.  Forms a pair with NGC 3771 8' W.  Member of a large group (USGC S171).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3791 = H. III-609 = h935 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 705) and recorded "vF, vS, R, gradually brighter in the middle.  240 showed it very plainly."  His RA is 30 seconds too small and falls very close to NGC 3771!.  John Herschel's position and description ("vF; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 20"; has a * 8m 6' south, on the same meridian") matches MCG -01-30-020 = PGC 36156.

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NGC 3792

11 39 38.1 +05 06 00; Vir

 

= **?, Corwin.  Not found, RNGC.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3792 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison, WI.  He noted "vF, diffused.  Neb makes an isosceles triangle with D.M. 2523 and 2525.  There is nothing at his position and there is no entry for NGC 3792 in any modern catalogue.

 

Harold Corwin noticed that a double star (~16" separation) ~6' north of the NGC position matches his description of making an isosceles triangle with DM 2523 and 2525.  This double star is listed here.

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NGC 3793

11 40 02.0 +31 52 39; UMa

 

= *?, Gottlieb and Corwin. = Not found, Thomson.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3793, along with NGC 3797, on 12 Feb 1882, and described (paper V) "from the beautiful double nebula [NGC 3886/3788] I have a rough sketch from 12 Feb 1882, which shows two fainter nebulae +18 sec and +30 sec [in RA] following the southern companion [NGC 3786]."  There are no galaxies near these offsets and neither Bigourdan or Pease could find these numbers. 

 

RNGC misidentifies CGCG 157-007 as NGC 3793.  This galaxy is located 15 sec west and 4.9' south of NGC 3788.  Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 3793 = NGC 3786.  Harold Corwin identifies two stars matching Tempel's separation from NGC 3786.

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NGC 3794 = NGC 3804 = UGC 6640 = MCG +09-19-153 = CGCG 268-070 = CGCG 292-019 = LGG 250-003 = PGC 36238

11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 120°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3794 = H. III-773 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is 20 tsec preceding and 1' north of UGC 6640 = PGC 36238 and the star is at the west edge, so the identification is certain.

 

He found the galaxy again on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E.  I saw it too late to describe it properly."  His position here is even cloer to UGC 6640, but he catalogued it as II-830 assuming it was new and Dreyer added it as NGC 3804.  Dreyer noted the equivalence in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues and mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's and Harold Corwin's correction lists.

 

RNGC misidentifes CGCG 268-068 as NGC 3794.  This galaxy is located one degree south of the NGC position!  I originally observed CGCG 268-068 assuming it was NGC 3804.

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NGC 3795 = UGC 6629 = MCG +10-17-038 = CGCG 292-017 = PGC 36192

11 40 06.7 +58 36 47; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 2.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 53°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): spindle-shaped galaxy, fairly faint, elongated 7:2 SW-NE in the direction of a mag 12 star 5' SW, 1.4'x0.4'.  In a galaxy group (LGG 246) with NGC 3757 27' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3795 = H. III-844 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, mE, S." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' southeast of UGC 6629.  Samuel Hunter, LdR's observing assistant on 12 Feb 1860, logged "faint, elongated N-S, very gradually brighter middle, ends pointed."

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NGC 3796 = UGC 6638 = MCG +10-17-039 = CGCG 292-018 = PGC 36215

11 40 31.1 +60 17 56; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 127°

 

18" (3/5/05): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.5', increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3796 = H. II-839 = h937 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "pF, cS, R, mbM."  Caroline's reduced RA is 27 tsec too large.  John Herschel made two observations, noting on sweep 406 "pB; R; 35"; pretty gradually brighter middle."  His position is within 1' of UGC 6638.

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NGC 3797

11 40 13.3 +31 54 24; UMa

 

= *, Corwin.  Not found, Thomson but ≠ NGC 3788.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3797, along with NGC 3793, on 12 Feb 1882.  At his offset from NGC 3786 is a single mag 15 star (see NGC 3793). Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 3797 = NGC 3788 in her 1940 NGC Correction list and this is repeated in RNGC.

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NGC 3798 = UGC 6632 = MCG +04-28-018 = CGCG 127-022 = PGC 36199

11 40 14.0 +24 41 49; Leo

V = 12.1;  Size 2.5'x1.8';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 60°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', moderate concentration with a small brighter core visible with direct vision.  In a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3812 14' NE and NGC 3815 20' ENE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3798 = H. II-340 = h938 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, vS, little brighter in the middle."  Herschel observed it again on the next sweep (4 nights later) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar with a vF and very short ray towards the preceding side."  John Herschel measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3799 = Arp 83 NED1 = VV 350b = UGC 6630 = MCG +03-30-037 = CGCG 097-047 = PGC 36193

11 40 09.4 +15 19 38; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 115°

 

48" (3/1/19): NGC 3799 is the small and fainter southwest member of an interacting pair (Arp 83 = VV 350) with NGC 3800 1.5' NE.  At 488x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~0.6'x0.25', relatively large bright core.  A low surface brightness spiral arm was seen attached at the SE end. It extended a short distance to the east, separated from the main body and dimmed out.  The initial part of the NW arm extending W was also visible though had a low contrast.  A mag 12.7 star is 1' S.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round.  Forms a striking pair located just off the southwest end of NGC 3800 1.4' from center.  A mag 12 star is 1.1' directly south, and a brighter mag 10.5 star is 2.9' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3799 = h934 = h3355 on 21 Apr 1832.  While observing NGC 3800 he noted, "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity."  In a later sweep, he called it "an appendage to II 103 [NGC 3800], which it precedes."  WH, in his observation of NGC 3800, noted "2 or 3 stars visible in it."  One of these "stars" may refer to NGC 3799.

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NGC 3800 = Arp 83 NED2 = VV 350a = UGC 6634 = MCG +03-30-039 = CGCG 097-049 = PGC 36197

11 40 13.4 +15 20 32; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 52°

 

48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 1.7'x0.55', large bright core, very irregular appearance. It appeared the SW portion of the galaxy extended further or was stretched in the direction of the companion NGC 3799 (the pair is Arp 83).  The SW outer fringes had a lower surface brightness than the rest of the galaxy as it neared NGC 3799.  The galaxy brightened slightly at the NE end of a spiral arm.  NGC 3799 is centered 1.3' SW.

 

17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5'.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3799 just off the SW end 1.4' from the center.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SSE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3800 = H. II-103 = h936 = h3356 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, S, E, r.  2 or 3 star visible in it.  The nebula is near some small stars."  John Herschel made 5 observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope.  His first observation (21 Apr 1832) reads "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity."

 

Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3800 on 1 Apr 1848 (when the 72" started use after the potatoe blight) and noted "a tolerably bright nebula with a smaller one following."

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NGC 3801 = UGC 6635 = MCG +03-30-040 = CGCG 097-051 = Holm 273a = WBL 347-003 = LGG 246-002 = PGC 36200

11 40 16.8 +17 43 41; Leo

V = 12.0;  Size 3.5'x2.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 120°

 

48" (4/2/11): the brightest of 6 galaxies in a 15' group that is stretched out in a SW to NE orientation.  At 375x appeared very bright, very large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x1.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright core and much fainter outer halo.  There is some ill-defined structure in the halo, either due to dust, spiral arms or both.  NGC 3802 is 2.3' N, MCG +03-30-035 is 3.4' SW, NGC 3803 is 4.5' N, NGC 3790 is 7' WSW and NGC 3806 is 8' NE.  MCG +03-30-035 (B = 16.6) appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, ~40"x10".  A mag 11.5 star is  2.4' preceding.

 

18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly large but moderately low surface brightness, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, broad concentration with a brighter core that increases to a small, brighter nucleus.  Brightest in a group including NGC 3790 7' W and NGC 3802 2.3' N.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): brightest in a group.  Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3802 2.3' NNE.  Also in the field are NGC 3790 7.0' WSW and NGC 3806 8.1' NE.  Located 7' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 99729.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3801 = H. III-30 = H. II-161 = h939 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded III-30 as "vF, pS, r, preceded by two vB stars."  His position is only 8 sec of RA following NGC 3801 = UGC 6635, although John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) assumed it applied to NGC 3802, 2.3' north of NGC 3801.  A month later, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198), he returned to the field and recorded II-161 as "F, not S, R, bM."  His position on this sweep is 4' too far south.  John Herschel made 3 observations and his mean position matches UGC 6635.

 

Since WH observed only one object near this position on both sweep 170 and 198, we can assume he picked up the brighter galaxy NGC 3801 both times, and missed NGC 3802.  In fact, he was uncertain if H. II-161 was new or identical to H. III-30, so Caroline decided to assign it a new internal number.  So, H. II-161 = H. III-30 = NGC 3801 and JH should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3802.  Wolfgang Steinicke confirmed these conclusions (email on 7/15/14).

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NGC 3802 = UGC 6636 = MCG +03-30-041 = CGCG 097-052 = Holm 273b = WBL 347-004 = LGG 246-003 = PGC 36203

11 40 18.8 +17 45 57; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 11.9;  PA = 85°

 

48" (4/2/11): this bright edge-on is located 2.3' N of NGC 3801 in a group of 6 galaxies.  It appeared edge-on 5:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.3'.  Contains a brighter, slightly bulging core.  A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end, 1.0' from center.  NGC 3803 lies 2.2' N.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.1'x0.3', brighter core, slightly brighter along the major axis.  A mag 13.5 star is close to the east end.  Forms a striking pair with NGC 3801.

 

18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.3'.  A mag 13 star is just off the following end.  Located 2' N of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', very weak concentration.  Almost reaches to a mag 13.5 star just off the east end 1.0' from center.  Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3802 = h940 on 14 Mar 1784 and simply noted "last of 3 [with NGC 3790 and 3801]."  He made 3 observations, though real description.  WH is credited with the discovery (III-30) in the GC and NGC, although that number most likely applies to NGC 3801 (see that number).

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NGC 3803 = PGC 36204

11 40 17.3 +17 48 05; Leo

V = 15.7;  Size 0.3'x0.2'

 

48" (4/2/11): this galaxy is the faintest of 5 NGC galaxies (and one MCG) in the NGC 3801 group.  At 375x it appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter core.  Located 4.5' N of NGC 3801 and 2.2' N of NGC 3802.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): not seen with confidence.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3803 on 27 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72" and noted "A [on the diagram] is a vvF knot." The sketch clearly matches PGC 36204.

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NGC 3804 = NGC 3794 = UGC 6640 = MCG +09-19-153 = CGCG 268-070 = CGCG 292-019 = LGG 250-003 = PGC 36238

11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x1.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 120°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW.  Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel rediscovered NGC 3804 = H. II-830 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E.  I saw it too late to describe it properly." Caroline's reduced position is within 2' of UGC 6640.  He originally discovered this galaxy on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star."  It was catalogued as III-773 and later as NGC 3794.  There was probably just enough difference in position and description for both Herschel and Dreyer to assume the objects were different, but there is only one galaxy here.  So, NGC 3804 = NGC 3794.  The primary designation should be NGC 3794 (earlier discovery), but it is known as NGC 3804 because of the more accurate position.

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NGC 3805 = UGC 6642 = MCG +04-28-019 = CGCG 127-024 = PGC 36224

11 40 41.6 +20 20 35; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 60°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, small bright core dominates a small halo.  A mag 13 star is 2.2' WSW.  NGC 3787 lies 16' NW. Located at the western edge of AGC 1367.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3805 = H. III-375 = h941 on 25 Apr 1785 (sweep 401). He logged "extremely faint, small, but strong twilight and moonlight make it impossible to describe it properly."  John Herschel reported "Not vF; S; R; bM." and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3806 = UGC 6641 = MCG +03-30-042 = CGCG 097-054 = WBL 347-005 = PGC 36231

11 40 46.6 +17 47 47; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

48" (4/2/11): last of 6 in the NGC 3801 group.  At 375x appeared fairly bright, large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.4'x1.2', broad weak concentration but no core.  Located  8' NE of NGC 3801 and 5' N of mag 9.2 HD 101485.  NGC 3807 is probably a 16th magnitude star 2.4' NE of NGC 3806, although the two numbers are equated in the UGC and PGC and repeated in Megastar.

 

25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~45" diameter, weak concentration with only a slightly brighter middle.

 

17.5" (4/1/95): very faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness glow with no concentration.  Collinear with two mag 12.5-13 stars to the SSW by 2.5' and 4.5'.  Located 5' N of mag 8.7 SAO 99729 and 8' NE of NGC 3801 in a group.

 

Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 3806 on 3 Apr 1851.  While observing NGC 3802 he noted "another vF neb, about 6' nf."  On 6 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged it as "vvF, R, little brighter in the middle."  UGC 6641 lies 6.9' NE of NGC 3802, so this identification is certain.  The 1861 LdR publication mentions "2 'novae' near [NGC 3801 and 3802], probably a 3rd." but does not give Stoney's offset from NGC 3802.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 21 Apr 1862 and noted a mag 9-10 star is 5' south.  His position is accurate and both John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) credited d'Arrest with the discovery, although d'Arrest commented his object might be identical to one of the two LdR novae mentioned in the 1861 publication.

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NGC 3807

11 40 54.7 +17 49 07; Leo

 

= *, Corwin.  "Not found", Carlson.  = NGC 3806, UGC.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3807 on 27 Mar 1856 and noted "C [on the sketch] is a vvF knot or possibly a star."  The diagram shows object "C" to the northeast of NGC 3807 ("B").  There is nothing in this position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth reported negative findings.  UGC, PGC (and other secondary sources such as Megastar) equate NGC 3806 = NGC 3807, but Mitchell's object is very likely the mag 16.5 star identified by Harold Corwin.

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NGC 3808 = Arp 87 NED1 = VV 300a = UGC 6643a = MCG +04-28-021 = CGCG 127-025s = PGC 36227

11 40 44.2 +22 25 46; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 123°

 

48" (4/20/17): NGC 3808 is the brighter member of a remarkable interacting pair with NGC 3808A 1' N.  At 375x it appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, brighter core.The beginning of spiral arms extend south on the northwest end and north on the east end . On deep images, the northern arm extends into a tidal bridge to NGC 3808A (and wraps around the companion), but visually the arm only extended roughly half-way.

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.  Located 3.5' NNE of mag 9.1 SAO 81939.  Forms a close, interacting pair (Arp 87) with NGC 3808A = VV 300b 1' N.  The companion appeared very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3808 = H. III-338 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS."  Caroline's reduction is 10 seconds of RA east and 3.8' north of this interacting system.

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NGC 3809 = UGC 6649 = MCG +10-17-040 = CGCG 292-020 = LGG 251-002 = PGC 36263

11 41 16.1 +59 53 09; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 123°

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, well-concentrated with a small, prominent core and stellar nucleus.  Very symmetrical appearance.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3809 on 20 Aug 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.  His position (measured twice) matches UGC 6649.

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NGC 3810 = UGC 6644 = MCG +02-30-010 = CGCG 068-024 = PGC 36243

11 40 58.7 +11 28 17; Leo

V = 10.8;  Size 4.3'x3.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, broad concentration, increases to brighter core but no nucleus, large very faint halo of dimensions 3.0'x2.0'.  A group of three mag 11-12 stars mag is located between 9'-11' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3810 = H. I-21 = h943 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB, L, lE, r."  His position was 50 seconds of RA too far east. John Herschel made 5 observations, the earliest on 10 Apr 1823 (sweep 2), while still developing his sweeping technique: "vF; R; very gradually brighter middle; a *9m 15' dist in parallel."

 

Several interesting observations were made at Birr Castle.  On 18 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney recorded "BM, F neby all round of a mottled charachter, knot or appendage in the p part.  On 10 Apr 1852, he queried "Spriral? gradually little brighter middle."  Dreyer, though, observing in 1878, comments "Beyond doubt a glob cl, outlying F branches on a F background which fades away gradually."

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NGC 3811 = UGC 6650 = MCG +08-21-091 = CGCG 242-074 = Mrk 185 = PGC 36265

11 41 16.6 +47 41 27; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 2.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 160°

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, 1.5'x1.1', broadly concentrated.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3811 = H. II-737 = h942 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, S, little brighter middle, iR."  Caroline's reduction is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 6650.  John Herchel's mean position from two observations is 1' too far north.

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NGC 3812 = UGC 6648 = MCG +04-28-023 = CGCG 127-027 = WBL 348-001 = PGC 36256

11 41 07.8 +24 49 18; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 1.7'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, round, prominent core, fairly high surface brightness.  Located 1.7' WNW of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.  First of three in a 220x field with NGC 3814 5' E and NGC 3815 6.7' ESE.  Member of a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3798 14' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3812 = H. III-320 = h944 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "stellar", probably rushed in the observation.  John Herschel recorded "F; R; has a * 6.7 m sf, dist 3'.

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NGC 3813 = UGC 6651 = MCG +06-26-019 = CGCG 186-024 = PGC 36266

11 41 18.7 +36 32 47; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 87°

 

17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.4'x0.8'.  Broad concentration to a large brighter core which brightens to a small nucleus.  Mottled appearance with an irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14 star is at the east end 1.3' from center.  Two mag 14 stars just off the west end 2.1' and 2.8' from center are collinear with the major axis.  A mag 15 star is close SW of the core by 1.2'.  Located 13' ENE of mag 7.8 SAO 62647.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3813 = H. I-94 = h945 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404). He recorded "cB, pL, much extended nearly in the meridian.  His position is 10 seconds of RA west of UGC 6651.  On 27 Apr 1827 (sweep 72), John Herschel called it "pB; pL; 90 l, 60" b, E in parallel; hazy."

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NGC 3814 = MCG +04-28-024 = CGCG 127-028 = Holm 276b = WBL 348-002 = PGC 36267

11 41 27.7 +24 48 19; Leo

V = 14.8;  Size 0.8'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 175°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three with NGC 3812 5' W and NGC 3815 2.5' E.  Very faint, very small, round.  Located 3.1' E of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3814 = St. 11-14 on 14 Mar 1874, during an observation of NGC 3812 and 3815.  His published position (list 11, #14) was determined 7 years later on 25 Apr 1881.

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NGC 3815 = UGC 6654 = MCG +04-28-025 = CGCG 127-030 = Holm 276a = WBL 348-003 = PGC 36288

11 41 39.3 +24 48 01; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.7'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 72°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration.  Last in a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3814 2.5' W, NGC 3812 6.7' WNW and NGC 3798 20' WSW.  Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3815 = H. III-339 = h946 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, goes into the field with the foregoing [NGC 3812].  He discovered NGC 3812 4 nights earlier, but missed NGC 3815.  John Herschel called this galaxy "Not vF; pL; 30"." and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3816 = UGC 6656 = MCG +03-30-046 = CGCG 097-060 = WBL 353-003 = LGG 249-005 = PGC 36292

11 41 48.0 +20 06 14; Leo

V = 12.5;  Size 1.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 70°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Member of AGC 1367.  CGCG 097-068, situated 7' E, was very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3816 on 9 May 1864.  His position, measured on two nights, is accurate.

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NGC 3817 = HCG 58C = UGC 6657 = MCG +02-30-012 = CGCG 068-028 = WBL 350-001 = PGC 36299

11 41 53.0 +10 18 16; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, brighter core.  A mag 11 star is 2.7' NNW of center.  First of five in the field in HCG 58 with NGC 3819 4.3' NE, NGC 3822 4.7' ESE, NGC 3825 7.9' ESE and NGC 3820 5.7' NNE.  This group is superimposed on distant galaxy cluster Abell 1356.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3817 = h947 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "F.  The first of 4 [with NGC 3819, 3822 and 3825]."  His position is at the south edge of NGC 3817.

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NGC 3818 = MCG -01-30-023 = UGCA 243 = PGC 36304

11 41 57.3 -06 09 21; Vir

V = 11.7;  Size 2.0'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 103°

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, fairly small, oval, very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3818 = H. III-284 = h948 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and recorded "vF, S, iE, little brighter in the middle."  His RA is 33 sec too large.  John Herschel logged "B; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 30". At least 2nd class."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3819 = HCG 58D = MCG +02-30-013 = CGCG 068-030 = WBL 350-002 = PGC 36311

11 42 05.9 +10 21 04; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.8'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 160°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Second of five in HCG 58, located 4.2' NE of NGC 3817.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3820 2.0' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3819 = h950 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "vF; the second of 4 [with NGC 3817, 3822 and 3825]; place estimated from the others."

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NGC 3820 = HCG 58E = MCG +02-30-014 = CGCG 068-031 = WBL 350-003 = PGC 36308

11 42 04.9 +10 23 02; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): extremely faint, small, almost round, diffuse, even surface brightness.  Located 2.0' N of NGC 3819 and 5.5' NNE of NGC 3817.  Third of five (and faintest) in HCG 58.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3820 on 29 Apr 1865 and accurately placed it 2' north of h950 = NGC 3819.

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NGC 3821 = UGC 6663 = MCG +04-28-030 = CGCG 127-032 = PGC 36314

11 42 09.0 +20 18 56; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core.  A mag 14 star is at the SW edge and a mag 10 star lies 2.9' W.  Member of AGC 1367 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3821 = H. III-376 = h949 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402).  He logged, "suspected, very faint, very small.  I am pretty sure of it; but twilight is too strong."  This galaxy is the last discovery (1000th object) that was included in Herschel's first catalogue.  He observed it again on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671), but was again uncertain: "two very small stars with seeming nebulosity between them, but probably a deception.  In the direction of the meridian nearly."

 

John Herschel made two observations, recording on 26 Mar 1830 (sweep 246) "vF; S; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; a * 11m precedes 10s."

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NGC 3822 = HCG 58A = NGC 3848? = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 = CGCG 068-033 = WBL 350-004 = PGC 36319

11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 178°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, brighter core.  Brightest in HCG 58 and the fourth of five in the field within the NGC 3817-3869 group.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3825 3.2' ESE on the Leo-Virgo border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3822 = H. II-153 = h951, along with NGC 3825, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula."  His single position is just 1'-2' too far south.  He probably found this pair a month ealrier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and they were recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852.  If so, NGC 3822 = NGC 3848.

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NGC 3823 = MCG -02-30-017 = PGC 36331

11 42 15.1 -13 52 01; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 90°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, 0.7'x0.6'.  Situated directly between two mag 13-14 stars 2' N and 2' S.  NGC 3831 lies 1.0° NNE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3823 = h3357 on 7 May 1836 and logged "F; lE; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 40"."  His position is just off the north side of PGC 36331 although he questioned if a double error of 1 min in RA and 1 degree in dec would make it a duplicate of NGC 3831.

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NGC 3824 = UGC 6676 = MCG +09-19-161 = CGCG 268-073 = PGC 36370

11 42 44.9 +52 46 47; UMa

V = 13.6;  Size 1.3'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 118°

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.35', pretty even surface brightness.  A mag 13 star lies 2.0' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3829 8' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3824 = H. III-774 = h952 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "vF, vS."  His position (Caroline's reduction) --  1.0 tmin too large and 3' south of UGC 6676, but his relative position with nearby NGC 3829 (recorded next in the sweep) is reasonably accurate.  A more accurate position was measured on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946).  John Herschel logged "vF, mE" and measured a good position.

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NGC 3825 = HCG 58B = NGC 3852? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 = CGCG 068-037 = MKW 10 = WBL 350-005 = PGC 36348

11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir

V = 13.0;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 160°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Fifth of five (second brightest) in HCG 58 with NGC 3822 3.2' WNW.  Also located within the larger NGC 3817-3869 group on the Leo-Virgo border.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3825 = H. II-154 = h953, along with NGC 3822, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula."  His single position is just 1'-2' too far south.  He probably found this pair a month earlier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and the pair was recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852.  If so, NGC 3825 = NGC 3852.

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NGC 3826 = UGC 6671 = MCG +05-28-018 = CGCG 157-018 = PGC 36359

11 42 32.8 +26 29 20; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 65°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  A close trio of mag 14 stars is 8' NE.  NGC 3830 lies 10' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3826 = H. II-341 = h954 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, stellar."  John Herschel made 3 observations, calling it "pB; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 15"."

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NGC 3827 = UGC 6673 = MCG +03-30-054 = CGCG 097-070 = LGG 246-006 = PGC 36361

11 42 36.3 +18 50 44; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 65°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', very weak concentration.  Located midway between mag 9.1 SAO 99747 4.5' S and a mag 10. star 4.5' NNW.  Outlying member of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3827 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is accurate and his description mentions a mag 16 star is 21 seconds of time preceding and a bit south.  The star is at his offset, though only 14th magnitude.

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NGC 3828 = MCG +03-30-057 = CGCG 097-075 = PGC 36376

11 42 58.4 +16 29 15; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round.  A mag 11 star is 1.7' SE.  Forms a pair with edge-on UGC 6686 5.9' E.  UGC 6686 appeared very faint, very small (only the central region was seen).

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3828 = Big. 46 on 28 Mar 1886.  His position matches CGCG 097-075, though CGCG (and the UGC notes to UGC 6686) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 3828.  MCG labels it correctly.  Mentioned by Malcolm Thomson in his "CGCG Corrections" and in Harld Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3829 = UGC 6690 = MCG +09-19-164 = CGCG 268-074 = PGC 36439

11 43 27.3 +52 42 40; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 95°

 

18" (5/31/03): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35', weak concentration.  Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3824 8' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3829 = H. III-775 = h955 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "suspected; vF, vS."  His position is poor -- 37 tsec too large and 2' south of UGC 6690, but his offset from NGC 3824 (previous nebula discovered in the sweep) is a good match.  John Herschel simply noted "eF", but his position is within 1' of UGC 6690.

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NGC 3830 = MCG +05-28-024 = MCG +05-28-025 = CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414

11 43 11.8 +26 33 32; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 9°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, very small, round.  Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.5' W and 1.5' SW.  NGC 2826 lies 10' SW.  This is an unresolved double system.

 

The identification of NGC 3830 is uncertain and the number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3826.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3830 = h956 on 19 Apr 1832 and simply logged "Cloudy; hardly discernible." His position is 3.7' south of CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414.  Bigourdan was unable to recover this object.  The RNGC identifies CGCG 157-023 = PGC 36414 as NGC 3830 due to its proximity in position.

 

Corwin suggests that NGC 3830 is probably a duplicate of NGC 3826, which is located 43 sec of RA west but with the same declination.  NGC 3826 was observed on three sweeps but NGC 3830 was recorded on a different sweep.  Both NED and LEDA equate NGC 3830 = NGC 3826. See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3831 = MCG -02-30-023 = PGC 36417

11 43 18.6 -12 52 42; Crt

V = 12.7;  Size 2.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 23°

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4'.  Contains a small, bright core and very faint extensions which fades at the tip.  Surrounded by several MCG galaxies, though these were not searched for.  A mag 9 star lies 6' N.  NGC 3823 lies 1° south.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3831 = h957 on 9 Mar 1828 and logged "F; vS; R; bM.  Well observed."  His position is within 1' of MCG -02-30-023.  Herbert Howe noted an elongation in PA 20 degrees.

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NGC 3832 = UGC 6693 = MCG +04-28-040 = CGCG 127-038 = PGC 36446

11 43 31.4 +22 43 31; Leo

V = 13.0;  Size 1.9'x1.6';  Surf Br = 14.1

 

18" (5/30/03): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  A mag 11 star is 2.2' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3832 = H. III-340 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, pL.  I suspected two stellar near it, but could not ascertain with 240 whether they were stars or nebula as I could not stop long enough to view them sufficiently."  Caroline's reduction is 5' due north of UGC 6693.  The CGCG does not label this galaxy NGC 3832.  The RA in the MCG is 1.0 min too small.

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NGC 3833 = UGC 6692 = MCG +02-30-020 = CGCG 068-043 = PGC 36441

11 43 28.8 +10 09 43; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 1.4'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 27°

 

17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, fairly small, very diffuse, elongated SSW-NNE.  A very faint mag 15.5 star is off the SW end 0.9' from center.  Forms a pair with MCG +02-30-023 = PGC 36456 6' NNE.  The companion (identified as NGC 3848 in the RNGC and PGC) appeared very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412) near the Leo-Virgo border, which includes HCG 58.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3833 = H. III-102 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "eF, pL."  Caroline's reduction is 3' south of UGC 6692.  Neither JH nor d'Arrest made an observation.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna.

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NGC 3834 = MCG +03-30-065 = CGCG 097-084 = PGC 36443

11 43 37.7 +19 05 26; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 132°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.8' diameter (viewed core only?).  Located 9' SW of mag 9.2 SAO 99762.  NGC 3827 lies 21' SW.  This galaxy is within one degree of the core of AGC 1367 and is likely an outlying member (identical redshift).

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3834 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position is 30" north of CGCG 097-084 = PGC 36443.

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NGC 3835 = UGC 6703 = MCG +10-17-055 = CGCG 292-021 = PGC 36493

11 44 04.9 +60 07 11; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 1.9'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 60°

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE.  Broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter middle and slightly fainter extensions.  Extended in the direction of a mag 12 star 3.6' NE.  Located 7' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 15622.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3835 = h958 on 14 Apr 1831 and recorded "pF; lE; gradually brighter in the middle; preceds * 8m, 5' distant.  His position (measured twice) is good, though the star is 7' southeast.

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NGC 3836 = VV 477 = MCG -03-30-010 = PGC 36445

11 43 29.7 -16 47 40; Crt

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6'.  Appears brighter along a major axis NW-SE, surrounded by a rounder, faint halo.  A mag 12-13 star is just off the north flank, perhaps 45" from the center.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3836 = T. 1-36 = T. 4-8 on 29 Apr 1877.  On the SDSS, the foreground star happens to lie at the exact tip of the northern spiral arm.

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NGC 3837 = UGC 6701 = MCG +03-30-068 = CGCG 097-089 = PGC 36476

11 43 56.4 +19 53 41; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  This is the second brightest galaxy in the core of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 and lies 3.6' SSW of NGC 3842 (brightest in the core).  UGC 6697, the third brightest galaxy, lies 4.7' NNW.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round.  Second brightest in the core of the cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3837 = H. III-377 = h961, along with NGC 3842, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402).  He described both as "two, the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is vF, pS.  The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly."  His RA was 10 seconds too small.

 

John Herschel made two observations, measured an accurate position, and assumed it was new.  Dreyer concluded in the his revision of William Herschel's catalogues that h961 = H. III-377 = NGC 3837.

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NGC 3838 = UGC 6707 = MCG +10-17-056 = CGCG 292-022 = LGG 244-005 = PGC 36505

11 44 13.8 +57 56 53; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 141°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very pretty edge-on at 375x, bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', very strong concentration with a very bright core and an intensely bright nucleus.  A mag 12.1 star is 3' S.  Brightest member of the LGG 246 group.

 

CGCG 292-024, situated 7' SE, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20", strong concentration, bright core, small brighter nucleus, faint halo with averted.  A mag 15.5 star is at the N edge.  Located 7' SE of NGC 3838.

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3', spindle-shaped.  Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus.  A mag 12 star lies 3.2' S.  Member of the LGG 246 group along with NGC 3757 and NGC 3795.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3838 = H. II-831 = h959 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "pB, vS, lE."  Caroline's reduced position is within 1' of UGC 6707.

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NGC 3839 = UGC 6700 = MCG +02-30-024 = CGCG 068-048 = PGC 36475

11 43 54.3 +10 47 06; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 87°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, ~50"x30", relatively large slightly elongated central region, low surface brightness outer halo extended E-W.  Located 6' NNW of mag 8.1 HD 101932.

 

IC 727, situated 8.4' E, appeared as a very faint, very thin low surface brightness streak, ~8:1 NNW-SSE, brighter core, ~0.8'x0.1'. A mag 8 star (HD 101932) is 9' SW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated WSW-ENE.  Forms the north vertex of near equilateral triangle with mag 8.5 SAO 99760 6.0' SSE and mag 8.4 SAO 99756 7.1' SW.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412), which includes HCG 58.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3839 = St. 12-48 on 17 Mar 1882.  He reduced the position the following month (19 Apr 1882) and included it in his 12th discovery list (#48).

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NGC 3840 = UGC 6702 = MCG +03-30-070 = CGCG 097-091 = PGC 36477

11 43 58.9 +20 04 37; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 67°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, irregularly round, broad concentration.  Located 2.9' NNW of NGC 3844 in the core of galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round.  This is the farthest northern galaxy in the core of AGC 1367.  Appears similar to NGC 3844 and NGC 3845.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3840 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 6702 and he mentions "it is certainly one of LdR's 'eight knots'."

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NGC 3841 = MCG +03-30-073 = CGCG 097-096 = PGC 36469

11 44 02.2 +19 58 19; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.6

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, small bright core.  Located 1.3' N of NGC 3842 in the central core of AGC 1367.  Nearby are NGC 3845 1.7' NNW, and UGC 6697 3.0' W.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, in central core of AGC 1367.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3841 = h960 = Big. 48 on 25 Mar 1827 and simply noted "F; R."  On a later sweep (334) he recorded "vF; S; the first of 4 [with NGC 3837, 3842 and 3845."  All modern catalogues equate NGC 3841 with CGCG 097-096 = PGC 36469, but Herschel's two positions are a better match with the edge-on UGC 6697, as well as his offset from NGC 3842!

 

Heinrich d'Arrest's #118 in his AN 1500 discovery list matches CGCG 097-096, so he clearly observed this galaxy.  In his main monograph "Siderum Nebulosorum" he gives an uncertain equivalence with h960.  Harold Corwin's equates Big. 48 with NGC 3841.  The MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 3841 and 3842.

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NGC 3842 = UGC 6704 = MCG +03-30-072 = CGCG 097-095 = PGC 36487

11 44 02.1 +19 57 00; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core.  A mag 15 star is 0.8' SE of core.  Brightest and largest in core of the rich cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3841 1.3' N, UGC 6697 3.2' WNW, NGC 3845 2.9' NNE, NGC 3837 3.6' SSW and NGC 3851 4.7' ENE.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, many companions.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3842 = H. III-378 = h962, along with NGC 3837, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402).  His description reads "Two, the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is very faint, pretty small.  The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly."

 

John Herschel misassigned H. III-377 to h962 and H. III-378 to h966 = NGC 3851 in the GC and Dreyer repeated this in the NGC.  Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3842 on 16 Mar 1882 and also discovered (but didn't publish) UGC 6697.  According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan discovered nearby CGCG 097-090 = Big. 47 (1' west), but it wasn't assigned a NGC or IC designation.  MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 3841 and NGC 3842.

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NGC 3843 = UGC 6699 = MCG +01-30-011 = CGCG 040-034 = PGC 36471

11 43 54.7 +07 55 33; Vir

V = 13.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 42°

 

17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3843 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. and recorded "F; elongated 225° [SW-NE].  Follows a star 11m by 14s [of time]."  His position and description matches UGC 6699, though the star is closer to 13th mag.

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NGC 3844 = UGC 6705 = MCG +03-30-069 = CGCG 097-097 = PGC 36481

11 44 00.8 +20 01 46; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.2'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 28°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Located in the core of AGC 1367 4.8' N of NGC 3842.  Nearby are NGC 3845 2.3' SE, NGC 3841 3.4' S, NGC 3840 2.9' N.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round, brighter core, similar to NGC 3840 and NGC 3845.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3844 (#119 in his AN 1500 list) on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on two nights, matches UGC 6705.

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NGC 3845 = MCG +03-30-074 = CGCG 097-100 = PGC 36470

11 44 05.5 +19 59 45; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.9'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 1.6' NNE of NGC 3841 in the core of AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3845 = h963 on 17 Mar 1831 and recorded "vF; pS; the last of 4 [with NGC 3841, 3837 and 3842].  There are however 3 or 4 more nebulae in this neighbourhood."  His position is 0.8' southwest of CGCG 097-100 = PGC 36470.  d'Arrest measured an accurate position (observed on 2 nights).

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NGC 3846 = UGC 6710 = MCG +09-19-171 = CGCG 268-078 = LGG 250-008 = PGC 36539

11 44 29.1 +55 39 08; UMa

V = 13.9;  Size 1.1'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 135°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE.  First in a group of five galaxies with NGC 3850 17' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3846 = h964 on 10 Feb 1831 and recorded "F; pL; R; very gradually brighter middle."  His single position is barely off the southwest edge of UGC 6710.

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NGC 3847 = NGC 3856? = UGC 6708 = MCG +06-26-023 = CGCG 186-032 = PGC 36504

11 44 14.0 +33 30 52; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, slightly brighter core.  A close pair (CGCG 186-029) to the NE wasn't noticed.  Member of a group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 10' SSE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3847 = h965 on 3 Apr 1831 and recorded "not vF; S; R pretty suddenly brighter in the middle."  His position matches UGC 6708.  Rudolph Spitaler's position is 7.5' too far north (error in offset star?) and Max Wolf misidentified this galaxy on a Heidelberg plate.  As a result the "corrected" declination in the IC 2 Notes section is off by 10'.  Sinnott's NGC2000.0 repeats this erroneous position.  It is possible that either NGC 3855 or NGC 3856 (found by d'Arrest but with a poor position) is a duplicate of this galaxy.

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NGC 3848 = HCG 58A = NGC 3822 = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 = CGCG 068-033 = WBL 350-004 = PGC 36319

11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 3822.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3848 = H. III-35, along with NGC 3852 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174).  He described both as "Two, very small, and eF.  Their situation is in the same parallel of declination, and distance perhaps 3 or 4 minutes.  It took up some time to see them well."

 

The RNGC identifies MCG +02-30-023 = CGCG 068-046 as NGC 3848 (the closest galaxy to his position) though there is only a single object here "in the same parallel of declination".  Malcolm Thomson feels that CGCG 068-046 is a reasonable match in position.  CGCG 068-046 is not labeled NGC 3848 in MCG or CGCG.

 

Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 are probably duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825 (found again by WH a month later!).  This pair is 2.0 min of RA west of WH's position and 1-2' south.  The separation of this pair is 3.2' (roughly east-west), agreeing with WH's description, so this identification seems more liekly likely.

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NGC 3849 = IC 730 = MCG +01-30-013 = CGCG 040-040 = Todd 10 = PGC 36658

11 45 35.2 +03 13 54; Vir

V = 13.7;  Size 0.8'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 35°

 

24" (4/15/23): at 229x and 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated at least 3:2 SW-NE, 20"-24" length

 

48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.3', small bright core, fairly high surface brightness.  A mag 16.3 star is off the southeast side [27" from center].  An extremely faint "star" was noted off the northwest side [25" from center].  After later checking the SDSS, I discovered this is a compact galaxy (SDSS J114534.52+031417.8) with V = 17.8.

 

17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25" diameter, no concentration.  Visible steadily with direct vision.  A mag 15 star lies 1.6' SSW. This galaxy is identified as IC 730 (good position from Javelle) in several sources.

 

David Todd discovered NGC 3849 = Todd 10 on 11 Feb 1878 in his search for trans-Neptunian planets with the 26-inch refractor at the Naval Observatory.  He noted a "large and nebulous" object with a star 2' in PA ~210° (SSW).  There is nothing at his rough position, but using Todd's discovery sketch, Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3849 = CGCG 040-040.

 

Stephane Javelle found this galaxy on 22 Mar 1893 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and measured an accurate position.  Javelle and Dreyer assumed J. 2–728 was new, so it acquired the designation IC 730.  All modern catalogues label this galaxy as IC 730 only.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3850 = UGC 6733 = MCG +09-19-174 = CGCG 268-079 = LGG 250-004 = PGC 36660

11 45 35.6 +55 53 12; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 2.2'x1.1';  Surf Br = 14.1;  PA = 130°

 

18" (2/14/10): fairly faint, fairly large oval 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.1', low surface brightness, very weak concentration.  Located 17' WSW of NGC 3888 and 19' NW of mag 5.3 HD 102328 (adjacent to AGC 1377).    Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group), though also included in the M109 (NGC 3992) group.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, diffuse oval NW-SE.  Second of five in a group with NGC 3846 17' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3850 = H. III-776 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, pL, lE.  Time inaccurate, left doubtful."  There is nothing at his position but exactly 1.0 min of RA east is UGC 6733.  Probably because of the poor position it was not recovered by Bigourdan.  MCG gives the NGC identification as uncertain.  The RNGC mislabels NGC 3850 as NGC 3889.

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NGC 3851 = MCG +03-30-077 = CGCG 097-106 = PGC 36516

11 44 20.4 +19 58 51; Leo

V = 14.4;  Size 0.6'x0.45';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 83°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, round, just non-stellar.  Forms a faint "pair" with a mag 14.5 star 37" W of center.  Located 4.7' ENE of NGC 3842 in the core of AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, stellar.  Located east of a faint star.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3851 = h966 on 24 Feb 1827 and logged "vF; R; the nf of 2."  He mistakenly equated H. III-378 with this galaxy, instead of h962 = NGC 3842 and this error was repeated in the NGC.  WH did not record this object.

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NGC 3852 = HCG 58B = NGC 3825? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 = CGCG 068-037 = WBL 350-005 = PGC 36348

11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir

 

See observing notes for NGC 3825.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3852 = H. III-36, along with NGC 3848, on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174). He described both as "Two, very small, and eF.  Their situation is in the same parallel of declination, and distance perhaps 3 or 4 minutes.  It took up some time to see them well."  There are no pair of galaxies fitting this description near his position and both numbers were equated by Dreyer in his 1912 NGC Correction list (repeated by Reinmuth).

 

In his 1912 update of WH's catalogues, Dreyer notes that NGC 3852 was not found by Bigourdan but possibly there was a 1 tmin error in RA in reducing the position.  Corwin suggests NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 may be duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825.  These galaxies have the same declination and 3.2' separation but lie 2.0 tmin west of H's position.  So, NGC 3852 = NGC 3825 and NGC 3848 = NGC 3822 seems the most likely scenario, although this identification is uncertain.

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NGC 3853 = UGC 6712 = MCG +03-30-081 = CGCG 097-107 = PGC 36535

11 44 28.3 +16 33 29; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.7'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 140°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, halo increases to a small bright core.

 

Alphonse Borrelly found NGC 3853 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. His description reads "R, lE, small ncl at center" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 (4th object) matches UGC 6712.

 

William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 72) and logged "Some minutes after 32, I saw a small nebula, but in looking a good while at the finder to determine its place, lost is again.  I suspect partly that is consists of a few vS stars, but shall look for it another night."  Although he was completely uncertain of the minute of RA (so didn't catalogue it), his polar distance is an exact match with NGC 3853.

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NGC 3854 = NGC 3865 = MCG -01-30-028 = PGC 36581

11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 49°

 

See observing notes for NGC 3865.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3854 = LM 2-449 in 1886 and reported "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, lE 70°, gradually brighter then suddenly brighter in the middle to a nucleus."  There is nothing close to his position.  The brightest galaxy in the vicinity is NGC 3865 = PGC 36581, 28 seconds of RA east and 9' north.  Harold Corwin lists this galaxy as the most likely candidate.  Due to the unusually large discrepancy in declination and only a fair match in PA (70°), this identification is very uncertain. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  See Corwin's notes.

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NGC 3855 = IC 2953 = UGC 6709 = MCG +06-26-025 = CGCG 186-033 = WAS 31 = PGC 36508

11 44 25.8 +33 21 18; UMa

V = 14.0;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 65°

 

17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.8', low even surface brightness

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.  On a line with two mag 14 stars located 6'-7' SE.  In a group with NGC 3847 10' NNW, IC 2952 1.8' W and MCG +06-26-028 4.5' ESE (not observed on 2/24/90).  The identifications are very uncertain in this group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3855 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single observation gives a rough declination (marked to the nearest arcmin and very uncertain) and mentions a companion to the north [NGC 3856], though without a position or even offset.  There are a number of galaxies in the vicinity, but none exactly matching in RA.

 

When Rudolph Spitaler looked for the pair in 1891 with 27-inch refractor at the Wien Observatory, he identified CGCG 186-31 as NGC 3855 and UGC 6709 as NGC 3856 (published in AN 3167-68).  His positions (roughly 17 tsec of RA west of d'Arrest's position) are given in the Notes and Corrections section of the IC 1.  Stephane Javelle independently found these galaxies on 11 Jun 1896 at the Nice Observatory and they were later catalogued as IC 2952 and IC 2953.

 

UGC, MCG and CGCG label these galaxies using the IC designations.  RNGC, MCG and CGCG identify CGCG 186-036 as NGC 3855.  This is a very small galaxy located 5' SE of the close pair.  RNGC classifies NGC 3856 as nonexistent. It seems very unlikely that CGCG 186-036 was the single galaxy seen by d'Arrest as IC 2953 in the same field is both larger and more prominent visually.

 

If we accept Spitaler's corrected positions in the IC 2 notes, then NGC 3855 = IC 2952 and NGC 3856 = IC 2953.  Malcolm Thomson proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036, though the fainter galaxy would be located southeast, instead of north as d'Arrest mentions.  Harold Corwin argues d'Arrest most likely picked up the two brightest galaxies in the vicinity.  So, he proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = NGC 3847, though the latter galaxy is nearly 10' to the north.  So, although NGC 3855 is most likely IC 2953 (brightest galaxy nearest d'Arrest's position), the identification of NGC 3856 is very uncertain.

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NGC 3856 = MCG +06-26-028 = CGCG 186-036 = WBL 354-006 = PGC 36569

11 44 44.9 +33 19 16; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.7'x0.6'

 

17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, small, round.  Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily.  Located 4.5' ESE of IC 2953 = NGC 3855.

 

The identification of NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036 is very uncertain and this number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3847.

 

See notes for NGC 3855.

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NGC 3857 = MCG +03-30-084 = CGCG 097-117 = PGC 36548

11 44 50.1 +19 31 58; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.0'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 40°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Located 3.3' NW of mag 8.1 SAO 99769 and 5.8' SW of NGC 3862 within the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round.  A fairly bright star is 3.5' SE.  Appears similar to NGC 3859 5' S.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3857 = St. 13-63 = Sw. 1-13, along with NGC 3859 and 3864, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884.  The original discovery date is uncertain, though Stephan discovered NGC 3867 and  3868 on 16 Mar 1882.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list.  Swift's position is 12 sec of RA too far west and 1.5' too far south.

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NGC 3858 = NGC 3866 = MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621

11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt

 

See observing notes for NGC 3866.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3858 = LM 2-450 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.6, 0.1' dia, R, gradually brighter in the middle, *9.5 preceding 3 sec [of time]."  His position is 30 sec of RA west of NGC 3866 = PGC 36621 (discovered by Andrew Common in 1880).  A star is 3 sec of RA west, so the identification NGC 3858 = NGC 3865 is nearly certain.  Because of the poor position NGC 3865 was not found by Bigourdan or on Helwan Observatory plates in 1919-20 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3859 = UGC 6721 = MCG +03-30-091 = CGCG 097-122 = PGC 36582

11 44 52.3 +19 27 16; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 1.2'x0.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 58°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Member of AGC 1367 with NGC 3857 4.7' NNW and CGCG 97-123 2.5' N.  Located 3.4' SW of mag 8.1 SAO 99769.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Located 3.4' SW of a bright star.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3859 = St. 13-64 = Sw. 1-14, along with NGC 3857 and 3864, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list.  His position was 10 sec of RA too far west and 2' too far south.

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NGC 3860 = UGC 6718 = MCG +03-30-088 = CGCG 097-120 = Holm 285a = PGC 36577

11 44 49.1 +19 47 43; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 38°

 

48" (4/29/22): at 488x; bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~60"x40", strong concentration with a bright oval core.

 

Surrounded by numerous galaxies with CGCG 97-114 1.4' SSW, CGCG 97-113 2.3' SSW (both collinear with NGC 3860), LEDA 1606249 just 45" N, and CGCG 97-125 1.8' SE.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration.  Member of galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3862 13' SSE, NGC 3842 14' NW, CGCG 97-115 5' NNW and CGCG 097-131 6' NE.  Nearby members include CGCG 97-114 1.3' S and CGCG 97-113 2.2' S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, small, diffuse.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3860 = H. III-386 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "vF, vS, r."  His position was 2' too far south.  Édouard Stephan made an observation on 27 Mar 1886.

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NGC 3861 = UGC 6724 = MCG +03-30-093 = CGCG 097-129 = Holm 287a = WBL 353-057 = LGG 249-004 = PGC 36604

11 45 03.8 +19 58 25; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 77°

 

48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.7'x1.0', well concentrated with a large, bright core and very small brighter nucleus.  A very faint spiral arm emerges on the north or northeast side of the core and winds counterclockwise, merging with MCG +03-30-094, a close companion  on the southeast side.  A similar second arm emerges from the south side of the core and unwinds towards the west, ending at 0.9' W of center.  A very faint extension on the northwest side was not seen.  The companion is situated just 50" SE of center and appeared fairly faint, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.25', even surface brightness.  CGCG 97-133 lies 4.3' NE.

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, fairly sharp concentration with a very bright core and stellar nucleus, faint oval halo.  This member of AGC 1367 is located 6.5' NW of mag 7.4 SAO 81972.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, moderately large, small bright core, diffuse.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3861 = h970 on 23 Mar 1827 and noted "F; S; R; bM.  Doubtful."  His position was just off the northwest side of the galaxy.

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NGC 3862 = UGC 6723 = MCG +03-30-095 = CGCG 097-127 = 3C 264 = PGC 36606

11 45 05.0 +19 36 23; Leo

V = 12.7;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.  Forms a close trio with IC 2955 0.9' NNW and CGCG 97-118 2.9' W.  This galaxy is in the core of AGC 1367 and is the brightest in the field with NGC 3857, NGC 3859, NGC 3868.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, IC 2955 0.9' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3862 = H. III-385 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403).  He called it "very faint, very small, resolvable" though missed nearby IC 2955.

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NGC 3863 = UGC 6722 = MCG +02-30-028 = CGCG 068-054 = Holm 286a = PGC 36607

11 45 05.6 +08 28 11; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 2.8'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 75°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, thin edge-on WSW-ENE, moderately large, bright core.  This pretty galaxy is located 15' N of XI Virginis (V = 4.9) within the UGC 6730 group.

 

Albert Marth discovered NGC 3863 = m 224 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, perhaps 2' l, mE, almost ray, pos 70°, gradually little brighter middle."  His position is less than 1' south of UGC 6722 and the description matches.  William Herschel recorded Xi Virginis (13' SSE of the galaxy) on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194), but missed this galaxy.

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NGC 3864 = MCG +03-30-097 = CGCG 097-130 = Holm 288b = WBL 353-060 = PGC 36620

11 45 15.6 +19 23 32; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 90°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness.  Located 3.3' W of NGC 3867 in AGC 1367.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3864 = St. 13-65 = Sw. 1-15, along with NGC 3857 and 3859, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884.  The original discovery date is uncertain, though he discovered NGC 3867 and 3868 on 16 Mar 1882.  Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list (#15).  His RA was 8 seconds too small and the dec was 1.5' too far south.

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NGC 3865 = NGC 3854 = MCG -01-30-028 = PGC 36581

11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt

V = 12.0;  Size 2.0'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 49°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very small brighter core appears offset from the geometric center.  Located 4.5' SE of mag 9 SAO 138385.  Forms a pair (identical redshift) with NGC 3866 7' SSE.  Probably one of the brightest members of the large USGC S171 group that includes NGC 3730, 3771 and 3791.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3865 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and reported "F, pL, dif, another sf [NGC 3866] not so L".  Common's RA (single position) was 20 seconds too large .  Leavenworth probably found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it as new, though his RA for NGC 3854 was 28 seconds too small and 9' too far south.  In 1921, it was reported again as a possible new nebula at the Helwan Observatory with an interesting description: "F, pS, double nebula [probably an a bright section of a spiral arm] separation 20" in p.a. 40. ? = NGC 3865"  MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 3858.  See Corwin's notes for NGC 3854.

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NGC 3866 = NGC 3858 = MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621

11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 56°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  A mag 11.5 star is close off the west edge 0.8' from center.  Forms a physical pair with NGC 3865 6' NW.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3866 in 1880 and noted "another sf [of NGC 3865] not so L".  The only logical candidate is MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621, situated 7' southeast of NGC 3865.  Leavenworth probably found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it in list LM 2-450 = NGC 3858.  His RA was 30 seconds too small.  So, NGC 3866 = NGC 3858, with discovery priority to Common.  Because of the poor positions, this galaxy was reported as new again at the Helwan observatory (1921 bulletin #22).

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NGC 3867 = UGC 6731 = MCG +03-30-103 = CGCG 097-134 = PGC 36649

11 45 29.6 +19 24 01; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.5'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 173°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, oval ~N-S, bright core.  Member of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3868 2.7' N.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, brighter than NGC 3857 and 3859 to the NW.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3867 = St. 13-66 = Sw. 1-16, along with NGC 3868, on 16 Mar 1882.  His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 23 Mar 1884.  He made a later observation on 27 Mar 1886, after his 13th list.  The 16th entry in Swift's first discovery list may be a reobservation on 13 Apr 1885.

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NGC 3868 = MCG +03-30-104 = CGCG 097-135 = Holm 288a = WBL 353-062 = PGC 36638

11 45 29.9 +19 26 41; Leo

V = 14.3;  Size 0.8'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration.  Located in a trio within AGC 1367 with NGC 3867 2.7' S and NGC 3864 4.5' SW.

 

Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3868 = St. 13-67, along with NGC 3867, on 16 Mar 1882.  His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 23 Mar 1884.  This was the 29th (and last) galaxy recorded that night with detailed notes.

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NGC 3869 = UGC 6737 = MCG +02-30-032 = CGCG 068-059 = PGC 36669

11 45 45.6 +10 49 29; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 135°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated spindle 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x0.3', sharply concentrated with an intense, round core that gradually brightens inward.  The disc is relatively thin.  IC 727 is 19' WSW.

 

17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, pretty galaxy.  Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412), which includes HCG 58.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3869 = h971 on 10 Mar 1826 and noted "F; S; suddenly brighter middle; irreg fig; resolvable."  His mean position (2 sweeps) is just off the west side of UGC 6737.

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NGC 3870 = UGC 6742 = Mrk 186 = MCG +08-22-001 = CGCG 268-081 = LGG 258-023 = PGC 36686

11 45 56.6 +50 11 59; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.0'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 25°

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration.  Situated near the intersection  of a string of stars to the SE and a couple of stars nearly collinear to the ENE.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3870 = H. III-833 = h972 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and noted "vF, vS."  John Herschel made three observations and and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3871 = IC 2959 = UGC 6744 = MCG +06-26-031 = CGCG 186-041 = PGC 36702

11 46 10.2 +33 06 31; UMa

V = 14.3;  Size 0.9'x0.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, elongated E-W.  First of four and forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides 4' length with NGC 3880 and NGC 3881 to the NE and east and also forms a rhombus using a mag 13 star 3.7' SE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3871 = h967 on 3 Apr 1831 and noted "eF; R; gradually brighter in the middle.  The preceding of 3 [with NGC 3880 and 3881] forming an equilateral triangle.  Place very rough."  There is nothing at his position (given only to the nearest min of RA and min of Dec; both marked as +/-), but 1 min 15 sec of RA due east is UGC 6744, which perfectly fits his description.  Rudolph Spitaler observed the field in 1891 at the Wein Observatory, though his position was 2' too far south (same offset with NGC 3881).

 

Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again when he went through the region on 11 Jun 1896 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and because of JH's poor position assumed it was new.  So, NGC 3871 = IC 2959.

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NGC 3872 = UGC 6738 = MCG +02-30-033 = CGCG 068-060 = PGC 36678

11 45 49.1 +13 46 00; Leo

V = 11.7;  Size 1.9'x1.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core.  Located 1° SW of Denebola = Beta Leonis (V = 2.1).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3872 = H. II-104 = h973 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, R, vS, cometic (or rather close resolvable).  The kind of nucleus visible is pretty large and seems not to consist of a single star or point, but looks as if it were resolvable."  John Herschel made three observations, describing it on sweep 242 as "B; R; very suddenly much brighter middle to a * 11m; 40"."

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NGC 3873 = UGC 6735 = MCG +03-30-106 = CGCG 097-137 = Holm 289a = WBL 353-065 = LGG 249-003 = PGC 36670

11 45 46.1 +19 46 26; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms a close double with NGC 3875 0.9' SE within the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, close pair with NGC 3875.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3873 = H. III-387 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, R."  His position matches the double system NGC 3873/3875, so H. III-387 could apply to either component.  But it's reasonable to assume he picked up NGC 3873, which is slightly brighter and larger visually.

 

When Heinrich d'Arrest observed H. III-387 on 8 May 1864.  He resolved the pair and measured both components.  He applied H. III-387 to the northwest component and wrote "Double Nebula, seen [by WH] as single in 1785.  Estimated distance = 52", PA = 119°.  The north-preceding [NGC 3873] is a little brighter and the view is the fainter [NGC 3873] is extremely difficult.  Both are only 2'."  But when Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), he mistakenly wrote "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np".  Assuming III-387 applies to NGC 3873, then d'Arrest should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3875.

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NGC 3874

11 45 37.7 +08 34 26; Vir

 

= **, Reinmuth and Corwin.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3874 = H. III-104 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "I suspect a vF, vS nebula; but there is too much twilight to verify it."  There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find this nebula on two occasions.

 

Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", notes "F double star in Dreyer's place."  Harold Corwin agrees with this identification.  The only galaxy near his position is NGC 3863, but this galaxy is 45 sec of RA west and 5' south of WH's offsets.

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NGC 3875 = UGC 6739 = MCG +03-30-105 = CGCG 097-139 = Holm 289b = WBL 353-067 = PGC 36675

11 45 49.4 +19 46 03; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.0'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 87°

 

17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, very elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.  Forms a close double system with brighter NGC 3873 0.9' NW within AGC 1367.

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, oval ~E-W, small brighter core.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.  Forms a pair with NGC 3873.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3875 on 8 May 1864.  He noted a double nebula with H. III-387 = NGC 3873 at 52" separation in PA 119° (east-southeast).  d'Arrest noted the north-preceding nebula was slightly brighter and the south-following nebula extremely difficult. He attached the designation H. III-387 to the north-preceding object.  Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), using d'Arrest's mean position (two observations) but mistakenly noted "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np".  He repeated this error in the NGC, incorrectly crediting d'Arrest with the discovery of NGC 3873, instead of NGC 3875.

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NGC 3876 = UGC 6730 = MCG +02-30-029 = CGCG 068-055 = PGC 36644

11 45 26.7 +09 09 39; Vir

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 105°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' NE.  Located 5.7' E of mag 8.6 SAO 119025.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3876 = H. III-103 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and noted "vF, r."  His position is 4' northeast of UGC 6730 and 4.5' north-northeast of UGC 6734, a much fainter galaxy.  Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position on 24 Mar 1892 using the 27" refractor at Vienna (given in the IC 1 notes).

 

The major catalogues UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label UGC 6730 as NGC 3876, but it is identified correctly in the RNGC.

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NGC 3877 = UGC 6745 = MCG +08-22-002 = CGCG 243-004 = LGG 258-015 = PGC 36699

11 46 07.6 +47 29 41; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 5.5'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 35°

 

24" (5/27/17): at 200x; very bright, very large, excellent edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~4.5' length and 1' wide.  The central region appears mottled and contains a fairly small brighter core with a sharp, intense stellar nucleus.  The ends of the SW and NE extensions are irregular in brightness (brighter streaks) and don't narrow at the ends.  At times they seemed warped, perhaps due to the patchy brightness.  NGC 3738 is 16' NW.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258 and brightest in the NGC 3877 subgroup.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): Viewed 13.5 magnitude supernova SN 1998S (type IIn) as an easy object on the south side of the core.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.1', bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  A mag 10.5 star is 3.8' NNW of center.  Located 16' S of Chi Ursa Majoris (V = 3.7).

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, large, very elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3877 = H. I-201 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, mE nearly in the meridian, 4 or 5' long, 1' broad."  His RA (Caroline's reduction) is 10 sec too large.

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NGC 3878 = MCG +06-26-032 = CGCG 186-042 = PGC 36708

11 46 17.8 +33 12 16; UMa

V = 14.4;  Size 0.7'x0.6'

 

17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round, very low surface brightness.  Faintest and smallest of four with NGC 3880 2.5' SE and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 25' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3878 = h974 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; R; the first in an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3880 and 3881].  His position matches CGCG 186-042 = PGC 36708.  In this sweep (74) he missed NGC 3871, which was found later.  R.J. Mitchell missed NGC 3878 when he observed the group on 28 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3879 = UGC 6752 = MCG +12-11-040 = CGCG 334-051 = PGC 36743

11 46 49.8 +69 22 59; Dra

V = 13.1;  Size 2.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 130°

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'.  This galaxy appeared as a low surface brightness phantom streak with no concentration.  The galaxy is close following a group of five stars including two to the south and three to the west with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3879 = H. II-881 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037).  He logged "faint, much extended, about 1 1/2' long, from np to sf, but near the parallel."  His position is accurate.  In "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", Dreyer notes this galaxy was not found by d'Arrest or Bigourdan.

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NGC 3880 = MCG +06-26-033 = CGCG 186-043 = PGC 36712

11 46 22.3 +33 09 42; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.7'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, small, round, very diffuse, very low surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is off the north end 0.8' from center.  Third of four with NGC 3878 2.5' NW and NGC 3881 4' SE.  Part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 27' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3880 = h968 = h975 on 29 Apr 1827 and noted (sweep 74) "vF; R; bM; the second of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3881 and NGC 3878]."  On sweep 337 he only has a rough position for h968 which he assumed was different and logged "eF; R; gradually brighter in the middle.  The second of 3 [with NGC 3871 and NGC 3881]."  So, on both sweeps he missed one of the 4 brighter galaxies here.

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NGC 3881 = MCG +06-26-034 = CGCG 186-046 = PGC 36722

11 46 34.4 +33 06 23; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.75';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 4' SW.  Last of four in a faint quartet with NGC 3880 4.2' NW and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 30' NW.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3881 = h969 = h976 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded h976 as "vF; R; the third of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3878 and 3880].  His position is accurate.  He found the galaxy again on 3 Apr 1831 and logged "eF; R; gradually brighter in the middle.  The last of 3 [forming an equilateral triangle with NGC 3871 and 3880]."  His positions for these three galaxies were very poorly determined but the identifications are obvious from the description.  In the first sweep he missed NGC 3871 and in the later sweep he missed NGC 3878.  Rudolph Spitaler measured a position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory, though his position is 2' too far south (same error with NGC 3871).

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NGC 3882 = ESO 170-011 = PGC 36697

11 46 06.6 -56 23 17; Cen

V = 12.5;  Size 2.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 126°

 

24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3882 is buried in a rich Centaurus Milky Way star field only 5.3° from the Galactic planevery, a very unusual setting for a galaxy.  At 200x, it appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', weak concentration.  A mag 12 star sits at the SSE edge and a mag 13.5 star is close off the SE end.  A faint star barely off the NW end appears to be a very close double.  In addition, 4 or 5 fainter stars are superimposed on the unconcentrated glow!  Located 2.4' WSW of mag 8.8 HD 102323.

 

This galaxy was misclassified as a diffuse nebula in the RNGC and as a reflection nebula in the Sky Atlas 2000.0, probably because it is embedded in the Milky Way.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3882 = h3358 on 3 Apr 1834 and recorded "vF; lE; has two stars in it."  His position is just off the north side of ESO 170-011.  This galaxy is misclassified by the RNGC as a diffuse nebula in the RNGC and the Sky Atlas 2000.0 lists it as a reflection nebula!  I'm not certain where the first misclassification occurred, although Sven Cederblad included it as a nebula.

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NGC 3883 = UGC 6754 = MCG +04-28-053 = CGCG 127-054 = PGC 36740

11 46 47.1 +20 40 31; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 3.0'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.6

 

17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated, weak concentration.  Located 17' N of NGC 3884 in the galaxy cluster AGC 1367.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3883 = H. III-372 on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 398) and recorded "vF, cL, but (moon) light is too strong to see it well."  His position was offset 13 seconds of RA to the west and 3' to the south of UGC 6754.  Neither John Herschel nor d'Arrest made an observation, though Édouard Stephan observed it on 27 Mar 1886, after the last of his discovery lists were published.

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NGC 3884 = UGC 6746 = MCG +04-28-051 = CGCG 127-052 = PGC 36706

11 46 12.1 +20 23 30; Leo

V = 12.6;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, small faint core.  Located 4.5' NNE of mag 7.7 SAO 81978 within AGC 1367.

 

NGC 3884 forms a pair with IC 732 4' NW.  The companion is very faint, very small, very elongated. This system is a contact pair though was not resolved.

 

17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter middle increases to a small brighter core, very faint halo extended ~N-S.

 

13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, broad concentration.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3884 = H. III-388 = h977 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r."   His position (1 min 25 sec preceding 93 Leo and 25' north) is within 4' of the galaxy.

 

On 29 Mar 1832 (sweep 409), John Herschel called it "pretty faint; north following a * 7m; Delta RA = 4.5 sec, dist 5'.  His offset from mag 7 HD 102243 is fairly close, but his published position was 34 seconds of RA too large.  Dreyer used John Herschel's erroneous RA in the NGC, placing NGC 3884 east of NGC 3883, instead of west. This error was caught by Bigourdan though a correction wasn't published in the IC Notes section.

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NGC 3885 = ESO 440-007 = MCG -05-28-006 = AM 1144-273 = LGG 253-002 = PGC 36737

11 46 46.4 -27 55 19; Hya

V = 11.9;  Size 2.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 123°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core.  A mag 12 star is 1.4' ESE and a fainter mag 13.5 star is 1.4' SSE of center.  Located 6' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 180171.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3885 = H. III-828 = h3359 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 939) and logged "eF, stellar.  Just preceding a very small star.  With 300x, R, very gradually brighter middle."  John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position,

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NGC 3886 = UGC 6760 = MCG +03-30-111 = CGCG 097-147 = PGC 36756

11 47 05.6 +19 50 14; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 132°

 

17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Member of AGC 1367.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3886 on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position matches UGC 6760 and the description mentions the mag 11 star that follows by 13.5 seconds of RA and 45" south.

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NGC 3887 = MCG -03-30-012 = UGCA 246 = PGC 36754

11 47 04.7 -16 51 16; Crt

V = 10.6;  Size 3.3'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.0', broadly concentrated halo, no well-defined nucleus.  A mag 12 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.2' from the center and a mag 13 star is off the SE edge 2.0' from center.

 

8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, diffuse.  Located 90' NE of mag 5 Zeta Crateris.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3887 = H. I-120 = h979 = h3360 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "cB, L, bM, irregularly round, 4 or 5' l and 3 or 4' br."  His position matches MCG -03-30-012 = PGC 36754.  From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; L; R; vgpmbM; r(?); 90"."  Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory, Harold Knox-Shaw described it as an open spiral.

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NGC 3888 = UGC 6765 = VV 455 = MCG +09-19-189 = CGCG 268-085 = Mrk 188 = PGC 36789

11 47 34.5 +55 58 01; UMa

V = 12.1;  Size 1.7'x1.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 120°

 

18" (2/14/10): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0'.  The galaxy is extended in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1.9' WNW of center.  Appears brighter along the major axis and increases mildly to a nucleus that seems offset to the SE side.  Located south of a group of 5 mag 9-10.5 stars and 21' NNE of mag 5.3 HD 102328.  Several galaxy are in the vicinity including NGC 3898 16' NE, NGC 3889 3.7' NE and MCG +9-19-183 4.7' NNW.  AGC 1377, a distant cluster near the bright star, lies ~15' south!

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 12.5 star is 1' W.  There are five fairly bright mag 9-10 stars to the NE and NW (including mag 8.8 SAO 28139 and mag 9.2 SAO 28134) arranged in two parallel strings.  Third of five in the NGC 3898 group with NGC 3889 3.7' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3888 = H. II-785 = h978 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "pB, S, lE."  His RA is 30 tsec too small.  John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position (used in the NGC).

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NGC 3889 = MCG +09-19-191 = PGC 36819

11 47 48.2 +56 01 06; UMa

V = 14.8;  Size 0.5'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 126°

 

18" (2/14/10): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness.  Located just 3.7' NE of NGC 3888.  The redshift (z = .054) implies this is an outlying member of AGC 1377.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE.  Located 3.7' NE of NGC 3888.

 

Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant), discovered NGC 3889 on 13 Mar 1852 (Sat. night).  While observing NGC 3888 he noted "another F, S, 5' nf."  The faint galaxy MCG +09-19-191 is situated 3.7' northeast of NGC 3888 and is a reasonable candidate in position and brightness.  But a second observation by Lawrence Parsons on 1 Apr 1878 confused the situation as he logged "Nova, vF, vS, Pos 167.2 deg (SSE), Dist 340.5"."  This placed the nebula southeast of NGC 3888 instead of northeast.  In compiling the NGC, Dreyer was swayed by the second observation and placed NGC 3889 just 2 seconds of RA following NGC 3888 and 5.6' south and there is nothing at Parsons' position.

 

In an attempt to identify NGC 3889, the RNGC assigns it the same coordinates and new description as NGC 3850 which is located 17' WSW of NGC 3888!  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ January 1985.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3890 = NGC 3939 = UGC 6788 = MCG +13-09-003 = CGCG 352-008 = PGC 36925

11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration, no noticeable core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3890 = H. III-940 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068). He recorded "very faint, small, round, bright middle."  Caroline's reduced position (used in the GC) lands 2.8' too far NW.  Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position, although the RA in the NGC position is 1.0 minute too small.

 

Herschel later rediscovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096), with large systematic errors in position.  He catalogued it again as III. 971 = NGC 3939.  The corrected position for NGC 3939 published in 1911 (MN, 71, 509) reveals NGC 3939 = NGC 3890.  Dreyer mentioned the one minute error in RA for NGC 3890 and the equivalance with NGC 3939 in his 1912 update of Herschel's catalogues.

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NGC 3891 = UGC 6772 = MCG +05-28-031 = CGCG 157-035 = PGC 36832

11 48 03.3 +30 21 34; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.0'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 70°

 

18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a very small, brighter core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3891 = H. II-723 = h980 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "pB, S, lE."  John Herschel observed it on 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65) with description,"B; R; suddenly brighter middle; 20-30"."

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NGC 3892 = MCG -02-30-030 = LGG 248-004 = PGC 36827

11 48 00.9 -10 57 43; Crt

V = 11.5;  Size 3.0'x2.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5', prominent core, very small brighter nucleus, large faint halo.  A mag 13.2 star is 2' NW and a mag 13.7 star is off the SW edge of the halo [1.1' from center].  Located 5' WSW of a mag 10.5 star.  Brightest in a small, but spread out group (LGG 248 at z = .006) including NGC 3732 and 3779.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3892 = H. II-553 = h981 = h3361 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597).  His description reads, "pB, pL, bM, irregular figure.  To the south and a little preceding is a vS star inclosed in the nebulosity, which at first had the appearance of a small, stellar nebula."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel logged this galaxy from Slough, England as "L; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 60"; r" and from the Cape of Good Hope as "pB; R; pL; 45"; first gradually the pretty suddenly brighter in the middle."  Joseph Turner, observing on 5 Apr 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope, noted it this object was suddenly brighter to a nucleus.

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NGC 3893 = UGC 6778 = MCG +08-22-007 = CGCG 243-008 = Holm 293a = LGG 258-016 = PGC 36875

11 48 38.2 +48 42 39; UMa

V = 10.5;  Size 4.5'x2.8';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 165°

 

48" (5/9/18): I was quite impressed with this gorgeous asymmetric spiral.  At 488x and 610x it appeared very bright, very large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, slightly over 3'x2'.  The slightly elongated core contains a bright, circular nucleus that rises to a very bright non-stellar peak.  A prominent spiral arm is rooted at the SW side of the core.  It emerges to the south with a 15th mag star superimposed, and unfurls fairly sharply clockwise to the SE as it separates from the core. The arm shoots nearly straight N on the E end of the halo, ending nearly 1.5' NNE of center.  The arm is relatively thin and has a high contrast with the much darker interarm gap to the W.  An easy HII knot is within the arm, 50" ESE of center, and a second bright knot with a stellar center is just 15" S.  The northern section of the arm is mottled but I didn't notice any specific knots.  A second thin arm is attached on the E or NE side of the core.  It curls around the N side of the core to the W and ends at a mag 13.4 star [0.9' NW of center].  This arm has a sharply defined, hard outer edge at 610x.  Forms a pair (similar redshift) with NGC 3896 3.7' SE.

 

MCG +08-22-009 was also picked up in the field 5' NE.  It appeared bright (V = 14.6), fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", fairly high surface brightness. It contains a very small, very bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.6', broad moderate concentration, small bright core.  There esd a hint of spiral structure with an impression of an arm attached at the SW end trailing to the east.  A mag 13.5 star is involved at the NW side 1.0' from the center and a mag 10.5 star is 3.1' SW.  Forms a pair with NGC 3896 3.7' SE.  NGC 3893 is a member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3893 = H. II-738 = h982 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM."  His position is accurate.  John Herschel logged "B; pL; R; gb and pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 60"."

 

Bindon Stoney, observing on 15 Apr 1852 with LdR's 72", logged "Spiral probably, knot in south edge and a * outside preceding edge."  The next night he also noted the "spiral branch seems to start from the south edge and go round the following and n sides as far as the preceding star."  Further observations of the spiral structure were made in 1857 and 1861.

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NGC 3894 = UGC 6779 = MCG +10-17-078 = CGCG 292-033 = Holm 294a = LGG 251-004 = PGC 36889

11 48 50.3 +59 24 56; UMa

V = 11.6;  Size 2.8'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3894 = H. I-248 = h983 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with NGC 3895, and logged "cB, pL, iF." John Herschel made two observations and noted "B; pL; R; pretty gradually much brighter middle; the preceding of 2."  His position is accurate.

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NGC 3895 = UGC 6785 = MCG +10-17-080 = CGCG 292-035 = Holm 294b = LGG 251-005 = PGC 36907

11 49 04.0 +59 25 57; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 125°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3894 2.2' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3895 = H. II-832 = h984 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with NGC 3894, and logged "pB, pL, R." John Herschel made a single observation, "F; pL; E; gradually brighter in the middle.  The foll of 2."

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NGC 3896 = UGC 6781 = MCG +08-22-008 = CGCG 243-009 = Holm 293b = LGG 258-017 = PGC 36897

11 48 56.4 +48 40 28; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 125°

 

48" (5/9/18): at 488x and 610x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge [25" from center], and a mag 16.8 star is just off the west side [33" from center].  Fainter of pair with showpiece (in this aperture) NGC 3893 3.7' NW.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge 26" from the center.  Forms a pair with NGC 3893 3.7' NW.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3896 = H. II-739, along with NGC 3893, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "F, vS."  His position is 2' too far north.  d'Arrest found it on 4 Dec 1861 and assumed it was new, though he made a transcription error and his position is 36 minutes of time too small.

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NGC 3897 = UGC 6784 = MCG +06-26-041 = CGCG 186-054 = PGC 36902

11 48 59.5 +35 00 58; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.9';  Surf Br = 14.2

 

18" (4/5/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration to center but no core.  A mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' NW.  Located 10' NW of mag 5.7 SAO 62718.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3897 = H. II-408 = h986 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and noted "vF, vS, R."  Caroline's reduction is NGC 3897 is 12 sec of RA west of UGC 6784.  John Herschel made three observations and called this galaxy either "pF" or "F".

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NGC 3898 = UGC 6787 = MCG +09-19-204 = CGCG 268-088 = CGCG 269-002 = LGG 250-005 = PGC 36921

11 49 15.3 +56 05 04; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 4.4'x2.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 107°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3888 lies 15' SW. Brightest in the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (also UMa NED2 Group).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3898 = H. I-228 = h985 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, vB irr Ncl with F branches, 1 1/2' l, 3/4' br."  John Herschel made 4 observation calling it (sweep 345) "B; pL; R; pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 60"."

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NGC 3899 = NGC 3912 = UGC 6801 = MCG +05-28-037 = CGCG 157-041 = PGC 36979

11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3912.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3899 = h987 on 26 Mar 1827 and noted "pB, R, suddenly much brighter middle".  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA east and 2' north is NGC 3912 = h992 which was observed on three different sweeps, but not on the sweep in which he found h987.  Reinmuth noted the equivalence NGC 3899 = NGC 3912 and Corwin agrees with this equivalence.

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NGC 3900 = UGC 6786 = MCG +05-28-034 = CGCG 157-038 = PGC 36914

11 49 09.4 +27 01 19; Leo

V = 11.4;  Size 3.2'x1.7';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 2°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2'x1', brighter core, very small prominent round core, faint stellar nucleus.  Surrounded by a mag 11.5 star 3.3' S, a mag 10.5 star 4.6' NNE and a mag 12 star 5.0' ESE.

 

8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, NGC 3912 30' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3900 = H. I-82 = h988 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pB, pS."  John Herschel made 6 observations, recording on 27 Feb 1827 (sweep 57), "B; pL; R; suddenly brighter in the middle to nucleus; 40"."

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NGC 3901 = UGC 6675 = MCG +13-09-001 = CGCG 351-068 = CGCG 352-006 = LGG 284-010 = PGC 36386

11 42 49.7 +77 22 22; Cam

V = 13.7;  Size 1.8'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 165°

 

18" (3/5/05): very faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, elongated roughly 4:3 though it was difficult to pin down an orientation as the halo increased with averted vision.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3901 = H. III-970 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096).  He logged ""very faint, pretty large, resolvable."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  A corrected position matching UGC 6675 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues.  See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on Herschel's sweeps (p. 344).

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NGC 3902 = UGC 6790 = MCG +04-28-055 = CGCG 127-060 = LGG 254-001 = PGC 36923

11 49 18.9 +26 07 18; Leo

V = 12.8;  Size 1.6'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 85°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', weak concentration.  Member of the nearby group LGG 254 and located ~2 degrees NW of the NGC 4005 cluster.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3902 = H. III-321 = h989 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, pS."  Caroline's reduction is 10 sec of time preceding UGC 6790.  John Herschel made two observations and measured a more accurate RA.

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NGC 3903 = ESO 378-024 = MCG -06-26-008 = AM 1146-371 = LGG 256-002 = PGC 36906

11 49 03.9 -37 31 02; Cen

V = 12.8;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.7

 

18" (5/15/10): at 175x and 220x; between faint and fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~30"x25", just a broad weak concentration wit no core or zones.  Situated in a E-W line of stars with a mag 14 star 50" W and a mag 12 star 2.6' E.  A pair of mag 14/15 stars also lies 1.5' E.  Member of a loose, poor group (LGG 256).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3903 = h3362 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "pF; R or lE; gradually very little brighter middle; among stars."  His position (measured twice) matches ESO 378-024.

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NGC 3904 = ESO 440-013 = MCG -05-28-009 = LGG 255-002 = LEDA 731258 = PGC 36918

11 49 13.2 -29 16 37; Hya

V = 10.9;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 8°

 

18" (4/29/06): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core and a much fainter halo of uniform surface brightness.  NGC 3923 lies 40' NE.  Member of a group with NGC 3923, NGC 4105, IC 764 and NGC 4106.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Located 40' SW of NGC 3923.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3904 = H. II-864 = h3363 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998).  He logged "pB, S, R, very gradually much brighter middle, almost resembling a nucleus."  Caroline's reduction is 2' southwest the center of this galaxy.  John Herschel made a single observation, noting "pB, R, pretty suddenly much brighter middle, 15 arcseconds."

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NGC 3905 = MCG -01-30-035 = PGC 36909

11 49 04.9 -09 43 48; Crt

V = 12.8;  Size 1.9'x1.4';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 40°

 

17.5" (5/2/92): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.  Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 3' N and a mag 13 star 2' E.  The halo fades into the background so it is difficult to determine the elongation.

 

Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3905 in 1880 with his 36" reflector.  He recorded #24 in his Copenicus discovery list as "F, L, diffused".  His (rough) position is 0.3 min of RA east and 2' south of MCG -01-30-035 = PGC 36909.

 

Ormond Stone found this galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick and reported I-192 as "mag 15.5, 1.8' dia, irregularly round, gradually brighter in the middle."  His rough position (nearest min of RA) was essentially correct (30 sec of RA east).  Dreyer credited both Common and Stone in the NGC.

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NGC 3906 = UGC 6797 = MCG +08-22-012 = CGCG 243-011 = LGG 269-001 = PGC 36953

11 49 40.4 +48 25 33; UMa

V = 12.9;  Size 1.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 14.0

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, fairly large, round, low surface brightness, broad mild concentration.  Bracketed by a mag 12.5 star 2.0' S and a mag 13.5 star 2.6' NNE of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3906 = H. III-715 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "eF, pS."  Caroline's reduction is at the west edge of UGC 6797.

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NGC 3907 = UGC 6796 = MCG +00-30-028 = CGCG 012-094 = Holm 295a = WBL 359-003 = PGC 36941

11 49 30.1 -01 05 12; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.2'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 40°

 

18" (4/9/05): This is a close pair of galaxies (NGC 3907A/B) although John Herschel only recorded a single object.  The eastern component has a fairly high surface brightness and appears fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3' (viewed core only and missed the much fainter extensions).  Forms a close 1.7' pair with NGC 3907B = UGC 6793 just west.  The companion appears as a faint edge-on, ~3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.25', low even surface brighness.  UGC 6793 is larger, though has a lower surface brightness than NGC 3907.  Both galaxies were comparable in ease of viewing so it's surprising that Herschel missed one.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3907 = h990 on 15 Apr 1828 and noted "eF; S; pretty suddenly brighter in the middle."  His position is just off the south side of UGC 6796, though his missed the nearby companion to the west.

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NGC 3908 = PGC 36967

11 49 52.7 +12 11 09; Leo

V = 15.0;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.  Located 3.3' SE of a mag 10.6 star and 12' E of mag 8.6 HD 102633.

 

PGC 36967 is the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) in Abell 1390, with a light-travel time of 1.1 billion years (second most distant in the NGC)!  The densest part of the galaxy cluster is 10' NW.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3908 = Sw. 1-17 on 10 Apr 1885 and noted "F; vS; R; mbM."  There is nothing at his position, but 7' north is PGC 36967.  This galaxy is not catalogued in the MCG or CGCG and may be too faint for Swift to have noticed visually.  He called the galaxy "F[aint]", although he described difficult galaxies as "eF" or "eeF".  Even though there are no other nearby candidates, this identification is very uncertain.

 

The light-travel time for PGC 36967 is 1.1 billion years, and if seen by Swift is the second most distant galaxy in the NGC (after NGC 5609).

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NGC 3909 = ESO 217-008

11 50 07 -48 14 42; Cen

Size 18'

 

14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 145x): at 73x, this very large, scattered cluster contained ~75 stars mag 10-14 in a 20'x14' field, elongated E-W.  Many of the stars are arranged in a roughly circular (somewhat boxy) annulus, with relatively few stars in the interior.  Stands out reasonable well at low power, but unimpressive at 145x.  On the west side is HJ 4476, a 10.1/11.0 pair at 20".  A couple of doubles are on the east side, including a 13th mag pair at 14", and near the center is a mag 10.2/11.8 pair at 25".

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3909 = h3364 on 1 Mar 1835 and logged "a fine, large, but coarse cl class VII; stars 9, 10, 11m; two double stars are in it."  On a later sweep he recorded "Place of a double star in a vL, no v comp cl, class VII, well defined and insulated, has about 50 or 60 st 9...12 m".  His position corresponds with a pair of mag 10-11 stars at 18" separation in a scattered group.  RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).

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NGC 3910 = UGC 6800 = MCG +04-28-058 = CGCG 127-063 = PGC 36971

11 49 59.3 +21 20 01; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.6'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 150°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval ~NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 12.5 star is 30" off the NW edge and 1.0' NNW of center.

 

Otto Struve discovered NGC 3910 on 3 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg.  He recorded "a round nebula, 20" diameter, strong concentratin to center.  A star 10-11 is 48" north." This object was found (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.  Struve was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC.

 

William Herschel made the first observation on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671), but he wasn't confident it was a real nebula:  He recorded "extremely faint, extremely small.  Suspected, but may be a deception."  His reduced position lands less than 3' SW of NGC 3910, within his standard errors.  He never went back in a later sweep to confirm this object and the discovery wasn't assigned a general (internal) number or published in his catalogues.

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NGC 3911 = (R)NGC 3920 = UGC 6803 = VV 367 = MCG +04-28-059 = CGCG 127-064 = PGC 36981

11 50 06.0 +24 55 13; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.  NGC 3920 lies 10' W.  The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3911 = H. III-341 = h991 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, but little exceeding the stellar.  240 showed it very plainly."  His position is 3' southwest of UGC 6803, within his typical margin of error.

 

But when John Herschel reobserved this field, he assumed UGC 6803 was new and took UGC 6795, a fainter galaxy 10' west, as his father's III-341. Furthermore, he only measured the declination and failed to measure the RA for either object (as they were past the meridian), but adopted his father's RA for UGC 6795 (assuming it was H. III-341).  This confusion resulted in the CGCG and other modern catalogues reversing the identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920.

 

The identifications given by Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin place the NGC labels on the historically correct galaxies, but this leaves the numbering out of order in RA (NGC 3920 precedes NGC 3911).  Instead, Courtney Seligman favors the NGC numbers in RA order with NGC 3911 on the western galaxy and NGC 3920 on the eastern.  He also assigns "H. III-314" on NGC 3920, the brighter galaxy.  This is consistent with modern catalogues.

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NGC 3912 = NGC 3899 = UGC 6801 = MCG +05-28-037 = CGCG 157-041 = PGC 36979

11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo

V = 12.4;  Size 1.5'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 5°

 

17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.6'.  Broad concentration with a brighter core but no well-defined nucleus.  The surface brightness is irregular at 280x.  Sky transparency and seeing conditions poor.

 

8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated N-S.  NGC 3902 lies 23' SSW and NGC 3900 30' NNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3912 = H. II-342 = h992 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, pL."  John Herschel made three observations, describing it on 13 APr 1831 (sweep 343) as "pB; pL; R; gradually brighter in the middle; 60"."  h987 = NGC 3899 is a fourth observation on 26 Mar 1827 with a similar description, but his position was 1 minute of RA too small.  So, NGC 3912 = NGC 3899, with NGC 3912 the principal designation.

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NGC 3913 = IC 740 = UGC 6813 = MCG +09-20-001 = CGCG 268-092 = CGCG 269-004 = Holm 296a = LGG 241-005 = PGC 37024

11 50 38.9 +55 21 13; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 2.6'x2.6';  Surf Br = 14.5

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly large, 2' diameter.  The halo has a very low surface brightness with a weak, broad concentration to a small brighter core.  NGC 3916 lies 13' S and NGC 3921 is 17' SSE.  NGC 3913 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group and the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  NGC 3916 and NGC 3921 are located about 15' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3913 = H. II-786 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920), along with nearby NGC 3916 and 3921, and noted "F, E."  His position (Caroline's reduction) is 2' southwest of UGC 6813.

 

Lewis Swift "rediscovered" this galaxy on 8 May 1890 and described "eeF; pL; iR; 3916-3921 in field."  Dreyer recatalogued it IC 740.  Both positions are close enough to each other, that I'm surprised neither suggested the equivalence.  So, NGC 3913 = IC 740.

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NGC 3914 = UGC 6809 = MCG +01-30-017 = CGCG 040-050 = PGC 37014

11 50 32.7 +06 34 05; Vir

V = 13.2;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 40°

 

17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.  Either a knot or more likely a faint star is superimposed.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3914 = H. III-90 = h995 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191)and noted "vF, vS, not mbM.  Near some bright stars and very near a faint star."  John Herschel logged (sweep 253) "F; R: 15"; has a * 13m, 70" dist np."

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NGC 3915

11 50 30 -05 09; Vir

 

= Not found, RNGC.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3915 = H. III-113 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "eF, eS.  240x showed 2 vS close stars with nebulosity between them; but probably a more favorable evening will prove it a deception."  There is nothing at his position (nor for NGC 3679 = H. III-112, the previous object in the sweep), though 1.0 min of RA preceding is IC 2963 and Wolfgang Steinicke identifies NGC 3915 as IC 2963.

 

Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Christian Peters (in his Copernicus lists).  There is nothing near Peters' position (a bit further east than WH's), but perhaps he measured a poor position for IC 2963, which is 1.1 minutes of RA west of his position, or refers to IC 741, which is 19' N of his position.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3915 might be LEDA 170172 at 11 46 55.6 -05 11 16 (J2000), though IC 2963 seems a more likely candidate to me.  PGC (and HyperLEDA) identifies NGC 3915 as IC 738 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.  With all these uncertainties, I've listed the number as Not Found.

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NGC 3916 = UGC 6819 = MCG +09-20-005 = CGCG 269-005 = CGCG 268-093 = PGC 37047

11 50 51.0 +55 08 36; UMa

V = 13.8;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 45°

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 4:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.3'.  Arp 224 = NGC 3921 lies 4.5' SE, MCG +09-19-213 is 5.8' SSW and PGC 2491113 (part of Arp 224) is 3.6' ESE.

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.2'.  NGC 3921 lies 4.5' SE.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, thin edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3921 4.5' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3916 = H. II-787 = h993 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921], which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916] north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in time.)"  John Herschel logged "eF; R; gradually brighter in the middle" and his position is within 1' of UGC 6819.

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NGC 3917 = UGC 6815 = MCG +09-20-008 = CGCG 268-093 = LGG 258-002 = PGC 37036

11 50 45.4 +51 49 28; UMa

V = 11.8;  Size 5.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 77°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration without a distinct nucleus.  Two stars are off the south edge; a mag 13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 14 star 1.3' SE of center.  I missed the 16th magnitude flat galaxy UGC 6802 6.2' WNW.  NGC 3917 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3917 = H. II-824 = h994 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "'B, mE, about 6' l and 2' br."  Caroline's reduced position is 5' north of UGC 6815 and the description matches perfectly.  John Herschel made a single observation and logged "F; vmE; very gradually brighter middle; 150" l, 30" br."  Although he equated h994 with II-824 in the Slough Catalogue, he assigned a separate GC designation to II-824 and placed it 1° too far north.  The two GC designations were combined by Dreyer in the NGC.

 

The RA in the RNGC is 0.7 min of RA too far east.  There is a similar offset for NGC 3921 located 3° north.  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 3918 = PK 294+4.1 = ESO 170-13 = PN G294.6+04.7 = Blue Planetary

11 50 17.8 -57 10 56; Cen

V = 8.2;  Size 19"

 

24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x the "Blue Planetary" has an even, extremely high surface brightness disc of 15" and a saturated, vivid blue color.  The edge is crisply defined and the disc has a uniform surface brightness.  At 350x, the planetary is oval or irregular, perhaps 18"x15".  There was no sign of the central star, though I didn't try high powers.

 

18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x appears as a bright, beautiful blue cosmic egg floating in a rich star field, ~15" diameter.  The surface brightness is extremely high and uniformly lit, with a sharply defined edge to the disc.  At 228x, the planetary appears to be set in the middle of an absorption hole in the Milky Way as there are very few faint stars in a 4' to 5' circular region surrounding the planetary.  Outside this hole, the Milky Way background is very evident and fairly bright.

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 195x, this 8th magnitude planetary appears as a beautiful 10"-12" blue disc with a very crisp edge.  No central star was glimpsed or other structural details at this magnification though the surface brightness is unusually high.  Situated in a rich star field but set near the middle of a oval 12'-13' ring of mag 11 and 12 stars which are near the periphery of the 17' field at 195x!  Located 8.4' SSW of mag 8.1 HD 102817 and 19' SW of mag 5.6 HD 103101.  The open cluster NGC 3960 lies 90' N.

 

18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, the "Blue Planetary" appears as a bright, round disc, ~15" diameter with a vivid blue color (V = 8.2).  The surface brightness is very high and the edge of the halo is crisply defined, but no structural details or central star were noted.  Good response to UHC filter, although it was unnecessary for a good view.  The Milky Way is quite rich here in faint stars but the planetary seems to be set a darker, circular hole without the faint background glow - a contrast affect with the PN?

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3918 = h3365 on 3 Apr 1834 and described this planetary as "perfectly round; very planetary; color fine blue;...very like Uranus, only about half as large again and blue."  In a letter to Francis Baily from the Cape of Good Hope dated 22 Oct 1834, he added "On the 3d of April I discovered another fine planetary nebula, having a perfectly sharp disc, without the least haziness, of about 6" diameter.  The most remarkable feature about this is its evident blue colour, which needs not the presence of lamp light, or that of any red star, to be very conspicuous, as it appears when the nebula stands alone in a dark field."  On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he noted the color as "a beautiful rich blue, between prussian blue and verditter green...its outline is sharp and clean, and perhaps a very little elliptic.  A feeble lamp light gives a deep indigo contrasted color."

 

James Dunlop first recorded this planetary in the Brisbane Star Catalogue of 1826 as a "fine blue star” (#3807) but apparently didn't notice its non-stellar appearance.

 

In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, John Herschel's son, reported NGC 3918 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.  In 1890, Williamina Fleming reported the spectrum showed bright lines in the ultra-violet, which was not seen in other planetary nebulae.

 

Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi (1885) sketched the planetary with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 57).

 

The term "planetary", of course, had been used by William Herschel but he never made an analogy to Uranus.  John Herschel wrote in his "A Treatise on Astronomy”, "They [planetary nebulae] have, as their name, exactly the appearance of planets."  He also reported the colors of several as shades of blue (NGC 7009, 7662, 3242, 3918).  See additional comments on M57.

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NGC 3919 = UGC 6810 = MCG +03-30-119 = CGCG 097-161 = PGC 37032

11 50 41.5 +20 00 54; Leo

V = 13.3;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter.  A mag 13 star is 1.0' ENE of center.  A mag 15.7z galaxy 3' NE was not noticed.  Located 80' E of the core of AGC 1367.  With a similar redshift, this galaxy seems likely to be an outlying member.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3919 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position matches UGC 6810 and he mentions the mag 14 star that follows by 4.3 seconds of RA, and slightly north.

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NGC 3920 = (R)NGC 3911 = UGC 6795 = VV 367 = MCG +04-28-056 = CGCG 127-061 = LGG 254-005 = PGC 36926

11 49 22.2 +24 56 19; Leo

V = 14.2;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 110°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, small, round, ~30" diameter.  A mag 10.5 star is just off the west edge (40" W of center) which hinders observation.  NGC 3911 lies 10.5' E.  The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all catalogues.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3920 = h996 on 28 Mar 1832.  Although he gives no visual description, he mentioned  "Follows III 341 [NGC 3911] on same parallel."  He was confused on the identification of H. III 341 and assigned the nova to the wrong object.  Because of this confusion, the identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues.  This error is discussed in Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections, WSQJ April 1989 and CGCG Corrections.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3921 = Arp 224 = VV 31 = UGC 6823 = MCG +09-20-009 = CGCG 268-095 = CGCG 269-007 = I Zw 28 = Mrk 430 = PGC 37063

11 51 06.8 +55 04 43; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.1'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 20°

 

48" (5/12/12): at 488x; the "core" of this disrupted galaxy is very bright, oval 4:3 N-3, ~25"x20", fairly sharply concentrated with a small intense nucleus that brightens to a blazing stellar center.  A large, faint tear-drop shaped plume extends from the core 1' due south.  The plume forms an elongated loop or ring with a brighter rim. The offset, brilliant core sits at the north edge of the loop.

 

PGC 2489542 lies 1.2' SW and appeared faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~12"x6".  PGC 2491113 is 2.4' NNE and was fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 12"x9".  These two fainter galaxies are captured in Arp's 200-inch photo.  Also nearby are MCG +09-19-213 5' WSW and NGC 3916 5' NW.  NGC 3921 is considered a proto-typical late stage merger-remnant with two long, crossed tidal tails indicating a merger of two former disk galaxies.

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo. NGC 3916 lies 4.4' WNW.  This is a disrupted galaxy with an off-set nucleus and long filamentary arms.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, small very bright core.  Brightest of three with NGC 3916 4.5' NNW and MCG +09-19-213 5' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3921 = H. II-788 = h997 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921], which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916] north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in time.)"  John Herschel logged "pB; R; pretty suddenly brighter in the middle" and measured an accurate position. The RA in the RNGC is 0.5 min too large.

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NGC 3922 = NGC 3924 = UGC 6824 = MCG +08-22-017 = CGCG 269-008 = CGCG 243-017 = LGG 258-001 = PGC 37072

11 51 13.4 +50 09 25; UMa

V = 12.8;  Size 1.7'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 38°

 

18" (5/31/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter middle.  A 20" pair of mag 12/13 stars lies 4' SE.  NGC 3922 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3922 = H. III-716 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, vS."  His position is 3' north of UGC 6824 = PGC 37072. There are no other objects close by, so this identification is solid.  He observed this galaxy again on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and measured a very similar position, but recorded it again as II-825 = NGC 3924.  So, NGC 3922 = NGC 3924.

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NGC 3923 = ESO 440-017 = MCG -05-28-012 = AM 1148-283 = LGG 255-003 = PGC 37061

11 51 01.8 -28 48 22; Hya

V = 9.8;  Size 5.9'x3.9';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 50°

 

24" (4/13/18): at 200x; very bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE.  Sharply concentrated with a very bright and very small core that seems mottled, highlighted by a stellar nucleus.  A very faint star is situated at the southwest edge of the core.  The core is surrounded by a large, much fainter oval halo that increases in size with averted vision and extends at least 4'x2'. Brightest member of the LGG 255 group, which includes NGC 3904 and UGCA 250.

 

Supernova 2018aoz, discovered on April 2 (11 days ago) was surprisingly bright at mag ~13.0 and very easy to identify 3.7' N of center.  It was clearly brighter than a mag 13.5 star superimposed at the southwest edge of the halo.

 

18" (4/29/06): very bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5'.  Well-concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus.  The relatively fainter halo increases in size with averted vision.  This well-studied galaxy is surrounded by concentric gaseous shells of material.

 

8" (5/21/82): bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright nucleus.  NGC 3904 lies 40' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3923 = H. I-259 = h3366 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "cB, pL, gradually brighter in the middle, lE, the brightness takes up a large space of it."  His position is at the southwest edge of the galaxy.  John Herschel made two observations, first logging "B, pL, lE, gradually little brighter middle, 80" long, 50" broad, resolvable."

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NGC 3924 = NGC 3922 = UGC 6824 = MCG +08-22-017 = CGCG 269-008 = CGCG 243-017 = PGC 37072

11 51 13.4 +50 09 26; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3922.  This number is incorrectly applied to UGC 6849 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG, RC3!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3924 = H. II-825 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "pB, L, bM, iF."  His position is just far enough off (3' north-northeast of UGC 6824) that WH didn't equate it with III-716 = NGC 3922, which he previously discovered on 9 Mar 1788.  Dreyer later realized the equivalence and noted in his 1912 Monthly Notices paper on NGC corrections "to be struck out (= 3922)".  CGCG, UGC, RNGC and RC3 misidentify UGC 6849 as NGC 3924. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3925 = MCG +04-28-071 = CGCG 127-075 = PGC 37078

11 51 21.0 +21 53 20; Leo

V = 14.0;  Size 1.0'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.4'.  Located 4.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.  A mag 11.5 star lies 4' ESE and a nice equal mag 13 pair [12" separation] is 4' ENE.  The double system NGC 3926 is the field 8' N.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3925 on 19 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured twice, matches CGCG 127-075 = PGC 37078, and he mentions the double star (in my notes) that follows by 19 seconds of time.  The RNGC declination is 2' too far north.

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NGC 3926 = VV 218a/b = UGC 6829 = MCG +04-28-074 = CGCG 127-076 = PGC 37079 = PGC 37080

11 51 28.2 +22 01 33; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 1.0'x0.8'

 

24" (5/20/20): NGC 3926 is an overlapping pair with the nuclei separated by 24" and the halos overlapping.  The eastern component is the larger and brighter and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a quasi-stellar nucleus at most 10" diameter.  The nucleus of the western galaxy was also easily visible at 225x and 375x and similar in brightness.  But only a 10" core could be distinguished as the halos are merged.  Overall, the dimensions were ~40"x20" in an E-W orientation.

 

CGCG 127-079, just 2.5' NE, appeared faint, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness, 24"x18".

 

17.5" (5/4/02): this is a double system in a common envelope.  The combined glow was elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.3'.  In moments of better seeing, the system resolved into a contact pair with the brighter component (VV 218b) on the east end and the companion appearing as a very small knot (VV 218a) at the west edge!  The separation is just 24" between centers.  NGC 3925 is 8' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3926 = H. III-379 = h998 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402). He noted "extremely faint, little elongated, easily resolvable, may be a patch of stars, the night not being dark enough."  Interestingly, he swept it again on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) and wrote "two extremely faint stars, with seeming nebulosity; but the nebulosity is probsably a deception."  Despite the uncertainty in both observations, the positons are good.  John Herschel made a single observation, logging "eF; R; S; near a star." Perhaps his comment about near a star refers to the western component!

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NGC 3927 = NGC 3713:

11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo

 

See observing notes for NGC 3713.  = Not found, Carlson.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3927 on 27 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  There are no stellar or nonstellar objects near his single position.  He mentioned the observation was beyond doubt, but the sky conditions were poor.  No one has suggested or found a plausible candidate.  Harold Corwin concludes "NGC 3927 is probably lost for good."

 

But in April 2015, after checking possible digit errors in d'Arrest's postion I found that if he made a 20 minute error in time (too large) then his position is a very close match with NGC 3713.  After notifying Harold Corwin, he concurs this is the only reasonable identification though still leaves a bit of uncertainty as d'Arrest failed to mention any nearby stars.

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NGC 3928 = UGC 6834 = Mrk 190 = MCG +08-22-019 = CGCG 243-019 = LGG 258-018 = PGC 37136 = Miniature Spiral

11 51 47.6 +48 40 59; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.5'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 0°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  Bracketed between a mag 13.5 star 1.3' SE and a mag 14 star 1.9' NNW of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3928 = H. II-740 = h999 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, pS, stellar."  Caroline Herschel's reduction is 1.7' northeast of UGC 6834.  John Herschel called it "not vF; S; R; pspmbM" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3929 = UGC 6832 = MCG +04-28-076 = CGCG 127-080 = PGC 37126

11 51 42.5 +21 00 09; Leo

V = 14.1;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.2;  PA = 80°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SE end 0.5' from center.  Located at the center of triangle formed by a mag 11 star 1.7' SE and two mag 13.5 stars 1.8' N and 2.0' W.  NGC 3940 lies 12' E.  Member of the NGC 3937 group.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3929 on 4 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 2 nights, matches UGC 6832 and he accurately placed the mag 11 star that follows by 5.3 seconds of RA and 1' south.

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NGC 3930 = UGC 6833 = MCG +06-26-045 = CGCG 186-059 = Holm 300a = PGC 37132

11 51 45.8 +38 00 54; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 3.2'x2.4';  Surf Br = 14.4;  PA = 30°

 

18" (4/5/03): very faint, moderately large, round.  Appears as a very diffuse ill-defined glow with just a weak concentration.  It was not initially noticed initially in the field.  Located 2.5' E of a mag 13 star, the southernmost of three collinear mag 13/13.5 stars.  John Herschel mentioned a 7th magnitude star which followed due east by 3'.  This is Groombridge 1830, which has the third fastest known proper motion (7.04"/yr) and this star is now roughly 23' SE!

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3930 = H. III-616 = h1000 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714).  He recorded "very faint, considerably small, just south of a star 6th mag.  I suspected at first that my glass had been affect with damp."  He reobserved the galaxy on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and logged "extremely faint, irregular figure, 3 or 4' dia, resolvable.  About 5' south of a star 6th mag."  In his 1814 PT paper, Herschel mentioned that on one observation he logged "A star of the 6th magnitude, about 5' north of a very faint nebula, or an irregular figure."  But on a observation two years before, the two objects were then so near each other, as, at first sight, it caused a suspicion that some damp had settled upon the eye-glass and affected the star.  He commented this might suggest that the nebula had a considerable proper motion, though differences in observing conditions might account for the difference.  It turns out that Herschel's first explanatin was correct -- the star is Groombridge 1830, which has the third highest known proper motion of 7.04"/yr and the star is now roughly 23' further southeast!  But in a two-year period there was not a significant proper motion of the star.

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NGC 3931 = NGC 3917A = UGC 6825 = MCG +09-20-011 = CGCG 268-096 = CGCG 269-009 = LGG 258-031 = PGC 37073

11 51 13.4 +52 00 02; UMa

V = 13.3;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 160°

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.  Located 4.9' W of mag 8.6 SAO 28166.  NGC 3917 lies 11' NNE.  NGC 3931 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3931 = H. III-769 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He noted "considerable faint, small."  There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA preceding, and 2' north is UGC 6825.  Philip Keenan rediscovered this galaxy on a Yerkes Observatory plate and labeled it NGC 3917A (assuming it was new) in his 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62).  All objects were assigned NGC + letter designations based on the nearest NGC object on the plate. "  He determined a magnitude of 13.9.

 

In a 1926 photographic survey Karl Reinmuth identified PGC 37168 as NGC 3931.  This galaxy is close to WH's position, but UGC 6825 is much brighter and more likely to have been picked up.  CGCG and MCG do not label their corresponding catalogue entries as NGC 3931.  Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thompson discuss this identification.

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NGC 3932

11 52 10.8 +48 37 13; UMa

 

= * 5.5' SE NGC 3928, RC1 and Thomson.  Incorrect identification in the RNGC.  See CGCG 243-022 for notes.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3932 on 4 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His single position in AN 1500 corresponds with a mag 13 star 5.5' southeast of NGC 3928.  d'Arrest didn't include this object in his compilation of observations "Siderum Nebulosorum" (1867).  RNGC, CGCG and MCG misidentify CGCG 243-022 = PGC 37194 as NGC 3932.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3933 = UGC 6839 = MCG +03-30-122 = CGCG 097-170 = PGC 37156

11 52 02.0 +16 48 35; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 83°

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3934 3.6' NE.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3933, along with NGC 3934, around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory.  His description (5) reads "pF, E, elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches UGC 6839.  Dreyer included the discovery in the GC Supplement (5588).  The pair was independently found by Pechüle in 1884 with the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen.

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NGC 3934 = UGC 6841 = MCG +03-30-123 = CGCG 097-171 = PGC 37170

11 52 12.6 +16 51 06; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.1'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4

 

17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness.  A mag 13 star is 2.0' N.  Forms a pair with NGC 3933 3.6' SW.

 

Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3934, along with NGC 3933, around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory.  His description (6) reads "eF, nearly round, almost undiscernable" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches UGC 6839.  Dreyer included the discovery in the GC Supplement (5589).  The pair was independently found by Carl Frederick Pechüle in 1884 in Copenhagen.

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NGC 3935 = UGC 6843 = MCG +06-26-049 = CGCG 186-061 = PGC 37183

11 52 24.1 +32 24 15; UMa

V = 13.2;  Size 1.0'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.3;  PA = 114°

 

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3935 = h1001 on 29 Apr 1827 and noted "pB; R; pretty suddenly brighter in the middle."  His mean position (from 3 sweeps) is an excellent match with UGC 6843. Alphonse Borrelly's position in AN 1885 appears to have a typo in RA as he placed this object 23 sec of RA west of NGC 3933.  Since Borrelly listed this object after NGC 3933 in his short table, he may have communicated the correct RA to Dreyer.

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NGC 3936 = ESO 504-020 = MCG -04-28-004 = UGCA 248 = LGG 253-004 = PGC 37178

11 52 20.5 -26 54 21; Hya

V = 12.0;  Size 3.9'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 63°

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.6', fairly even surface brightness.  A mag 10.5 star is 4.8' N.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3936 = h3367 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vmE; 2' l; 15" br; pos of extension = 59.3°."  His position and description match ESO 504-020.  Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 3' x 0.25', E 75°; spiral seen edge-wise; no nucleus."

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NGC 3937 = UGC 6851 = MCG +04-28-081 = CGCG 127-088 = PGC 37219

11 52 42.6 +20 37 52; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.8'x1.6';  Surf Br = 13.5;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, very small, slightly elongated, small very bright core.  Brightest in the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3943 9.8' SSE and IC 2968 2.8' WSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3937 = H. III-389 = h1003 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS."  John Herschel made a single observation and measured an accurate position.

 

The RNGC equates NGC 3937 with IC 2968, but IC 2968 is a separate galaxy located 3' west (see that number).

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NGC 3938 = UGC 6856 = MCG +07-25-001 = CGCG 214-034 = CGCG 215-002 = LGG 269-002 = PGC 37229

11 52 49.4 +44 07 15; UMa

V = 10.4;  Size 5.4'x4.9';  Surf Br = 13.8

 

48" (5/10/18):  at 375x; I was very impressed with this gorgeous face-on spiral!  Very bright, roundish, over 4' diameter, strongly concentrated with a well defined, very bright round core and bright stellar nucleus. Three principal spiral arms were easily visible.  A thin inner arm can be traced 180°; it originates just south of the core and curls counterclockwise towards the west.  It dims out as it extends north along the west side [~0.6' from center] but brightens noticeably as it spirals out and detaches from the central region on the northwest side, ending nearly due north [1.3' from center].  A shorter outer arm on the west side was easily visible [at a radius of 1.5'], curving 90° from the southwest to the northwest.  These two western arms are separated by a darker interarm gap

 

The eastern arms have a noticeably lower contrast.  The inner eastern arm can be traced with the help of a wide, darker dust lane immediately to its east.  The arm disappears into the halo on the south side but just further west two small HII knots, ~6" diameter each, were visible. The knots are separated by 20" E-W, and isolated on the southwest edge of the halo.  The 1983 Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" includes multiple designations including #120 [1.4' SSW of center] and #140 [1.5' SW of center].  A 15th magnitude star is ~1' W, just beyond the halo on the SW end.

 

The outer arm on the eastern edge of the halo could mostly be traced by three HII knots within the arm.  The largest is an easily visible 12"-15" patch (#23) on the NE edge of the halo [2.2' from center]. Also 2' ENE of center are a pair of faint knots only ~5" diameter.  These are separated by 12" in a N-S orientation, with the northern knot (#3) slightly brighter than the southern (#4).

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly large, large round halo, 3'x3', fairly weak concentration, core appears elongated E-W, faint stellar nucleus embedded.  This galaxy, along with NGC 4051 and NGC 4111, are the brightest members of the NGC 4111 group (LGG 269) in the UMa Cloud.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3938 = H. I-203 = h1002 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "cB, cL, R pBNM."  John Herschel made two observations, logging on sweep 248 "a superb nebula; B; vL; R; 3' diam; very gradually brighter middle; r; is probably a globular cluster."

 

On 17 Mar 1849, George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, logged "Suspect it to be a spiral.  Lord Rosse and I independently thought at moments that were saw a ring around the nucleus.  Two years later, Bindon Stoney wrote "Spiral of the faintest class.  The middle is pB, but branches vF.  Conjectured form as in diagram [which shows a 3-armed spiral]."  Listed as "Spiral or curvilinear" in LdR's 1850 PT paper.  Two possible spiral shapes (by Stoney in 1851 and by R.J. Mitchell on 17 Apr 1855) were shown in the 1861 and 1880 publications.

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NGC 3939 = NGC 3890 = UGC 6788 = MCG +13-09-003 = CGCG 352-008 = PGC 36925

11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra

V = 13.2;  Size 0.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8

 

See observing notes for NGC 3890.

 

William Herschel found NGC 3939 = H. III-971 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "extremely faint, very small, round."  This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors due to a misidentification of the offset star and the telescope misaligned off the meridian.  A corrected position matching UGC 678 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector.  Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues.  See Harold Corwin's full story in his notes for NGC 3752 and Wolfgang Steinicke's book on Herschel's sweeps (p. 344)..

 

As it turns out, Herschel had already discovered this galaxy on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and it was catalogued as III. 940 (later NGC 3890).  So, NGC 3939 is a duplicate of NGC 3890.

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NGC 3940 = UGC 6852 = MCG +04-28-082 = CGCG 127-089 = PGC 37224

11 52 46.5 +20 59 21; Leo

V = 13.1;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core that is sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus, ~40" diameter with suggestions of a larger very low surface brightness halo.

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 11 star is 2.4' SE.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3946 8.2' ENE and NGC 3929 12' W.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3940 = H. III-380 = h1004 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "faint, small."  His RA was 10 seconds too large.  He swept NGC 3940 again on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) and noted "suspected; but doubtful; probably 2 very faint and very close stars."  On this sweep, Caroline's reduction is 3' too far SSW and it wasn't equated with his earlier discovery.  Oddly, this was the 4th galaxy observed in the fairly short sweep lasting about an hour and half that he was uncertain or thought was probably a "deception" (NGC 3821, NGC 3910, NGC 3926, NGC 3940).

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NGC 3941 = UGC 6857 = MCG +06-26-051 = CGCG 186-062 = PGC 37235

11 52 55.3 +36 59 10; UMa

V = 10.3;  Size 3.6'x2.5';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 10°

 

24" (2/15/18): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.8'.  Sharply concentrated with an intense core.  At 375x the core increases to a very small, quasi-stellar nucleus.  Type Ia SN 2018pv (discovered on 3 Feb at the pre-max stage) was easily visible at 13th magnitude, but located only 4" E of center, right up against the edge of the bright nucleus.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2.5'x1.2', high surface brightness, small very bright mottled core, substellar nucleus, fairly small halo.  A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' ENE of center.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3941 = H. I-173 = h1005 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "vB, R, NM but very gradually diminishing about 2 1/2' diam."   John Herschel made three observation and measured a more accurate position.  Samuel Hunter, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Apr 1862, questioned if it was a "right-handed spiral?"

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NGC 3942 = MCG -02-30-035 = PGC 37099

11 51 30.1 -11 25 29; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 127°

 

18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.6'.  Low, even surface brightness with no discernable core.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3942 = LM 2-451 and reported "mag 16.0, 0.8'x0.5', E 160°, gradually very little brighter middle." There is nothing near his position, but 1.3 min of RA due west is MCG -02-30-035 = PGC 37099 and the description is a reasonable fit.  Due to the poor position, Bigourdan could not find this object.

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NGC 3943 = MCG +04-28-084 = CGCG 127-090 = PGC 37237

11 52 56.6 +20 28 44; Leo

V = 13.5;  Size 1.0'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3

 

17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval, small bright core.  Located 6' NE of mag 7.3 SAO 82020.  Located in a group with NGC 3937 9' NNW.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3943 on 27 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  His position, measured on 2 nights, matches CGCG 127-090 = PGC 37237 and he accurately placed the mag 13 star that precedes by 15.5 sec of RA.

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NGC 3944 = UGC 6859 = MCG +04-28-085 = CGCG 127-091 = CGCG 157-048 = LGG 254-004 = PGC 37244

11 53 05.1 +26 12 25; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 1.4'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 25°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', brighter core.  Situated between two mag 10.5-11 stars 2.5' W and 3.5' SE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3944 = H. III-322 = h1007 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "vF, stellar."  Caroline's reduction is 3.7' southwest of UGC 6859.  John Herschel made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3945 = UGC 6860 = MCG +10-17-096 = CGCG 292-042 = PGC 37258

11 53 13.6 +60 40 32; UMa

V = 10.8;  Size 5.8'x3.6';  Surf Br = 13.9;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 2.0'x1.5'.  The small, very bright core has sharp edges and appears mottled with bright spots.  The slightly elongated halo is much fainter.  Three stars are near; a mag 12 star is 1.3' SW and two mag 13.5 star lie 1.7' NW and 1.3' S.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3945 = H. I-251 = h1006 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, perfectly R, BN with F chevelure joining to it by imperceptible degrees; the whole about 1 1/2' dia.  Caroline's reduced position is 16 tsec of RA too small.  John Herschel made two observations and logged on sweep 344 "B; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 60"; a star precedes 8 sec of time from neb in PA 215.9°."

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NGC 3946 = MCG +04-28-089 = CGCG 127-096 = PGC 37268

11 53 20.6 +21 01 17; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 0.6'x0.5';  Surf Br = 13.0

 

17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, extremely small, round.  Located 3.0' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3954 9.6' SE and NGC 3940 8' W.

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3946 = Big. 49, along with NGC 3948, on 23 Apr 1886.  His position is an exact match with CGCG 127-096 = PGC 37268.

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NGC 3947 = UGC 6863 = MCG +04-28-088 = CGCG 127-095 = PGC 37264

11 53 20.3 +20 45 06; Leo

V = 13.2;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.6

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval E-W.  A mag 15.5 star is at the east edge 0.9' from center.  Located 3.2' SE of a mag 10 star.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with CGCG 127-092 6.0' SSW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3947 = H. II-403 = h1008 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "F, S, irr F."  His position is 17 sec too far west.  He measured a more accurate position on two later observations, including 27 Dec 1785 (sweep 671).  John Herschel recorded "F; mE; bM; a coarse D * precedes."

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NGC 3948

11 53 36.7 +20 57 03; Leo

 

= *, Corwin

 

Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3948 = Big. 50 on 23 Jun 1886.  There are no galaxies at his position, which is 14 sec of RA east and 4' south of NGC 3946, which he also discovered.  At this offset, though is a mag 13.4 star.  RNGC misidentifies NGC 3954 as NGC 3948.

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NGC 3949 = UGC 6869 = MCG +08-22-029 = CGCG 243-025 = Holm 301a = PGC 37290

11 53 41.6 +47 51 31; UMa

V = 11.1;  Size 2.9'x1.7';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 120°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): bright, fairly large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration, substellar nucleus.  Forms a pair with NGC 3950 1.8' N (appears stellar).  A mag 15 star lies 3.0' NE of center.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3949 = H. I-202 = h1009 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and logged "pB or cB, pS, lE."  John Herschel made two observations, first logging "B; mE; very gradually brighter middle."  Nearby NGC 3950 was found at Birr Castle.

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NGC 3950 = MCG +08-22-030: = Holm 301b = PGC 37294

11 53 41.3 +47 53 05; UMa

V = 15.6;  Size 0.4'x0.35'

 

17.5" (4/7/89): seen as an extremely faint mag 15.5-16.0 stellar object located 1.8' N of NGC 3949.  The redshift-based light travel time is 1.0 billion years!

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, or assistant Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3950 on 31 Mar 1872.  While observing NGC 3949 = GC 2604 he noted a "companion nebula north about 2.5'."  On 27 Apr 1875, Dreyer's micrometric measurement placed the nova in position angle 356.5° (north), distance 154.6".  There is a very faint galaxy, PGC 37294, close north but the separation is only 1.6', so Dreyer's offset is 1' too far north.  Despite the error, this galaxy was likely seen at Birr Castle.  Karl Reinmuth identifies this galaxy as NGC 3950 in his 1926 photographic survey Die Herschel-Nebel.

 

The RNGC position is 4' north of NGC 3949.  Dorothy Carlson misidentifies NGC 3950 as a star.

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NGC 3951 = UGC 6867 = MCG +04-28-090 = CGCG 127-099 = PGC 37288

11 53 41.2 +23 22 56; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.5';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 172°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.5', weak concentration.  Brightest in a string of five galaxies including UGC 6846 and 6855 to the NW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3951 = H. III-342 = h1010 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS, lE."  John Herschel noted "vF; S; R" and measured a fairly accurate position.

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NGC 3952 = IC 2972 = MCG -01-30-044 = PGC 37285

11 53 40.6 -03 59 46; Vir

V = 13.1;  Size 1.6'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.1;  PA = 85°

 

24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration, ~50"x20".  Mag 8.2 HD 103252 is 7.5' NNW.  Observation several hours past the meridian (elevation 25°).

 

17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, thin edge-on, faint arms ~E-W, brighter core.  Located 7.5' SSE of mag 8.3 SAO 138460.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3952 = H. III-612 = h1012 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "vF, cS, E."  Caroline's reduction is 2' north of MCG -01-30-044 = PGC 37285.  John Herschel made 3 observations and on sweep 147 called it "F; lE; nearly in parallel; resolvable??"

 

Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 23 Mar 1895 and reported Sw. 11-127 (later IC 2972) as "vF; pS; R; 2 B stars n and np; s of 2 [with IC 2969]."  His position is very close to NGC 3952, so it's surprising that neither Swift nor Dreyer realized the equivalence IC 2972 = NGC 3952.

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NGC 3953 = UGC 6870 = MCG +09-20-026 = CGCG 269-013 = LGG 258-004 = PGC 37306

11 53 48.8 +52 19 35; UMa

V = 10.1;  Size 6.9'x3.5';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 13°

 

48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large spiral with 3 visible arms, extending .nearly 6'x2.5' SSW-NNE  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, round nucleus.  A moderate contrast bar extends through the nucleus in a SW-NE orientation.  A long, gently curving spiral arm extends north into the outer halo and curves counterclockwise to the NE.  A low contrast, long spiral arm (~2.5' in length) drapes due south on the east side of the core/bar.  A mag 14.5 star is just within this arm [0.9' NE of center]. An extremely faint HII patch is east of this arm at the edge of the halo [1.4' E of center].  Finally, an outer section of the southern spiral arm was easily seen and brightest in a patch at the south tip [2' from center].  The arms bends sharply from SW to NE at the outer end.  A mag 14 star is close to the W edge [51" from center].

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very bright, very large, elongated ~N-S, 5'x2', very bright core, stellar nucleus.  A mag 13 star is at the west edge, 0.9' from the center, and a brighter mag 11 star is off the NE side, 2.7' from center.  NGC 3953 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.

 

16x80 finder (3/19/88): visible as a fairly large, elongated patch.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3953 = H. V-45 = h1011 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919). He recorded "considerably bright, bright nucleus with faint branches, 6 or 7' length, 3 or 4' broad."  John Herschel reported "B; L; very suddenly brighter in the middle; r; 3' diam.  Fine object."

 

Henk Bril has proposed that NGC 3953, and not NGC 3992, is the object discovered by Pierre Méchain, and associated with M109.  See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109

 

Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Mar 1851, reported "S neb, vF, 6' npp."  Although this object was not mentioned again in 3 later observations at Birr Castle, it probably refers to 16th magnitude PGC 2412642, 4.5' WNW of center (Steinicke concurs).  R.J. Mitchell's sketch on 19 Apr 1857 is Plate XXVII, Fig. 17 in LdR's 1861 publication.

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NGC 3954 = UGC 6866 = MCG +04-28-091 = CGCG 127-098 = PGC 37291

11 53 41.7 +20 52 57; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.6'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.  Forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10 star 4.4' SSE and a mag 11 star 4.2' SSW.  Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3947 10' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3954 = H. III-381 = h1013 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "vF, R."  His re-reduced position is 10 sec of RA following UGC 6866.  Caroline made a 2° 25' error in reducing the declination, so John Herschel assumed h1013 was new.  His position is just 40" southeast of center.  Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1891 at the Stasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).

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NGC 3955 = ESO 504-026 = MCG -04-28-005 = AM 1151-225 = LGG 263-013 = PGC 37320

11 53 57.1 -23 09 50; Crt

V = 11.9;  Size 2.9'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 165°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x0.6', broad concentration to a 1.5' diameter core.  A mag 14.5 star is just preceding the NNW tip 1.1' from center.  Located 4.7' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 180282.  Probably a member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3955 = H. II-623 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, E.  Near the meridian but a few deg. from np to sf., a little brighter south of the middle."  His position and description matches ESO 504-026.

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NGC 3956 = ESO 572-013 = MCG -03-30-016 = UGCA 251 = LGG 263-001 = PGC 37325

11 54 00.9 -20 34 01; Crt

V = 12.1;  Size 3.4'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 58°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE.  Broad concentration with no well-defined core.  Halo gradually fades into background, so difficult to estimate size but roughly 3.2'x1.0' (slightly larger than similar NGC 3955).  Located 4.5' SE of mag 8.6 SAO 180275.  Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3956 = H. III-290 = h3368 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and logged "eF, pL, broadly elongated from a few degrees sp to nf."  John Herschel made a single observation and recorded "F; pL; mE; gradually little brighter middle; 60"; pos 236.8°."  Both Herschels measured accurate positions.

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NGC 3957 = IC 2965 = ESO 572-014 = MCG -03-30-017 = LGG 263-002 = PGC 37326

11 54 01.5 -19 34 09; Crt

V = 11.8;  Size 3.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 173°

 

13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, edge-on spindle 4:1 N-S.  NGC 3981 lies 35' SE.  Both galaxies are members of the NGC 4038/39 group (Antennae).

 

8" (5/21/82): very faint, small, spindle-shape.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3957 = H. II-294 = Sw. 11-124 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "F, S, E, r."  His position is just 1' too far east.

 

Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 20 Feb 1898 and reported "B, S, eE, a ray."  Dreyer assumed this was a new nebula, which he catalogued as IC 2965.  There is nothing at Swift's position, but 3.5 tmin of time east (same declination) is NGC 3957 and the description fits.  Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3957 = IC 2965, the only plausible candidate he could find.

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NGC 3958 = UGC 6880 = MCG +10-17-098 = CGCG 292-043 = LGG 251-006 = PGC 37358

11 54 33.6 +58 22 01; UMa

V = 13.0;  Size 1.5'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 28°

 

18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core.  A mag 14 star lies ~30" N.  Located 8.2' SSW of NGC 3963.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3958 = H. II-833 = h1014 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951).  He noted "F, S."  John Herschel made two similar observations and measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 3959 = MCG -01-30-046 = PGC 37363

11 54 37.7 -07 45 24; Crt

V = 13.2;  Size 1.2'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 155°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, small bright core.  Located midway between a mag 13 star 30" off the SE edge and a mag 13.5 star 30" off the NW edge.  Forms a pair with NGC 3967 10' SE.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3959 = T. 5-11, along with NGC 3967, on 19 May 1881 and noted "between two star mag 14 and 16.".  His micrometric position (measured twice) matches MCG -01-30-046 = PGC 37363, as the comment clinches the identification.

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NGC 3960 = ESO 170-14 = Cr 250 = Mel 108

11 50 33 -55 40 36; Cen

V = 8.3;  Size 7'

 

13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): roughly 30 fainter stars are resolved in a 6' group over unresolved background haze.  The cluster is moderately bright, weakly compressed and rich in faint stars although it does not contain any stars brighter than 12th magnitude!  Located 1.5 degrees due north of the "Blue Planetary", NGC 3918.  NGC 3882 lies 56' SW. This is an old open cluster with an age of roughly one billion years.

 

James Dunlop discovered NGC 3960 = D 349 = h3369 on 30 Apr 1826.  He made 4 observations with a summary description, "a pretty large, faint nebula, 6' or 7' diameter, easily resolvable with slight compression of the stars to the centre, or rather towards the following side of the centre."  His position is just 5' SSE of center (relatively small error for him).

 

John Herschel only observed this cluster on one sweep (5 Apr 1837) and noted "cluster, VI class, pretty rich, irregular figure, round with long appendages, gradually pretty much brighter to the middle, 9', stars 13th magnitude."

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NGC 3961 = UGC 6885 = CGCG 334-055 = PGC 37390

11 54 57.6 +69 19 48; Dra

V = 13.5;  Size 1.3'x1.3';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, slightly brighter core.  With averted vision the faint halo grows to 40".  Situated between a mag 14 star 1' SW and a mag 14.5 star 1.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3961 = H. III-905 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037).  He logged "extremely faint, very small, 300x confirmed it." His position is accurate although Bigourdan missed finding this galaxy (too faint) and it was listed as a dubious object by Father Hagen.

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NGC 3962 = MCG -02-30-040 = UGCA 253 = PGC 37366

11 54 40.1 -13 58 30; Crt

V = 10.7;  Size 2.6'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 15°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4 N-S, 2.0'x1.7'.  Sharply concentrated with a bright 25" core and increasing to a nonstellar nucleus.  Forms a right triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 2.2' S and 3.1' SSE.

 

8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3962 = H. I-67 = h3370 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "cB, pL, mbM, iF."  John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and first logged "vB; R; pretty suddenly much brighter middle; 40"; forms a triangle with 2 stars 10-11m."  His position matches MCG -02-30-040 = PGC 37366.

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NGC 3963 = UGC 6884 = MCG +10-17-100 = CGCG 292-044 = LGG 251-007 = PGC 37386

11 54 58.7 +58 29 37; UMa

V = 11.9;  Size 2.8'x2.5';  Surf Br = 13.9

 

18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low irregular surface brightness.  Asymmetric appearance with the slightly brighter core offset from center and one or two  faint stars or knots embedded near the edge of the halo (breezy conditions with fairly poor seeing made confirmation difficult).  Forms a pair with NGC 3958 8.2' SSW.

 

17.5" (5/2/92): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 2' diameter, irregular surface brightness.  A mag 14.5 star is at the SSW edge of the halo 0.5' from the center.  The very small core of the galaxy appears to be just NE of this star.  A non-stellar knot is clearly visible with averted vision at the NE edge of the halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3963 = H. IV-67 = h1015 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, vL, R.  The greatest part of it equally bright, then fading away pretty suddenly.  Between 2 and 3' dia."  His re-reduced position (with respect to 66 UMa) is 20 seconds of RA too large, but John Herschel measured a more accurate position.

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NGC 3964 = MCG +05-28-043 = CGCG 157-050 = PGC 37375

11 54 53.4 +28 15 45; Leo

V = 13.8;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 76°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, starry center.  A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNE of center.  Very close to the Leo-Ursa Major border.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3964 = h1016 on 30 Mar 1827 and recorded "A * 10m with eF neb 45° sp; 30".  The neb by a diagram made at the time is oval, and forms a kind of appendage to the star."  His positions on 3 sweeps and descriptions point directly to CGCG 157-050 = PGC 37375.

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NGC 3965 = PGC 157086

11 54 23.1 -10 52 01; Crt

Size 0.6'x0.4';  PA = 123°

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter.  Immediately picked up once the position was centered at 375x.  Located 11.8' NNW of mag 8.2 HD 103449.

 

Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3965 = LM 2-452 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.  His notes mention "mag 16.0, 0.1' dia, R, brighter middle to a nucleus, *9.5 np 4'."  There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin identifies LEDA 157086 = 2MASX J11542315-1052003 as NGC 3965.  This faint galaxy is located 43 tsec west of Leavenworth's position (a typical error with the LM discoveries) and a mag 11 star 4.4' NW matches Leavenworth's description.  RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.

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NGC 3966 = NGC 3986 = UGC 6920 = MCG +05-28-053 = CGCG 157-058 = PGC 37544

11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3986.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3966 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.  He noted a mag 12-13 star that precedes by 4.1 seconds of time and 22" south (separation of 49" from the nebula) but there is nothing at his single position.  Max Wolf suggested in list VIII that d'Arrest's RA was off by 30 seconds and Dreyer copied this "correction" into the IC 2 notes.  The corrected position matches CGCG 157-056 = IC 2981 (see that number) and RNGC, MCG, CGCG and PGC identify CGCG 157-056 as NGC 3966. 

 

But Harold Corwin (e-mail from 6 Mar 1998) notes that NGC 3986 has a star at the exact separation given by d'Arrest, although this galaxy is over 20' southeast of d'Arrest's position (one of his few very poor positions).  Curiously, d'Arrest mentions he was searching for h1027 = NGC 3986!  So, NGC 3966 = NGC 3986.  See Corwin's identification notes.

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NGC 3967 = MCG -01-30-047 = PGC 37398

11 55 10.4 -07 50 37; Crt

V = 10.7;  Size 1.5'x1.1';  Surf Br = 11.1;  PA = 118°

 

17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core.  A mag 13.5 star is 1' ENE. A semicircle of five stars with a 4' diameter is about 5' SE.  NGC 3959 lies 10' NW.  This galaxy does not appear as bright as listed magnitude V = 10.7.

 

Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3967 = T. 5-13, along with NGC 3959, on 19 May 1881.  His micrometric position (measured twice) matches MCG -01-30-047 = PGC 37398, as well as his comment "a mag 11 star follows and 3'-4' south."

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NGC 3968 = UGC 6895 = MCG +02-30-045 = CGCG 068-092 = CGCG 069-004 = PGC 37429

11 55 28.8 +11 58 07; Leo

V = 11.8;  Size 2.7'x1.9';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (5/11/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 2'x1.3'.  The halo is pretty diffuse but brightens fairly suddenly to a distinct core and occasional stellar nucleus.  Located 2.6' WSW of mag 9.8 SAO 99868 and 3° SE of Denebola.  Also two mag 11 stars are 4.5' NNW and 5' N.  Together with the mag 9.8 star the galaxy forms the SW vertex of a rectangle with these two mag 11 stars.  Forms a close pair with NGC 3973 2.7' NE (missed by John Herschel).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3968 = H. II-162 = h1018 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "not vF, pL, irregularly round, r, very little brighter towards the following part." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 2.3' southeast of UGC 68985.  John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 242) "pB; R; very gradually brighter middle; a * 10m 25° nf, dist 4'-5'."

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NGC 3969 = ESO 572-017 = MCG -03-30-020 = PGC 37396

11 55 09.2 -18 55 38; Crt

V = 13.0;  Size 1.4'x0.9';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 64°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'.  Weak, even concentration to an ill-defined brighter core.  Located 3.7' S of a mag 10 star.  A mag 12 star is 1.8' ENE.

 

Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3969 = LM 2-453 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, gradually brighter middle to a nucleus, *10 in PA 340° at 4' distance." There is nothing at his position, but 10' south is ESO 572-017 and a mag 10 star matching his description is 3.8' north-northwest.  Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.

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NGC 3970 = MCG -02-30-041 = PGC 37425

11 55 28.1 -12 03 41; Crt

V = 13.7;  Size 1.2'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 98°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5'.  Contains a round, very small, bright core with faint extensions.  A mag 11 star is 2.3' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3974 3.6' NE.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3970 = h1020, along with NGC 3974, on 9 Mar 1828 and noted "F; S; R; pretty suddenly brighter middle; 15".  The p of 2."

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NGC 3971 = NGC 3984: = UGC 6899 = MCG +05-28-047 = CGCG 157-054 = PGC 37443

11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.4'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.1

 

17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate surface brightness.  Collinear with a 3' string of three equal mag 12.5 stars to the SSE (closest 3' S).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3971 = H. II-724 = h1019 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "F, vS."  John Herschel recorded "pB; R; bM.  An exact obs."   See comments for NGC 3984, which may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 3972 = UGC 6904 = MCG +09-20-032 = CGCG 269-016 = Holm 304a = LGG 241-006 = PGC 37466

11 55 45.2 +55 19 13; UMa

V = 12.3;  Size 3.9'x1.1';  Surf Br = 13.7;  PA = 120°

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.6', weak concentration.  Two mag 13.4 stars to the southwest are nearly collinear with the core of the galaxy.  NGC 3972 is listed as a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 or UMa cloud.

 

I observed Supernova 2011by, situated 19" N and 5" E of the nucleus and discovered just a few days previously on April 26.  It was easily visible even in darkening twilight.  The magnitude was pretty similar to the two stars on the southwest side.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3977 5.4' NE.  NGC 3990 and NGC 3992 lie 20' NE and NGC 3982 is 13' SSE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3972 = H. II-789 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E.  The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His single position is 3' west of UGC 6904, but d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 7 Oct 1866.

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NGC 3973 = MCG +02-31-001 = CGCG 068-093 = CGCG 069-005 = PGC 37439

11 55 37.0 +11 59 51; Leo

V = 14.9;  Size 0.5'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.9

 

17.5" (5/11/02): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'.  Nearly lost in the glare of mag 9.8 SAO 99868 just 45" SSE.  This galaxy is the faint companion of NGC 3968 2.7' SW.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3973 with LdR's 72" on 15 Mar 1855, while observing NGC 3968.  He simply noted "[NGC 3968] is pF, R, suddenly brighter middle.  Nova nf."  It was seen again by Dreyer on 16 Apr 1876 as "an eeF object, most probably an eS neb" at 56" separation in PA 318.6° from a mag 10 star.

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NGC 3974 = MCG -02-31-001 = PGC 37452

11 55 40.2 -12 01 39; Crt

V = 12.9;  Size 1.3'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.2;  PA = 10°

 

17.5" (5/11/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.  A mag 14 star is 1.4' preceding.  Fainter of pair with NGC 3970 3.6' SW.  Located 20' WNW of mag 7 SAO 157002.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3974 = h1021, along with NGC 3964, on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; 15".  The f of 2."

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NGC 3975 = MCG +10-17-103 = Holm 306b = PGC 37480

11 55 53.7 +60 31 46; UMa

V = 15.5;  Size 0.7'x0.4';  Surf Br = 14.0;  PA = 95°

 

17.5" (4/13/91): extremely faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness, requires averted vision.  Forms a pair with NGC 3978 2.0' ESE.

 

Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3975 on 21 Feb 1874 and recorded as a "vF, vS knot" 17.2 sec preceding and 32" north of [NGC 3978].  "It was quite certainly and repeatedly seen by Lord Rosse and Copeland."  This offset points to MCG +10-17-103 = PGC 37480.

 

This galaxy is mentioned in the UGC notes to NGC 3978, though questioned if it is NGC 3975.  See Harold Corwin's identification notes on Lewis Swift's IC 3166, which may be a duplicate observation.

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NGC 3976 = UGC 6906 = MCG +01-31-001 = CGCG 041-006 = Holm 305a = PGC 37483

11 55 57.3 +06 44 56; Vir

V = 11.5;  Size 3.8'x1.2';  Surf Br = 13.0;  PA = 53°

 

17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, thin edge-on WSW-ENE, small bright core is possibly stellar.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3976 = H. II-132 = h1022 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "pL, E, pBM, r."  John Herschel recorded (sweep 117) "B; E 30° nf to sp; very suddenly much brighter middle to nearly a star.  The arms very faint."

 

Johann Palisa found this galaxy on 26 Mar 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Vienna Observatory and thought it was new.  His micrometric position in AN 2782 is accurate.

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NGC 3977 = NGC 3980 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = Holm 304b = PGC 37497

11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x1.5';  Surf Br = 14.3

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 40"x35", weak even concentration to a small brighter core.  Located 5.4' NE of NGC 3972 in a group.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness.  Forms a pair with NGC 3972 5.4' SW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3977 = H. II-790 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E.  The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His single position is 3' west of NGC 3972 and no offset was given for II-790. But Dreyer reobserved this galaxy on 31 May 1878 at Birr Castle and noted "nf one F, R, Pos 37.7°, Dist 323.3" [from NGC 3972].

 

Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 16 Apr 1885 and described NGC 3980 as "eF; pL; pE; v diff; D neb nr."  His position is just 7 seconds of RA east of NGC 3977, though perhaps Dreyer decided it was new as Swift's description didn't agree well with Herschel's.

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NGC 3978 = UGC 6910 = MCG +10-17-105 = CGCG 292-047 = Holm 306a = PGC 37502

11 56 10.3 +60 31 21; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.6'x1.5';  Surf Br = 13.5

 

17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration.  Located just 4' W of mag 8.0 SAO 15664 and 7.6' ENE of a mag 9.5 star.  A mag 13 star is 1.7' SSE.  Forms a pair with NGC 3975 2' WNW.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3978 = H. II-840 = h1023 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "F, S, bM."  Caroline's reduced position is 3' south of UGC 6919.  John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.  Harold Corwin suggests IC 3180 may be a duplicate observation.  See his notes on that number.

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NGC 3979 = IC 2976 = UGC 6907 = MCG +00-31-003 = CGCG 013-005 = PGC 37488

11 56 01.1 -02 43 15; Vir

V = 12.9;  Size 1.1'x0.9';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 112°

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', even concentration to a very small brighter core.  A mag 12.5 star lies 1.0' NNE of center.

 

Edward Holden discovered NGC 3979 = Sw. 3-61 on 23 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "pF, the nebula precedes DM 2593, 42s [of time].  A star 11.5 north and following 30"."  His position and description matches UGC 6907.

 

Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 27 Apr 1886 and reported it in his 3rd discovery list (#61). Both Holden (1) and Swift (2) are credited in the NGC. Swift found the galaxy again 11 years later on 23 May 1897, while observing at Echo Mountain in southern California.  His last observation (Sw. 11-129) was off by 1.5 min in RA too far west so Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 2976.  Corwin notes this galaxy was "discovered twice by Lewis Swift, once toward the beginning of his systematic sweeping for new nebulae (April 1886), and once toward the end (May 1897)."  So, NGC 3979 = IC 2976, with discovery priority to Holden.

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NGC 3980 = NGC 3977 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = PGC 37497

11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3977.

 

Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3980 = Sw. 1-18 on 16 Apr 1885 and noted eF; pL; pE; v diff; D neb nr."  His position is just 7 sec of RA east of NGC 3977 (discovered by WH in 1789).  Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC correction paper, and Harold Corwin equate NGC 3980 with NGC 3977. The "D[ouble] neb nr" might apply to NGC 3990 and 3998, though the NGC description reads "D star nr", which would then apply to a mag 12/13 double star 2.5' east-southeast.  Another possibility is that NGC 3980 refers to NGC 3972.  This galaxy is a better fit with Swift's description "pL; pE", but it is further off in position (6' southwest).

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NGC 3981 = Arp 289 = VV 8a = ESO 572-020 = MCG -03-31-001 = UGCA 255 = LGG 263-003 = PGC 37496

11 56 07.1 -19 53 49; Crt

V = 11.3;  Size 5.2'x2.3';  Surf Br = 13.8;  PA = 15°

 

48" (4/20/17): at 488x; bright, large, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.6'.  The central region consists of a bright very elongated bar-like core that condenses to a small brighter nucleus.  A fairly thin, straight arm is evident extending north by over 1' on the east side of the galaxy.  The counterpart extending south on the west side was more difficult to distinguish from the halo on the south side.  A low contrast knot (VV 8b) was visible on the south tip of this arm [1.2' SSW of center].  Vorontsov-Velyaminov interpreted this knot as a companion attached at the end of a spiral arm.  A mag 13 star is 1' E and mag 9.8 HD 103615 is 4.3' NW.

 

13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.  A mag 13 star is off the east edge 1.0' from the center.  The galaxy forms the east vertex of a rough isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4.2' NW and 5.0' SSW.  Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.

 

ESO 572-023, located 13' ENE, appeared faint, very small, round, brighter core.  I'm surprised this galaxy was missed by Herschel.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3981 = H. III-274 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pL, iF."  His position is just 1' too far east.

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NGC 3982 = UGC 6918 = KUG 1153+554 = MCG +09-20-036 = CGCG 269-019 = LGG 250-007 = PGC 37520

11 56 28.1 +55 07 29; UMa

V = 11.0;  Size 2.3'x2.0';  Surf Br = 12.5

 

18" (4/30/11): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter.  Broad concentration but no real zones, though the center is slightly brighter.  Two mag 12/13 stars lie 3.5' S.  Located 23' SW of NGC 3998 in a group of 6 galaxies.    Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).

 

17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 2.0'x1.5', broad concentration but does not have a well-defined core except for a faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed at center.  A wide pair (1.0' separation) of mag 11 and 12 stars lie 3.5' S.  Forms a wide pair with NGC 3972 13' NW.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): 13th magnitude supernova SN 1998aq (type Ia) was an easy object within the outer halo.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3982 = H. IV-62 = h1017 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920).  He recorded "considerably bright, quite round.  A large place in the middle of nearly an equal brightness; towards the margin suddenly less bright."  The description was included in his 1791 paper on "Nebulous Stars." and he commented "this seems rather to approach to the planetary sort."

 

John Herschel called this object "B; pL; R; nearly uniform, but hazy; diam 25"."  His RA is exactly 1.0 tmin too large, but Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 5 nights).  Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" in 1878, noted "definition not good, but feel sure that is a globular cluster."

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NGC 3983 = UGC 6914 = MCG +04-28-098 = CGCG 127-108 = PGC 37514

11 56 23.7 +23 52 05; Leo

V = 13.6;  Size 1.1'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 114°

 

17.5" (5/4/02): faint, elongated 3-1 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', very faint stellar nucleus.  Appears to have a brighter bar along the major axis.  Located 80' SSW of the NGC 4005 group (possible member?).

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3983 = H. III-343 = h1024 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS."  John Herschel logged "F; S; R; pretty suddenly brighter in the middle" and measured an accurate position.

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NGC 3984 = NGC 3971: = UGC 6899 = MCG +05-28-047 = CGCG 157-054 = PGC 37443

11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa

 

See observing notes for NGC 3971 and UGC 6943.

 

UGC 6943 is mistakenly identified as NGC 3984 in modern catalogues including RC3 and the Uranometria 2000 atlas (first edition).  It was not noticed in the field initially as two mag 12/13.5 stars (separation 15") are superimposed on the SW side and the galaxy is just a weak glow mostly following the pair.  Appears round, although the halo is ill-defined, and perhaps 0.8' in diameter.

 

 

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3984 = h1026 on 10 Apr 1831 and recorded "eF; R: bM; 25"."  He later added "Supposed at the time to be II.724 [NGC 3971], but on reducing the obs, it differs 1 min in RA and 1 deg in PD, BOTH which can hardly be mistakes."  There is nothing at his position.

 

Modern catalogues (including RC3) label UGC 6943, an extremely low surface brightness face-on spiral with two stars nearly superimposed, as NGC 3984.  This galaxy is 1 min 15 sec of RA following Herschel's position as well as 2.5' north.  This identification seems very unlikely due to the faintness of the galaxy and the fact that the bright nearby stars were not mentioned.  Malcolm Thomson concludes that NGC 3984 is nonexistent.

 

Harold Corwin agrees that the NGC 3984 ≠ UGC 6943 but feels that despite errors in both RA and Dec, NGC 3984 is most likely a reobservation of NGC 3971.  These entries were recorded on different sweeps and although NGC 3971 was described as "pB, R, bM", there are many situations where Herschel made very discordant estimates of brightness.  See his identification notes.

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NGC 3985 = UGC 6921 = Ark 334 = MCG +08-22-045 = CGCG 243-031 = LGG 258-020 = PGC 37542

11 56 42.0 +48 20 02; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.3'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 73°

 

17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval WSW-ENE, broad moderate concentration, small bright core.  Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3985 = H. III-707 = h1025 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS.  Another still fainter and smaller suspected sf."  The latter object is either a faint star or nonexistent as there is only a single galaxy here.  Soon after "A thick fog came up at once; it has been below all the evening."

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NGC 3986 = NGC 3966 = UGC 6920 = MCG +05-28-053 = CGCG 157-058 = PGC 37544

11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 3.1'x0.7';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 110°

 

48" (5/9/21): at 375x; moderately bright, large edge-on with very thin arms extending nearly 10:1 WNW (excluding the central region).  Sharply concentrated with a small bright bulge that concentrates towards the center.  Overall ~2.5'x0.4', with thinner extensions.  A strong impression of a thin dust lane slices though the center.  A well matched pair of mag 13 stars at 9" separation (DAM 653) is S of the western arm [50" from center].  NGC 3994/3995 pair (Arp 313) is 20' NE.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, edge-on E-W, bulging core.  A close double star is located just 0.8' SW of the center consisting of mag 13 and 14 stars with separation 9" oriented N-S.  Member of the NGC 3995 group.

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3986 = h1027 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "E nearly in parallel [east-west]; a * 11m near." His mean position (3 observations) matches UGC 6920.  NGC 3966, found by d'Arrest on 8 May 1864, is a duplicate observation.  See notes for NGC 3966.

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NGC 3987 = UGC 6928 = MCG +04-28-099 = CGCG 127-110 = WBL 368-001 = Holm 308c = LGG 261-001 = PGC 37591

11 57 20.9 +25 11 42; Leo

V = 12.9;  Size 2.2'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 58°

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.4', large bright core, irregular surface brightness.  First of 4 in a string with NGC 3989 2.6' NE, NGC 3993 4.7' NE and NGC 3997 7.7' NE.  A mag 10.5 star is 2.4' N.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration.  Located 2.5' S of a mag 10.5 star.  Member of the NGC 3987/4005 group with NGC 3989 2.6' NE, NGC 3993 4.6' NE and NGC 3997 7.5' NE.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3987 = H. III-323, along with III-324 (either NGC 3993 or 3997) on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393).  His description reads, "very faint, little elongated. Suspected another extremely faint, about 5' or 6' north following.  I was pretty sure of it."  His single position is 2' west of UGC 6928.

 

In the NGC, Dreyer mistakenly assigned H. III-323 (with a question mark) to NGC 4015, found by Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell on 27 Apr 1854.  And in the 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", Dreyer incorrectly equated H. III-323 with "Theta" (NGC 3993), based on Auwer's reduction.

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NGC 3988 = MCG +05-28-057 = CGCG 157-061 = PGC 37609

11 57 24.2 +27 52 39; Leo

V = 13.7;  Size 0.4'x0.4'

 

17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.  Weak even concentration to center but no core.  First of three on a line with NGC 4004 9' E and IC 2982 6' E.  A mag 11 star is 5' following (near IC 2982).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3988 = h1028 on 13 Apr 1831 recorded "vF; R; gradually brighter in the middle.  The first of 2 [with NGC 4004]."  On a later sweep he logged "vF; S; R; suddenly brighter in the middle like a *.  The p of 2 with several stars between them."  His position matches CGCG 157-061 = PGC 37609.

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NGC 3989 = MCG +04-28-100 = CGCG 127-111 = WBL 368-002 = LGG 260-005 = Holm 308d = PGC 37599

11 57 26.7 +25 13 58; Leo

V = 14.7;  Size 0.6'x0.3';  Surf Br = 12.9;  PA = 135°

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round, 15" diameter.  Located 1.2' E of a mag 10.5 star and 2.6' NNE of NGC 3987.  NGC 3993 is 2.6' E.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint, very small, round.  Located 1.2' E of a mag 10 star.  Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 3987 2.5' SSW and NGC 3993 2.7' ENE.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3989 at Birr Castle on 27 Apr 1854 and was labeled "Xi" on the later constructed sketch.  Although a micrometric position was not measured, the identification with CGCG 127-111 = PGC 37599 is certain.

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NGC 3990 = UGC 6938 = MCG +09-20-043 = CGCG 269-024 = Holm 310b = PGC 37618

11 57 35.6 +55 27 31; UMa

V = 12.6;  Size 1.4'x0.8';  Surf Br = 12.6;  PA = 40°

 

18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'. Located 2.9' W of brighter NGC 3998.  Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core.  Forms a pair with NGC 3998 2.9' E.  Located 4.4' S of mag 9.2 SAO 28204.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3990 = H. II-791 = h1029, along with NGC 3998, on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, very gradually brighter middle.  The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S."

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NGC 3991 = VV 523 = Haro 5 = KTG 39A = UGC 6933 = MCG +06-26-060 = CGCG 186-073 = Holm 309c = PGC 37613

11 57 31.1 +32 20 16; UMa

V = 13.1;  Size 1.4'x0.4';  Surf Br = 12.4;  PA = 33°

 

48" (5/9/21): at 610x; fairly bright, moderately large, very thin edge-on ~6:1 ~SSW-NNE, slightly brighter elongated core region.  At the NNE end is an unusually bright stellar or quasi-stellar knot ( exceptionally bright star forming region (SFR), catalogued as [ZBF2015]#1), that could easily be mistaken as a bright superposed star. Just to its south is a small, fainter patch (separate SFR #6/7).  The prominent NNE end extends at least 12" and is tilted (N-S orientation) with respect to the major axis of the rest of the galaxy.  NGC 3991 galaxy is interacting with NGC 3995 (forming Arp 313 = VV 249) 4' SE.  NGC 3994, just 2' SW, completes the trio KTG 39.

 

24" (5/25/14): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.25'.  At 375x, this irregular galaxy has a striking, asymmetric appearance with a very bright, elongated knot (site of very active star formation), 15"x8", at the NNE end.  At 375x the knot is slightly skewed to the major axis of the longer (but fainter) portion of the galaxy.  There is no central brightening, in fact, the galaxy dims just south-southwest of the knot (though not completely detaching the knot) and then brightens along the southern half. At best, there was a very small, inconspicuous core. First in an excellent trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3994 3.8' SSE and the remarkable NGC 3995 3.8' SE.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3'.  This object has a bright stellar knot at the NNE end (about 25" from the center) giving an unusual asymmetric appearance!  First of three striking elongated systems with NGC 3994 3.7' SSE and NGC 3995 3.9' SE.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3991, along with NGC 3995, on 5 Feb 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  His position (measured on 3 nights) is accurate.

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NGC 3992 = M109 = UGC 6937 = MCG +09-20-044 = CGCG 269-023 = PGC 37617

11 57 35.9 +53 22 29; UMa

V = 9.8;  Size 7.6'x4.7';  Surf Br = 13.6;  PA = 68°

 

48" (4/20/17): stunning showpiece barred spiral!  The central bar extends 1.5' in length SW-NE and is highlighted by an extremely bright, rounder nucleus.  Striking spiral arms wrap around the bar/nucleus forming an oval ring, with brighter "handles" at the ends of the bar.  A pair of outer spiral arms, ~6'x4', extend west on the north side and east on the south side.  A mag 13 star is superimposed [50" NNW of center].

 

18" (5/14/07): bright, large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, ~6.5'x4'.  The galaxy lies between a mag 9.5 star 5' SW and a mag 12 star 3.4' NE of center, just beyond the edge of the halo.  The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a fainter halo and a bright, oval core that increases slightly to a faint stellar nucleus.  With averted vision, the halo is quite extensive and reaches to the mag 12 star to the northeast.  The halo appears mottled or dusty with an impression of spiral structure.  A mag 12.5 star is superimposed less than 1' N of the center and another mag 12 star is near the SW end.  Brightest in a galaxy group (LGG 258) with 41 members at z ~.003.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): bright, large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, at least 6.0'x3.5', broadly concentrated halo, large faint halo.  A mag 13 star is superimposed on the halo 50" NNW of center.  A mag 13 star is at the NE edge of the halo 3.4' from center.  Located 5.1' NE of mag 9.3 SAO 28199 and 39' SE of mag 2.4 Gamma UMa.  Forms a pair with UGC 6923 15' SSW.

 

13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, diffuse halo.  A star is superimposed NW of the core.

 

Charles Messier probably discovered M109 = NGC 3992 = H. IV-61 = h1030 in March or April 1781 and added a position by hand in his personal copy of the catalog.  Méchain has been given credit for discovery of this object, but according to the SEDS page, his position corresponds well with NGC 3953, not NGC 3992.  See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109

 

William Herschel independently discovered NGC 3992 = H. IV-61 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919), unawared of the earlier observations.  He recorded "pretty bright, considerably bright nucleus with very faint extended branches about 30° np to sf, 5 or 6' long, 3 or 4' br."  He recorded it again on the next sweep as "cB, vL, Br Ncl with vF elongated branches 7 or 8' long"

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NGC 3993 = UGC 6935 = MCG +04-28-101 = CGCG 127-112 = Holm 308A = LGG 260-002 = WBL 368-003 = PGC 37619

11 57 37.8 +25 14 25; Leo

V = 13.9;  Size 1.6'x0.4';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 141°

 

24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.35', weak concentration.  Two mag 11.5-12 stars are off the NW end.  Sandwiched between NGC 3997 3.0' NE and NGC 3987 4.7' SE.  Also NGC 3989 is 2.5' W.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, broad concentration.  Forms a pair with NGC 3989 2.7' WSW.  Member of the NGC 4007 group.

 

R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3993 on 25 Apr 1854 and it was labeled "Eta" on the constructed sketch of the group made at Birr Castle.  In a later observation, a very faint star was noted close south-following and two mag 11-12 stars north-preceding.  The micrometric position is very accurate.

 

Harold Corwin notes that WH's III-324 refers to NGC 3997 and not NGC 3993 as Dreyer assigned in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH".  But Wolfgang Steinicke lists WH as the discoverer of NGC 3993 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393), probably due to the better match in position.

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NGC 3994 = Arp 313 NED1 = VV 249b = KTG 39B = UGC 6936 = MCG +06-26-059 = CGCG 186-074 = Holm 309b = PGC 37616

11 57 36.9 +32 16 39; UMa

V = 12.7;  Size 1.1'x0.6';  Surf Br = 12.0;  PA = 10°

 

48" (5/9/21): at 610x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very intense core and a brilliant nucleus.

 

24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly bright, elongated oval 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x35', well concentrated with a very bright core.  Second in a striking trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3995 1.9' NE and NGC 3991 3.8' NNW.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core.  Second of three elongated systems with NGC 3991 3.8' NNW and NGC 3995 1.8' NE.  Located 5' WNW of mag 6.4 SAO 62774.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3994 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory.  His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate and he accurately placed a mag 15 star (called 17th magnitude), which is 4 seconds of time due west.

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NGC 3995 = Arp 313 NED2 = VV 249a = KTG 39C = UGC 6944 = MCG +06-26-061 = CGCG 186-075 = Holm 309a = PGC 37624

11 57 44.1 +32 17 39; UMa

V = 12.4;  Size 2.8'x1.0';  Surf Br = 13.4;  PA = 33°

 

48" (5/9/21): this bright, large distorted blue spiral is interacting (Arp 313 = VV 249) with NGC 3991 4' NW and a normal spiral NGC 3994 is 2' SW.  At 610x, the core was prominent and a fairly faint bulge extended NE [on the SDSS this is a loop or spiral arm with multiple knots].  A narrow, faint spiral arm is attached on the east side of the core and extends NE.  On the SW side of the core, a more obvious, thin spiral arm extends south on the western side of the galaxy.  Beyond the arm to the south is a diffuse region [blue knotty region on the SDSS].  Overall, the galaxy extends ~3 in length in a nearly 3:1 ratio.  Forms a pair (non-interacting) with NGC 3994 2' SW, with interacting NGC 3991 4' NW.  Mag 6.4 HD 103928 is only  5' ESE, but not in the field.

 

24" (5/25/14): fairly bright striking galaxy with unusual asymmetric structure, fairly large, elongated roughly 5:2 SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very bright core containing a short bar oriented E-W.  A long linear arm is attached at the west side of the core and extends south ~40".  The outer western edge of this arm has a sharply defined edge and the inner (eastern) side has a low, irregular surface brightness.  A short extension (arm) heads northeast from the east side of the core.  As a result the core appears offset towards the north, because of the longer southern arm.  Mag 6.4 HD 103928 lies 5' ESE and was placed outside the field.

 

17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, large bright core.  Third and largest of an excellent trio with NGC 3994 1.8' SW and NGC 3991 3.8' NW.  Located 6.6' W of mag 6.4 SAO 62774.

 

Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3995, along with NGC 3991, on 5 Feb 1864.  His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate.

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NGC 3996 = UGC 6941 = MCG +03-31-004 = CGCG 098-011 = PGC 37628

11 57 46.0 +14 17 50; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 0.9'x0.7';  Surf Br = 12.8;  PA = 50°

 

17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness.  A line of stars oriented SSW-NNE precedes the galaxy and two mag 13.5-14 stars follow.  Located 20' ENE of a mag 6.7 star and 2.1° ESE of Beta Leonis (Denebola).

 

John Herschel discovered NGC 3996 = h1032 on 23 Apr 1832 and logged "vF; pL; R; has two stars sf."  This was one of the last two objects discovered by Herschel at Slough (the following year he set sail for the Cape of Good Hope), though he measured the position again on the 26th and 28th of April.

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NGC 3997 = UGC 6942 = MCG +04-28-102 = CGCG 127-114 = WAS 38 = Holm 308B = LGG 260-003 = WBL 368-004 = PGC 37629

11 57 48.3 +25 16 15; Leo

V = 13.4;  Size 1.7'x0.6';  Surf Br = 13.3;  PA = 130°

 

24" (3/22/14): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, irregular, ~1.0'x0.7'.  Contains a small brighter core embedded in a curving bar oriented ~E-W.  There was an impression of weak spiral arms in the halo.  Bracketed by two mag 12.5-13 stars just off the east and southwest side.  Brightest and fourth in a string with NGC 3993 3' SW and NGC 3987 7.7' SW.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W (central bar), small bright core.  Bracketed by two mag 12 stars 0.9' E and 0.9' SW of center.  Member of the NGC 4007 group.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3997 = H. III-324 = h1033, along with NGC 3987 = H. III-323, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, lE. Suspected another eF, about 5' or 6' nef.  I was pretty sure of it."  NGC 3997 is 7.8' NE of NGC 3987, while NGC 3993 is 4.7' NE, so either could apply but NGC 3997 is slightly brighter.  John Herschel measured an accurate position and described "F; vS; E pos 25° Between 2 stars, 80" dist."

 

The two WH numbers have been applied to different galaxies. JH equated NGC 3997 = H. III-323 in the Slough catalogue.  Dreyer gave a possible equivalence of NGC 4015 = H. III-323 and NGC 4021 = H. III-324 in the NGC, which in the 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer equates NGC 3987 = H. III-323 and NGC 3993 = H. III-324.

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NGC 3998 = UGC 6946 = MCG +09-20-046 = CGCG 269-025 = Holm 310a = LGG 241-007 = PGC 37642

11 57 56.1 +55 27 13; UMa

V = 10.7;  Size 2.7'x2.2';  Surf Br = 12.5;  PA = 140°

 

18" (4/30/11): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, 1.8' diameter.  Sharply concentrated with a small, blazing core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. NGC 3990 lies 3' due W.  Brightest in a group of 6 galaxies in a 30' field.  NGC 3998 is a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 group or UMa cloud.

 

17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a round very bright well-defined core, increases to stellar nucleus.  Located 5.6' SSE of mag 9.2 SAO 28204.  Forms a pair with NGC 3990 3.0' W.  Brightest in a group including NGC 3982, NGC 3972 and NGC 3977.

 

William Herschel discovered NGC 3998 = H. I-229 = h1031 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920), along with NGC 3990, and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, very gradually brighter middle.  The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S."  His offset from NGC 3990 (22 sec of RA) is accurate.

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NGC 3999 = CGCG 127-117 = WBL 368-005 = PGC 37647

11 57 56.5 +25 04 05; Leo

V = 15.4;  Size 0.4'x0.2';  PA = 88°

 

24" (3/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, even surface brightness.  Situated 1.4' E of a mag 12 star and 4.5' SSW of mag 8 HD 103913.  A string of gaalxies oriented NW to SE begins with NGC 4000, which lies 4.5' N.

 

17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.  Requires averted vision and can only hold steadily 2/3 of the time.  A mag 12 star is 1.5' preceding.  Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.4 SAO 82077 in the NGC 4005 cluster.  The RNGC identification is incorrect.

 

Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3999 on 25 Apr 1878 in one of the six Birr Castle observations of the NGC 4005 cluster.  Parsons placed this nebula at 277" separation in PA 201.3° (SSW) with respect to mag 8 HD 103913 and it was labeled as Mu on the composite sketch of the cluster.  At this exact offset is CGCG 127-117 = PGC 37647.  The RNGC position is clearly in error and points to a blank piece of sky (closer to NGC 4011).  Listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.

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NGC 4000 = UGC 6949 = MCG +04-28-103 = CGCG 127-118 = WBL 368-006 = LGG 261-005 = PGC 37643

11 57 57.0 +25 08 39; Leo

V = 14.5;  Size 1.0'x0.2';  Surf Br = 12.7;  PA = 3°

 

24" (3/22/14): faint, fairly small, very thin edge-on, 0.5'x0.1', even surface brightness.  Situated 1.7' WNW of mag 8 HD 103913.  NGC 4005 is symmetrically placed on the opposite side of the star.

 

17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S.  Located 1.6' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 82077.  Located in the center of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4007 3.2' ESE.

 

Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 4000 on 25 Apr 1878 during one of the six Birr Castle observations of the cluster.  Parsons placed this nebula at 100.5" separation in PA 283.9° (WNW) with respect to mag 8 star HD 103913 and described it as "vF, vS, lE ns, gradually brighter in the middle." The micrometric offset points directly to UGC 6949.

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